Sen. Linda Greenstein

Maddy summaryThis bill designates June of each year as "LGBTQIA+ Pride Month" in New Jersey to recognize all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, including those identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and nonbinary. It requires the Governor to annually issue a proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the month with activities and programs. The bill takes immediate effect and does not create new regulations or funding, serving as a symbolic recognition of the community's contributions and commitment to inclusion.

Maddy summaryS 1759 increases the portion of rent that counts as property taxes for tax deduction purposes from 18% to 30% for renters whose rental unit is their primary residence. It also raises the maximum property tax credit amount from $50 to $250 for eligible taxpayers, including those aged 65 or older, or who are blind or disabled and not subject to New Jersey income tax. These changes apply to both homeowners and renters who qualify for these tax benefits under New Jersey law. The bill modifies specific definitions and credit thresholds in the state's tax code without altering eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to set specific safety limits for five types of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, in public drinking water. It mandates that these limits be established within 12 months and aligns them with federal standards, setting maximum contaminant levels ranging from 4.0 to 10 parts per trillion for specific chemicals. Additionally, the legislation requires the creation of a state-funded program to help private well owners test their water for PFAS contamination and provides financial assistance for remediation efforts. The bill also establishes a revolving fund to support these testing and cleanup activities and requires the department to submit annual reports on the program's progress and funding usage.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates definitions within New Jersey's Infrastructure Bank enabling law. It clarifies terms like "aviation project" (covering airport facilities and related infrastructure) and "environmental infrastructure project" (including wastewater systems and water supply facilities). These revised definitions apply to how the bank funds projects under existing statutes. The bill does not create new funding or alter program requirements - it only refines terminology for clarity in current law.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities to create a program that procures new clean, firm electricity generation facilities within the state. The legislation specifically targets advanced nuclear reactors and other zero-emission resources that can operate continuously to meet rising energy demand. It requires the board to issue a request for interest from developers within 180 days and mandates that applicants submit letters of intent to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission within 60 days of that announcement. By defining these resources as dispatchable and fuel-secure, the act aims to ensure reliable power supply while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies that run public advertising bids to reserve at least 30% of their advertising budget for eligible local news organizations. The legislation defines eligible news outlets as those that produce original local content, maintain editorial independence, and meet specific operational standards such as staffing levels and financial transparency. By setting aside a portion of advertising revenue, the bill aims to support local journalism while preserving the editorial freedom of news organizations. The measure applies to all state departments and agencies that currently advertise bid solicitations under existing procurement laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's juvenile justice laws to prevent juveniles from being placed in adult jails solely due to turning 18. It requires courts to hold hearings for youth aged 18-20 (or older) who are on probation, parole, or face delinquency charges, determining placement based on safety risks, maturity, and facility capacity - not age alone. The law also sets population limits for juvenile detention facilities and gives the Youth Justice Commission authority to restrict admissions if facilities exceed capacity or violate safety standards. These changes directly affect juveniles transitioning from youth to adult systems, county detention facilities, and court decision-making processes.

Maddy summaryS 1276 establishes New Jersey's ARRIVE Together Program within the Department of Law and Public Safety. The bill requires law enforcement agencies (including state police, county departments, and municipal forces) to contract with mental health providers to respond to mental health or substance use crises instead of police-only interventions, offering 24/7 services. It mandates confidentiality for all personal information collected during these responses, prohibiting public disclosure except with consent or for legal requirements. The program also creates coordinator roles for law enforcement agencies and county prosecutors to implement the guidelines, making a 2022 pilot program permanent. This directly affects individuals in mental health crises and law enforcement agencies participating in the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) and State Parole Board to conduct a comprehensive study on Megan's Law implementation. The study will examine sex offender registration procedures, tier designation systems, community notification processes, and the effectiveness of the public Internet registry. It specifically reviews how county prosecutors and courts determine risk levels and notification requirements for all registered sex offenders since Megan's Law began. The AOC and Parole Board must submit findings and recommendations within 12 months, including whether a central agency should manage the law and standardize procedures. The bill replaces a previous study mandate that was never completed.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 200 would allow juveniles (under 18) to be tried as adults for terrorism and human trafficking offenses, regardless of their age. Currently, juveniles must be at least 15 to face adult prosecution for most serious crimes; this bill removes that age requirement specifically for terrorism and human trafficking. The court must still determine probable cause that the juvenile committed the offense (as an adult would) and that the circumstances and severity warrant the waiver. This change applies only to these two offenses and does not alter the waiver process for other crimes.