Sen. Linda Greenstein

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 247, would eliminate New Jersey's statewide high school graduation proficiency test requirement. It directly affects all New Jersey public high school students, removing the mandate to pass a state-administered test in reading, writing, and math for graduation. The bill deletes references to the "High School Proficiency Test" from existing education laws and shifts responsibility to local school districts to establish their own graduation standards. Instead of a statewide test, districts would set their own criteria for student proficiency, with the State Board of Education no longer requiring the test as part of graduation standards. The bill is pending before the Senate Education Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a whistleblower reward program for employees reporting tax law violations by construction industry employers in New Jersey. Whistleblowers who provide specific, credible information leading to an administrative or judicial action against an employer can receive 15% to 30% of recovered taxes, penalties, and interest (or up to 10% if the tip came from public sources like media or audits). The award amount is based on how much the information contributed to the case outcome. It excludes employees who obtained information through their official duties and includes protections against retaliation under existing law.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes gas public utilities in New Jersey to develop and implement "utility innovation plans" aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It specifically allows utilities to pursue projects like biogas, carbon capture systems, hybrid energy systems, and deep energy retrofits, with the goal of lowering emissions over the entire lifecycle of these projects. Utilities can recover the costs of these initiatives through a defined cost recovery mechanism, meaning customers may see associated rate adjustments. The bill directly affects gas utilities and their ratepayers, enabling them to invest in innovative emission-reduction strategies while aligning with the state's climate goals.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios for hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and state developmental/psychiatric facilities in New Jersey. It requires the Department of Health to adopt regulations setting specific ratios, such as one registered nurse for every four patients on medical-surgical units or one nurse for every two patients in critical care units. The law explicitly states these ratios must not reduce existing staffing levels and emphasizes that safe staffing includes all healthcare workers, not just nurses. The bill directly affects healthcare facilities by mandating these staffing standards to improve patient safety and reduce nurse burnout.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's school bus stop laws to authorize the use of school bus monitoring systems for enforcement. It directly affects drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses (including those transporting children or individuals with developmental disabilities) and school districts/municipalities that install such systems. Key provisions establish that violations captured by these systems result in a $250 civil penalty (instead of criminal penalties), with collected funds directed to municipal and school safety programs. The bill also clarifies that registered vehicle owners are presumed responsible for violations recorded by the systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey colleges and universities to implement comprehensive mental health programs for students. Key provisions include mandatory annual mental health awareness sessions, on-campus screenings for conditions like depression and anxiety, peer support programs using recovery-model best practices, and partnerships with local mental health providers to achieve a 1:1,250 clinician-to-student ratio benchmark. It also mandates Mental Health First Aid training for student advisors, resident assistants, and campus security staff. The law directly affects all public and private higher education institutions in New Jersey, aiming to increase access to services and reduce barriers for students seeking mental health support.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires new public buildings or those undergoing substantial renovation (costing over $40,000) to install induction loop listening systems - hardwired systems that transmit sound directly to hearing aids and cochlear implants for people with hearing loss. It applies to spaces like theaters, libraries, banks, medical waiting areas, and grocery checkouts, mandating visible signage and biennial maintenance checks. Owners may request exemption if installation is deemed impractical by local authorities, but must still submit self-certification of system functionality every two years. The law aligns with New Jersey’s construction code and aims to improve accessibility in public venues without requiring retrofits for existing buildings.

Maddy summaryS 641 requires New Jersey's electric public utilities (companies delivering electricity to homes and businesses) to create and submit "integrated distribution plans" to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU). These plans must address infrastructure upgrades for safety and reliability, support smaller energy sources like rooftop solar, and ensure customer benefits. The BPU must first set plan criteria within six months, then utilities must submit plans one year later. If approved, utilities must implement the plans; if rejected, they must revise and resubmit within 90 days.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection from planting non-native species in landscaping at State parks and forests, effective three months after enactment. It establishes a $250,000 grant program to provide local government units (counties, municipalities, or park authorities) with funding - up to $5,000 per project - for using native plants in local park landscaping, land management, reforestation, and habitat restoration. The Department of Environmental Protection must develop grant guidelines, monitor recipients, and report annually on program effectiveness to the Governor and Legislature. The bill defines "native plants" as species naturally occurring in New Jersey or the Mid-Atlantic region without human assistance.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Senate Resolution 22 (SR 22) is a non-binding resolution urging the U.S. Supreme Court to resolve conflicting federal court rulings about mifepristone, a drug used for medical abortions and other reproductive health treatments. It specifically asks the Court to prioritize public health, respect medical expertise, and ensure continued access to mifepristone - currently under legal dispute following the FDA's 2000 approval and a 2023 Texas court ruling attempting to ban it. The resolution directly affects individuals relying on mifepristone for reproductive care, particularly in states with restrictive abortion laws. It does not change laws but calls for the Supreme Court to clarify the drug's legal status to prevent widespread access loss.