Sen. Linda Greenstein

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey property owners to deduct the capital gain from selling land to qualified conservation organizations on their state gross income tax return. It applies to both full-market-value sales and "bargain sales" (where land is sold below market value but with conservation restrictions). The deduction equals the gain calculated under federal tax rules, covering sales to groups like Green Acres, farmland preservation programs, or wildlife conservation initiatives. This directly benefits landowners who sell environmentally valuable property to these conservation entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes standardized food date labeling in New Jersey. It requires manufacturers to use "BEST if Used By" for quality dates (indicating potential quality decline, not safety risk) and "USE By" for elevated-risk dates on time/temperature control foods (like dairy or meat), which signal when food may become unsafe. Retailers cannot sell food past an "USE By" date or display confusing "sell-by" dates meant for stores, and they are protected from liability if manufacturers mislabel. The Commissioner of Health must create a public education program to clarify date label meanings and reduce consumer confusion between quality and safety dates. The bill excludes alcoholic beverages and amends existing milk labeling rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies which State Police rank changes require Attorney General approval. It allows the Superintendent to adjust ranks for most personnel (including troopers, detectives, and supervisors) without approval, but mandates Attorney General sign-off for command staff at major and lieutenant colonel levels. All changes must stay within existing budget limits for the Division of State Police. (Note: The bill was withdrawn as it was covered by existing law.)

Maddy summaryS 522 directs New Jersey's Department of Agriculture to create a three-year pilot program establishing at least three locations (including one in northern and one in southern New Jersey) that exclusively sell Jersey Fresh-certified agricultural products. These "Jersey Fresh venues" - such as kiosks, stores, or vending machines - would be placed at high-traffic state facilities like toll plazas, parks, airports, and museums, funded by a $500,000 appropriation. Proprietors must sell only approved Jersey Fresh products (fruits, vegetables, seafood, or processed foods made with local ingredients), accept multiple payment methods, and donate surplus to food banks. The program requires a legislative report within two years detailing venues, costs, benefits, and recommendations for promoting local agriculture.

Maddy summaryS 1168 requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to offer discounted fares for five specific groups: K-12 and college students commuting to school, participants in workforce training programs, individuals receiving Work First New Jersey benefits, and newly employed residents meeting strict criteria (earning minimum wage, working 20+ hours weekly, unemployed 30+ days, and not currently on public assistance). The discounts apply to NJT’s regular bus, rail, and light rail services. The bill takes immediate effect upon passage and defines "workforce training" as unpaid apprenticeships or internships. It does not alter existing fare structures for other riders.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's property tax exemption for veterans by adding mental illness as a qualifying service-connected disability. It allows veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating (including mental illness) to receive a tax exemption proportional to their disability percentage. The bill also extends this exemption to surviving spouses, civil union partners, or domestic partners who own the veteran's home and continue to live there after the veteran's death. These changes update existing law to broaden eligibility while maintaining the current system of tax relief based on the veteran's documented disability rating.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases New Jersey's monthly personal needs allowance (PNA) for low-income residents in specific facilities - from $50 to $140 - to cover personal expenses like phone calls, meals out, or hobbies. It directly affects individuals receiving medical assistance under Medicaid who live in nursing homes, state psychiatric hospitals, or state developmental centers. The allowance will automatically rise annually starting January 1 after enactment, matching the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) percentage. This change ensures the PNA remains aligned with inflation while being disregarded income for Medicaid eligibility calculations. The bill amends existing state laws to implement this increase and adjust future payments.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $1.5 million from New Jersey's Workforce Development Partnership Fund specifically to support the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. (or its successor). It directly affects the program by providing dedicated funding for its operations, as specified in subsection (11) of the amended statute. The funding is drawn from the state's workforce development budget and must be used exclusively for the program's activities. This is a procedural funding allocation, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1224) requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to study feasible alternative drinking water sources when PFAS chemicals exceed safety limits. The DEP must evaluate existing water supplies, identify potential alternatives for public community water systems, and gather input from water providers, experts, and the public. Within one year of enactment, the DEP must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature, with the bill expiring 30 days after the report is filed. This study directly affects public water systems and their customers in areas with PFAS contamination.

Maddy summaryS 2599 requires companies, research facilities, and institutions using cats, dogs, or ferrets for product testing, research, or educational purposes in New Jersey to assess each animal for adoption suitability after testing ends and offer it to rescue organizations or private individuals if suitable. These entities must register with the state health department, report animal details (like type, number, and adoption status), and document efforts to place animals for adoption. Noncompliance results in civil penalties of up to $50,000 for repeated violations, with a third offense potentially leading to a court-ordered ban on animal testing. The bill establishes clear reporting procedures and enforcement mechanisms to ensure animals used in testing have adoption opportunities.