Sen. Linda Greenstein

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts community gardens from needing certain environmental permits to operate on-site composting systems, directly affecting community gardens across New Jersey. It removes the requirement for permits under the Solid Waste Management Act, Recycling Act, Air Pollution Control Act, and Water Pollution Control Act, provided the garden uses only its own vegetative waste (like plant scraps and leaves) and applies all compost on-site. The exemption does not apply if the composting system is deemed a significant pollutant discharger under water pollution rules. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a 1995 law (P.L.1995, c.63) that restricted how public college student groups could fund legislative advocacy. Currently, the law prohibited mandatory fees for student groups working to influence legislation from appearing on tuition bills, though optional fees with student approval were permitted. The repeal removes these restrictions, allowing student organizations to assess fees for legislative activity without the prior approval requirements. This directly affects students at New Jersey's public colleges and universities who participate in or support student-led advocacy groups.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding Senate Resolution urges states in the PJM Interconnection region (including New Jersey and 12 other states) to require data centers to source electricity from new zero- or low-emission energy sources. It does not create new legal requirements but calls on other states to adopt such policies, citing data centers' current use of 4% of U.S. electricity (projected to double by 2030) as a growing strain on regional grids. The resolution highlights that clean energy sources like solar and wind could help meet this demand while supporting climate goals. It is a symbolic action, not a legislative mandate, intended to encourage policy changes in other states.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to establish a 15-year useful life period for municipal expenses related to tree purchase, planting, and removal. It adds this specific provision to the existing list of capital assets (like buildings, roads, and equipment) that municipalities must account for over defined depreciation periods. As a result, New Jersey municipalities will now include tree-related costs in their 15-year capital budgeting schedule, aligning them with other infrastructure investments for financial reporting purposes. The bill does not change tree care practices or create new environmental requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to install and maintain highway exit signs that direct drivers to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. It specifically applies to signs along Interstate highways and limited-access highways, helping EV drivers locate charging stations more easily. The signs must follow existing federal and state design standards outlined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThe "Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act" (S 4117) requires businesses with over $1 billion in annual revenue operating in New Jersey to publicly disclose their annual greenhouse gas emissions. These companies must report direct emissions (Scope 1), indirect emissions from purchased energy (Scope 2), and supply chain emissions (Scope 3) through a state-managed system. Starting three years after enactment, businesses must submit emissions data to the Department of Environmental Protection, with public disclosure of Scope 1 and 2 emissions beginning four years later and Scope 3 emissions five years after enactment. The law mandates independent verification of emissions data and allows companies to use existing California climate reporting to meet requirements, with civil penalties of up to $50,000 for repeated violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to incorporate cybersecurity education into the curriculum for grades 9-12, with guidelines developed by the Commissioner of Education to provide age-appropriate instruction. It directs the Office of Secretary of Higher Education to create model curricula for cybersecurity degree programs at colleges and universities, including course sequences and career pathway information. Two loan redemption programs are established: one providing $1,000 per year for up to four years to cybersecurity professionals working in New Jersey, and another for cybersecurity teachers in New Jersey schools. These programs are available to graduates of approved cybersecurity degree programs who maintain New Jersey residency and work in qualifying cybersecurity occupations within the state.

Maddy summaryS 3466 extends the special appraisal process for Green Acres and farmland preservation programs in the Highlands Region through 2029, requiring landowners to be provided with two appraisal values when selling property for preservation. The bill allocates $7.5 million annually from constitutionally dedicated Corporation Business Tax revenue to the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council for land preservation, with $5 million for recreation and conservation and $2.5 million for farmland preservation. It creates a new "Preserve New Jersey Highlands Preservation Fund" to support land acquisition and conservation efforts in the Highlands Region, including matching federal funding for watershed protection. The bill also requires distributing state aid to municipalities hosting watershed lands that don't receive existing watershed moratorium offset aid.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $7.65 million from New Jersey's "Securing Our Children's Future Fund" to expand career and technical education programs at the Cumberland County Technical Education Center. The funding is specifically directed to this single institution in Cumberland County for vocational program enhancements. The bill does not create new programs but allocates existing state funds for immediate use under the Securing Our Children's Future Bond Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows licensed New Jersey audiologists to select, prescribe, and order hearing aids - expanding their current authority to only fit and sell them - if they complete approved training. It directly affects audiologists who must now meet specific educational requirements and New Jersey residents needing hearing aids, particularly for prescription-grade devices under new FDA classifications. The key change aligns state law with updated federal rules that distinguish between over-the-counter and prescription hearing aids. This amendment modifies existing licensing standards under P.L.1983, c.420, requiring audiologists to complete coursework in the full scope of hearing aid services.