Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3041 prohibits cooperatives from receiving public works contracts if any member contractor or subcontractor within the cooperative has failed to pay prevailing wages. The bill extends a three-year ban (currently applied to individual contractors) to cover entire cooperatives, meaning a cooperative cannot win contracts if one of its members violates wage laws. It defines a "cooperative" as a business with collective ownership and long-term member control, and includes a process for affected cooperatives to request a hearing if they believe the ban is wrongly applied. The prohibition applies to all cooperative entities with a member on the prevailing wage violation list, lasting three years from the date of listing.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill changes the civil service classification for State Investigators working in New Jersey's Division of Criminal Justice. Currently, these investigators are in the "unclassified service" (without full civil service protections), but the bill moves them to a "classified title" where they would receive standard civil service benefits like job security and due process. The change applies to all current and future State Investigators in this division, requiring the Civil Service Commission to convert existing positions from unclassified to classified status upon the bill's effective date. This is a procedural adjustment to employment classification, not a policy change affecting the public or law enforcement procedures.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a free early language instruction program for deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind children under age 5 and their families in New Jersey. It requires the Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (in the Department of Human Services) to match eligible children with American Sign Language (ASL) Deaf Language Associates who provide up to 25 hours weekly of instruction and support in settings like homes, childcare, and preschools. Families must provide proof of the child’s hearing loss, age, and New Jersey residency to qualify. The program also includes additional services like case management, interpreter coordination, hearing aid resources, and sensitivity training for healthcare and education providers.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's solid waste management districts to create and implement strategies reducing food waste by 50% by 2035 (compared to 2022 levels), with plans integrated into existing waste management frameworks. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) must publish a list of practical methods for achieving this, including food donation programs, composting, and public education. Additionally, the DEP must develop new rules to streamline regulations for composting facilities, exempting small operations (like community gardens) from strict permitting requirements. These provisions directly affect waste districts, composting facilities, and entities generating food waste, aiming to reduce landfill disposal and methane emissions.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for New Jersey fire departments to stop using firefighting foam containing PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from January 1, 2027, to January 1, 2028. It appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Environmental Protection to fund a grant program that reimburses municipalities for replacing PFAS-containing firefighting foam with safer alternatives. The funding is intended to help local governments transition to PFAS-free foam that complies with existing regulations. This extension and financial support aim to facilitate the switch to safer firefighting equipment while providing time for necessary equipment upgrades.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to create an automated online platform (the "State Smart Solar Permitting Platform") to speed up approval of residential solar energy system installations. It directly affects homeowners, solar installers, and local governments by replacing slow manual permitting with instant digital reviews. The platform must automatically check code compliance, issue permits within minutes, allow 24/7 applications, and support electronic signatures - handling 75% of standard residential systems. Local agencies must adopt the platform or an equivalent alternative within 18 months, with penalties for non-compliance to fund low-income energy assistance.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to create a crowd management training program for municipal police departments that have hosted two or more large gatherings (over 500 people) or experienced flash mobs (50+ people organized via social media without advance notice) in the past year. The training covers techniques for managing crowds, juvenile interactions, social media monitoring, and coordination with neighboring agencies. Participating departments also gain access to social media monitoring tools, mobile command units, and additional State Police support during large events or flash mobs. The program aims to improve public safety response during unannounced gatherings that impact community safety.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2511 prohibits pet shops from selling cats, dogs, or rabbits, repealing the previous "Pet Purchase Protection Act." Pet shops may still sell other animals, pet supplies, or collaborate with shelters to showcase adoptable animals without exchanging payment. Violating this prohibition would result in a $500 fine per violation. The bill also prohibits shelters, rescues, and pet shops from obtaining animals from breeders or brokers in exchange for payment, and defines "unfit for purchase" for animals sold by breeders or brokers.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies eligibility rules for New Jersey's state small business set-aside program, which helps direct state contracts to qualifying small businesses. It changes how gross revenue is calculated for eligibility: businesses must now use a five-year average (instead of three years) of revenue, with specific formulas for newer businesses or those with short fiscal years. The bill also clarifies that employee count requirements apply only to businesses without an applicable federal revenue standard. These changes directly affect businesses seeking state contracts under the set-aside program.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers of firefighting gear containing PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) to provide written notice to purchasers at the time of sale. The notice must state that PFAS is present, explain why it's included, and list the specific chemicals by name. Beginning two years after the bill takes effect, the sale, manufacture, and distribution of firefighting gear with intentionally added PFAS will be banned in New Jersey. The law directly affects manufacturers and purchasers of firefighting personal protective equipment (like jackets, helmets, and gloves) and enforces compliance through New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act.