Sen. Linda Greenstein

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to create a digital platform that automatically reviews and approves residential solar panel installation permits, directly affecting homeowners, solar contractors, and local municipalities. The platform must instantly approve 75% of standard rooftop solar applications that meet building safety rules, process requests 24/7, and eliminate manual paperwork. Local governments must either use this state platform or an equivalent alternative within 18 months, with penalties for non-compliance funding low-income energy assistance. The goal is to cut delays and high costs - currently adding $6,000-$7,000 per installation - by replacing slow, paper-based permitting.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the New Jersey Innovation Evergreen Act by increasing the maximum state investment in qualified businesses from $5 million to $10 million (with exceptions up to $12.5 million for businesses using NJ-developed IP, university spin-offs, or certified minority/women-owned businesses). It requires new investments to either match a venture firm's initial investment or occur at a higher valuation than previous investments. The bill also raises the threshold for when the state can't auction tax credits from $15 million to $50 million and simplifies reporting requirements for venture firms. These changes aim to strengthen the state's investment program supporting high-growth businesses in targeted industries like clean energy, life sciences, and technology.

Maddy summaryS 4621 authorizes the State Treasurer to sell two surplus state-owned properties to Mercer County for $1 each. The first parcel (1.3 acres in Trenton) was used by the Department of Transportation for vehicle storage, and the second (26.3 acres in Lawrence) is the Mercer County Fire Academy Dempster Fire Training Center, which trains fire and EMS personnel. Both properties must be used for public purposes after transfer, with all federal restrictions preserved. The sale must be completed within nine months of the FY2026 budget act.

Maddy summaryS 3302 prohibits New Jersey employers from requiring employees to attend or listen to communications about political matters, such as political parties, elections, or joining political organizations. It expands the definition of "political matters" to include labor organizations and community activities, and mandates that employers post clear notices of employee rights in visible workplace areas. Employees who face violations can sue within 90 days for remedies like reinstatement, lost wages, or fines against employers (up to $5,000 per violation). The law aims to protect workers' freedom to focus on job duties without political pressure.

Maddy summaryS 3816 (Sponsored by Senator Vin Gopal) gives New Jersey election boards the authority to make the first decision on whether unusual ballot markings - like marks outside voting boxes or unclear votes - were intended as valid votes or accidental errors. It amends election laws (R.S.19:16-3 and R.S.19:16-4) to require boards to use their discretion when assessing if marks next to candidate names or on blank spaces reflect voter intent, rather than automatically rejecting such ballots. This directly affects voters whose ballots have ambiguous markings and election boards responsible for initial ballot counting. The bill shifts the initial validity determination from judges (who currently review disputes) to election boards, streamlining the process without changing voter requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a voluntary resume bank for New Jersey residents with disabilities seeking appointments to state boards, commissions, authorities, or similar entities. It requires the Governor to maintain an online system where individuals can submit resumes, contact details, disability-related information, and preferred appointment types. The resume bank will be confidential and accessible only to state agencies and the Legislature, not the public. This policy directly affects people with disabilities who wish to serve on state-appointed bodies, aiming to streamline their access to these opportunities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a "Summer Termination Program" that prevents utility disconnections for eligible residential customers during extreme heat. It prohibits local authorities, municipal utilities, rural electric cooperatives, and public utilities from cutting off electric, water, or sewer service if a 72-hour heat forecast shows temperatures reaching or exceeding 85°F for 24+ hours. Eligibility includes customers receiving assistance under the existing Winter Termination Program or those facing financial hardship due to unemployment, illness, medical expenses, or family emergencies. The program requires departments to establish a self-certification process for customers claiming hardship, ensuring service continuity during dangerous heat events.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Senate resolution (SR 133) requests the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to reject the results of PJM Interconnection's 2025/2026 electricity capacity auction and require a new auction. It cites an unprecedented price spike - nearly 10 times higher than prior years - that would raise average New Jersey residential electricity bills by 17-20% starting June 2025. The resolution argues flaws in PJM’s market rules, identified by New Jersey’s energy regulators and an independent monitor, may have caused artificial supply shortages and inaccurate pricing. As a symbolic measure (not a binding law), it directly affects New Jersey ratepayers who rely on the Basic Generation Service auction to secure electricity.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3812) removes a restriction that allowed the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) to withhold retirement or death benefits from members due to ongoing civil lawsuits related to their employment. It directly affects current and future PFRS members (police officers and firefighters) who are involved in civil litigation over their jobs. The bill requires the PFRS Board to pay benefits immediately, but permits adjustments if a legal case later results in penalties. It maintains existing rules that allow withholding for criminal charges or administrative dismissals from public employment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires landlords in New Jersey to disclose lead water hazards to tenants before lease agreements. It mandates written disclosure statements for properties built before 1986 or served by lead service lines (or unknown pipe composition), including health risks and testing information. Landlords must provide educational materials about lead exposure risks, such as flushing water before use or certified filters, and cannot block replacement of lead pipes. The law excludes newer buildings (constructed after 1986) and seasonal rentals from disclosure requirements. It aims to protect tenants in residential units by increasing transparency about lead in drinking water systems.