Sen. Linda Greenstein

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3436) allows licensees of bingo, raffles, and penny auctions in New Jersey to accept credit cards, debit cards, or other electronic payments for participants purchasing shares, tickets, or participation rights. It directly affects organizations operating under the "Bingo Licensing Law" (P.L.1954, c.6) and "Raffles Licensing Law" (P.L.1954, c.5). The key mechanism requires the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission to adopt regulations enabling electronic payments, which current law does not permit. The bill changes existing restrictions to align with modern payment methods for these legalized games.

Maddy summaryS 2879 creates a new Office of Sustainability within New Jersey's Department of the Treasury. This office will develop and implement environmental sustainability measures for all state buildings, including improving energy efficiency, reducing water use, and lowering carbon footprints. It will require energy audits every three years for all state buildings and coordinate with agencies to procure sustainable products like energy-efficient equipment and recycled materials. The bill directly affects all state agencies and buildings operated by the state government.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to appropriate at least $10 million annually from the General Fund to the Department of Health for Public Health Priority Funding, starting July after the bill takes effect. It directly affects local health departments across the state, which lost this dedicated, unrestricted funding when it was eliminated in 2011 (previously accounting for about 15% of their budget). The funding must be spent as outlined in the existing "Public Health Priority Funding Act of 1977," restoring a flexible resource for local health needs. Currently, local health departments rely on fragmented funding sources like property taxes and purpose-limited grants, which this bill aims to supplement.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes standards for domestic violence counseling programs that defendants must attend as part of court orders in domestic violence cases. It requires these programs to include risk assessments, education on power and control tactics, attendance tracking, and collaboration with courts to support offender accountability. The bill creates the "Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee" within the Department of Children and Families, with members representing courts, social services, domestic violence advocates, and community stakeholders. The committee will help select, fund, and oversee evidence-based batterers' intervention programs that address domestic violence as a control issue. These programs aim to promote behavior change among offenders while supporting victims' safety through structured, accountable interventions.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 109) is a ceremonial honor for the 40th anniversary of New Jersey's Jersey Fresh program, established in 1984. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the program's role in promoting locally grown produce through its quality label and marketing campaigns. The resolution acknowledges how Jersey Fresh supports New Jersey farms, guarantees produce meets U.S. No. 1 Fresh for Processing standards, and has become a national model for agricultural branding. It affects no specific individuals or entities, as it is a symbolic gesture by the legislature.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill S 1032 requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Children’s Services (DCS) to study workforce conditions for service providers in mental health, substance use disorder, and developmental disability programs, as well as child welfare services. It mandates annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for these providers based on the Consumer Price Index, effective October 1 each year. The studies must examine workforce vacancy rates, demographics, geographic distribution, care needs, and future supply-demand gaps. DHS and DCS must report findings and COLA evaluations to the Governor and Legislature annually, with public access to reports online. The bill directly affects contracted service providers delivering Medicaid-funded care in these sectors.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public employers to provide free cancer screenings every three years for firefighters who are eligible for the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) but have waived enrollment in it. The screenings must cover 11 specific cancers, including colon, lung, and breast cancer, and must be conducted without any out-of-pocket cost to the firefighter. Employers can be reimbursed by the state up to $1,250 per firefighter per three-year period for these screenings. This extends existing coverage and reimbursement requirements to firefighters who are eligible for SHBP but chose not to enroll, ensuring they receive the same preventive care as those enrolled in the program.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3352 amends state law to make entering a victim's dwelling (home) while violating a domestic violence restraining order a third-degree crime. It directly affects individuals who trespass into a victim's home when a restraining order is active or when they have prior domestic violence charges against them. The bill creates a legal presumption that such trespassers intended to cause harm or commit a crime, removing the usual presumption against jail time for similar offenses. If convicted, offenders face 3 to 5 years in prison, up to $15,000 in fines, or both. This change specifically targets repeat trespasses against domestic violence victims protected by court orders.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3265, the "Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Prevention Act," requires manufacturers and sellers of internet-connected devices to include digital blocking capability that automatically restricts access to obscene material (including child exploitation content, human trafficking sites, and revenge pornography) by default. Device sellers must ensure this blocking works properly, provide a reporting system for unblocked content, and pay a $20 opt-out fee per device if consumers deactivate the block after verifying their age and acknowledging risks. Funds collected from these fees will support the state's Commission on Human Trafficking. The law imposes penalties for non-compliance, including fines up to $20,000 per violation, and mandates unblocking non-obscene content within five business days of a valid report.

Maddy summarySJR 116 designates May 15 of each year as "Water Safety Day" in New Jersey. The resolution asks the Governor to issue a proclamation encouraging public awareness of water safety practices, such as proper supervision, access to safety equipment, and swim skills. It aims to address drowning risks, which are the second leading cause of death for children ages 1-14 and disproportionately affect children of color. The bill does not create new laws or funding but seeks to promote existing safety education through annual recognition.