Sen. Linda Greenstein

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies a 2023 law requiring automatic fire sprinkler systems in new townhouses by extending the compliance deadline from the seventh to the thirteenth month after the law's enactment. It also creates an exemption for townhouses where a construction permit application was submitted to a government agency before this bill passed, removing the sprinkler requirement for those projects. Additionally, the bill extends the deadline for the state to adopt new rules about sprinkler systems from five to twelve months after the law's enactment. These changes primarily affect new townhouse developers and builders in New Jersey who must comply with the updated timeline and exemption.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes $56.6 billion in state funds and $27.5 billion in federal funds for New Jersey's fiscal year 2025 budget. It provides the necessary funding to support state government operations and public programs for the upcoming fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. The bill establishes the financial framework for state spending and disbursement of these funds to various departments and programs. This is a routine budget appropriation measure that allocates resources to support New Jersey's public services and government functions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $56.6 billion in state funds and $27.5 billion in federal funds to support New Jersey's government operations and public services for fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025). The funds will be distributed to all state agencies, including those responsible for education, health care, transportation, and public safety programs. This budget bill does not change existing laws but ensures funding is available for essential government functions. The allocation is based on projected tax revenues and other funding sources as detailed in the bill's budget document.

Maddy summaryS 2024 is a supplemental appropriations bill for New Jersey's FY2024 budget that reallocates $13.43 million in net funding by adding $37.43 million in new spending while removing $24 million from existing appropriations. It directly affects state departments including Corrections (adding $9.8 million for materials and supplies), Human Services ($12.11 million for income assistance programs and $4.3 million for psychiatric hospital support), and Education ($11.22 million in aid for schools). Key provisions include redirecting $24 million from a Jersey City redevelopment project, allowing $50 million from a health fund to support Medicaid coverage, and adjusting preschool education funding to expand access for young children. The bill also modifies language in the budget to redirect film industry funding toward digital media initiatives and clarify how school aid is distributed. These changes aim to address budget shortfalls while adjusting funding priorities across state programs.

Maddy summaryS 3491 establishes legal protections for patients and healthcare providers accessing or providing reproductive health care (including abortion) and gender-affirming health care services in New Jersey. The bill defines "legally protected health care activity" as services lawful in New Jersey, regardless of where the patient resides, and creates criminal penalties for interfering with access to these services (such as obstructing facilities, intimidating patients, or recording individuals without consent). It also prohibits New Jersey from extraditing people for providing or seeking these services, protects patient privacy regarding these services, and specifies that fertilized eggs, embryos, or fetuses cannot have independent legal rights under New Jersey law. The bill applies to all individuals seeking or providing these services within New Jersey, including those traveling from states with restrictions on reproductive or gender-affirming care.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Senate Bill S3464 requires electric utilities to replace certain existing power line wires with "advanced conductors" that have at least 10% lower electrical resistance than current wires. Utilities must assess their systems within one year and propose upgrade locations to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU), prioritizing cost-effective projects during routine maintenance or standalone replacements. Utilities may seek approval to include upgrade costs in customer rates, with the BPU establishing criteria to determine "reasonable costs" based on benefits like reduced energy loss. This bill directly affects electric utilities operating in New Jersey and their ratepayers, mandating specific infrastructure upgrades without altering environmental or consumer protections.

Maddy summarySCR 81 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase New Jersey's veterans' property tax deduction from $250 to $2,500 over four years. The deduction would rise to $1,000 in 2025, $1,500 in 2026, $2,000 in 2027, and $2,500 starting in 2028, remaining at that level annually thereafter. This change directly affects honorably discharged veterans and their surviving spouses (who qualify after the veteran's death). The amendment would adjust the existing tax benefit without altering other eligibility rules or requiring new administrative processes.

Maddy summaryS 3101 requires businesses in New Jersey's financial, essential infrastructure, and healthcare sectors to report cybersecurity incidents to the state's Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) as soon as they become aware of them. Specifically, businesses must report incidents compromising billing, communications, data systems, or industrial control systems that cause service disruptions or infrastructure damage. Within 30 days of receiving a report, the NJCCIC must order an independent cybersecurity audit of the business's security practices at the business's expense, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending corrective actions. The bill aims to strengthen sector security through timely reporting and proactive vulnerability management, without altering existing federal reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires businesses in New Jersey's financial, critical infrastructure (like utilities), and healthcare sectors to create and maintain cybersecurity plans. These plans must include risk assessments, incident response procedures, and alignment with recognized industry standards such as NIST. Businesses must submit their plans to the state's cybersecurity agency (NJCCIC) and annually certify compliance, with failure to do so triggering a state-ordered audit by an independent cybersecurity firm. The law aims to strengthen protections for critical systems without mandating immediate incident reporting to the state.

Maddy summaryS 2855 expands New Jersey's Military Dependents Scholarship program to include students enrolled in approved career and technical education programs, previously limited to traditional undergraduate study. It updates the qualifying military operations to add Operation Freedom's Sentinel (Afghanistan, 2015-2021) and Operation Inherent Resolve (Iraq/Syria, 2014-present), broadening eligibility for dependents of service members killed, listed as "Missing in Action," or certified as totally and permanently disabled due to these operations. The bill also extends the eligibility period for spouses and other dependents from 15 to 21 years after the qualifying event (death, MIA, or disability certification), while maintaining the eight-year limit for dependent children after high school graduation. This change directly affects New Jersey military dependents who qualify under the updated service criteria.