Sen. Linda Greenstein

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to prioritize green stormwater infrastructure - such as pervious pavement, bio-retention basins, and grass swales - in the design, construction, reconstruction, and repair of public highways funded by the Special Transportation Fund. It mandates DOT to establish a program that uses these methods to reduce stormwater runoff by treating water through vegetation or soil, where practical. The law applies specifically to highway projects using funds from the designated transportation budget and takes effect immediately. It does not change funding levels but directs how existing funds must be allocated for stormwater management.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for corporations selling retail products made entirely in New Jersey. Corporations can claim a $3.31 credit for every $100 in sales of qualifying "New Jersey made products," defined as goods where all significant parts, processing, and labor originate in New Jersey (with no more than negligible outside content). The credit reduces liability under New Jersey's corporation business tax, not sales tax. It directly affects businesses selling such products, offering a financial incentive to prioritize in-state manufacturing.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the "Drinking Water Emergency Response Fund" within New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), appropriating $1 million from the General Fund to establish this nonlapsing (renewable) fund. The fund directly affects the DEP and publicly owned drinking water systems by providing resources for emergency responses to unexpected contamination events, such as chemical spills, water contamination incidents, or harmful algal blooms. Key provisions allow the fund to cover both DEP-led emergency efforts and direct financial support to public water systems for similar emergencies. The bill also includes additional FY2024 supplemental appropriations totaling $5.85 million for specific DEP divisions, including $2 million for water supply operations and $1.45 million for park management, to support new staff salaries.

Maddy summaryS 2718 requires New Jersey state agencies (including the Department of Community Affairs, Department of Human Services, and Board of Public Utilities) to review and potentially raise income thresholds for utility bill assistance and energy efficiency programs within one year of a related BPU decision. The bill directs agencies to consider factors like program alignment, cost impacts, and public input when determining if higher income limits would better serve low- and moderate-income households. If thresholds increase for low-income energy efficiency programs, the BPU must adjust utility programs to ensure households qualify for only one program and expand access to moderate-income options. This directly affects residential customers seeking help with energy costs by potentially making more households eligible for assistance.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1644 establishes a loan program through the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to provide low-interest loans to small businesses (under 50 employees) for climate resiliency projects. The program targets businesses implementing projects like flood protection, water system upgrades, broadband expansion, or climate adaptation measures to reduce damage from events like hurricanes or sea-level rise. Loans will be issued from a dedicated revolving fund, replenished by repayments, with priority given to projects benefiting communities with climate vulnerability plans. Businesses must submit applications proving eligibility and outlining how funds will be used, and must provide annual financial reports until loans are repaid.

Maddy summarySCR 20 is a symbolic concurrent resolution commemorating the 40th anniversary of New Jersey's Jersey Fresh program, a state-sponsored agricultural branding initiative established in 1984. The resolution does not create new policies or affect any group; it solely honors the program's role in promoting locally grown produce through a distinctive label and quality standards. Jersey Fresh requires produce to meet U.S. No. 1 Fresh for Processing grade or better, guaranteeing freshness and quality while supporting family farms. The program, recognized nationally as a model, has expanded to over 2,000 locations across all 21 counties and inspired related initiatives like Jersey Grown and Jersey Seafood. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding effect on law or policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1292) changes where fees for handgun permits and firearm purchaser identification card applications are deposited. Instead of going to the VCCO account, these fees would now be deposited into the state's General Fund. It directly affects applicants for these permits and the state budget, as it alters the funding destination for transaction fees. The bill does not change permit requirements, background checks, or fee amounts - only the account where fees are deposited.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's electric public utilities to create and implement grid modernization plans within one year. The plans must address projects like improving storm resilience, integrating renewable energy, and meeting climate goals, with cost estimates and timelines. Utilities can recover implementation costs through rate adjustments, while a new $300 million Grid Modernization Ratepayer Relief Fund will provide financial assistance to customers facing rate increases. The Board of Public Utilities reviews and approves these plans, ensuring they align with state climate objectives and cost-effectiveness. The bill directly affects all electric utilities operating in New Jersey and their ratepayers.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's official definition of anti-Semitism based on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's 2016 definition, including specific examples of anti-Semitic conduct. It requires state institutions - including schools and government agencies - to use this definition when reviewing, investigating, or deciding on violations of anti-discrimination policies or laws involving anti-Semitic intent. The bill explicitly states that criticism of Israel similar to criticism of any other country does not constitute anti-Semitism under this definition. It also clarifies that the definition does not infringe on First Amendment rights or conflict with existing state, federal, or local anti-discrimination laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires municipal authorities in New Jersey to inspect, maintain, and repair fire hydrants on private streets within planned real estate developments (like housing subdivisions with shared elements), treating them the same as hydrants on public streets. It applies to all developments meeting the definition of "planned real estate development" (excluding timeshares), regardless of whether the streets are officially dedicated to the municipality. Authorities must cover all costs for these hydrants and follow the same standards as for public street hydrants. The law takes immediate effect to enhance public safety by ensuring consistent fire hydrant maintenance in residential areas.