Sen. Linda Greenstein

Maddy summaryS 2338, the "Climate Superfund Act," imposes strict liability on fossil fuel companies responsible for over one billion metric tons of covered greenhouse gas emissions during 1995-2026 (the "covered period"). It requires these companies to pay compensatory damages into a state fund managed by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The collected funds will finance climate change adaptation projects - such as flood protection, infrastructure upgrades, and heat-resilient housing - as defined in the bill. This legislation directly affects major fossil fuel extraction and refining entities operating in New Jersey during the covered period, establishing a new cost recovery program without requiring proof of negligence.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill establishes stricter oversight for contracts between the Department of Human Services and providers serving individuals with developmental disabilities. It requires providers to submit quarterly financial reports detailing how they spend state funds, while also mandating that general and administrative costs do not exceed 10 percent of their annual budget. To enforce these rules, the State Comptroller and the Department will conduct random and ongoing reviews of financial records, and contract administrators must perform unannounced site visits at least once a year to verify service quality. Contracts that fail to meet these financial limits or show poor performance in helping clients achieve their goals may face penalties, including probation or termination.

Maddy summaryThis bill restructures the governance of New Jersey's State Health Benefits Program by creating a new 13-member State Health Benefits Commission. The commission will include existing state officials, representatives from local and higher education employers, and members appointed by various public employee unions, including specific seats for police and firefighters. It also establishes a process for selecting an independent expert to advise on health plan design while ensuring the commission operates with a majority vote requirement. The legislation mandates that commission members serve without pay but receive expense reimbursement, and it requires the commission to publish an annual financial report for public review.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates approximately $64.8 million from various constitutionally dedicated funds to the State Agriculture Development Committee in New Jersey to support farmland preservation. The money will be used to purchase development easements or full ownership of farmland, provide grants to counties and municipalities for up to 80 percent of acquisition costs, and offer grants to non-profit organizations for up to 50 percent of such costs. Additionally, the legislation allocates $2.7 million specifically for stewardship activities like soil and water conservation and deer fencing on preserved lands. Any farmland bought with these funds must be resold or leased with agricultural restrictions to ensure it remains used for farming purposes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution from New Jersey condemns federal actions it claims restrict voting rights and urges the federal government to protect those rights. The measure specifically criticizes a 2026 executive order on mail-in voting and the SAVE America Act, arguing they could disenfranchise eligible citizens by requiring strict documentation and federal oversight of state elections. It highlights concerns that these policies might disproportionately affect groups such as women who have changed their names, elderly citizens, and military members, while asserting that states retain constitutional authority over election administration. The resolution formally transmits its text to federal officials, including the President and Congress, to express New Jersey's opposition to these initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to create formal agreements with state agencies and nonprofit energy groups that offer their own utility assistance programs. The goal is to integrate these separate programs into a single, user-friendly online application portal for residents seeking help with utility bills or energy efficiency measures. Under the new rules, these partner organizations must work with the department to update the consolidated form and report any temporary assistance programs so they can also be included. This change aims to simplify the process for households applying for financial aid by centralizing multiple options into one digital system.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Secretary of State to launch a public awareness campaign explaining how federal postal rules define postmarks and how they could affect the validity of mail-in ballots. The campaign will inform voters that ballots postmarked after election day may not be counted, even if mailed earlier, and will educate them on options like requesting manual postmarks or using ballot drop boxes to avoid postmark issues. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of State to work with county election boards to assess the placement and usage of mail-in ballot drop boxes across the state and submit a report with recommendations for any needed changes. The legislation also appropriates $100,000 from the state's General Fund to support the development and implementation of the public awareness campaign.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SJR 71) is a symbolic recognition by New Jersey of the Orange Heart Medal, which honors Vietnam War veterans exposed to Agent Orange. It does not create new benefits or legal changes but formally acknowledges the medal's purpose of recognizing veterans who suffered health impacts from Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War. The resolution specifically honors veterans (or surviving spouses) who have received the medal from the private Orange Heart Medal Project, which has awarded approximately 4,000 medals since 2018. New Jersey follows Tennessee's 2019 example in expressing state support for these veterans' sacrifices.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow New Jersey residents to apply for special "250th Anniversary Revolutionary War" license plates for their vehicles. Owners would pay a $50 one-time application fee plus a $10 annual renewal fee, with all collected funds deposited into a dedicated "250th Anniversary Revolutionary War License Plate Fund." The fund would be used annually to support and preserve Revolutionary War sites across New Jersey, after covering administrative costs. The New Jersey Historical Commission would collaborate with the Motor Vehicle Commission on design and promotion.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1526) increases criminal penalties for identity theft when the victim is a senior citizen (62+) or veteran. It amends N.J.S.2C:21-17 to elevate offenses involving these groups: a first offense against a senior or veteran becomes a third-degree crime (previously fourth degree), and a second offense becomes a second-degree crime (previously third degree). The bill also increases penalties for cases involving multiple victims if any victim is a senior or veteran. These changes directly affect identity thieves targeting vulnerable groups, making their offenses more serious under state law.