Sen. Linda Greenstein

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a tax credit to New Jersey businesses or landowners that develop native pollinator habitat on undeveloped property. Specifically, taxpayers owning or leasing at least 25 contiguous acres can claim a credit equal to 50% of their reasonable costs (up to $25,000) for planting native plants that support bees and other pollinators. To qualify, applicants must apply for state certification from the Department of Agriculture, documenting the habitat location, plant types, and costs. The credit reduces corporation business tax liability but cannot lower tax below the statutory minimum, and annual reports on program effectiveness are required.

Maddy summaryS 2851 requires all polling places in New Jersey to provide free on-site parking for voters on election day. The bill amends state election law to add this requirement, building on existing rules that mandate polling places be ADA-compliant and preferably located in schools or public buildings. County election boards must now ensure any selected polling location includes this free parking provision. This change directly affects how county boards choose polling sites and the facilities that host them.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey colleges and universities to test every drinking water source (like fountains and faucets) for lead annually, starting within 90 days of the law taking effect. Institutions must report results to state officials, post them publicly online, and notify students and staff if lead levels exceed safety standards set by federal or state agencies. If lead is detected above safe levels, schools must immediately close affected outlets, provide alternative drinking water, and install certified lead-removing filters or treatment devices on all outlets in buildings containing lead pipes, solder, or fixtures. These filters must be maintained per manufacturer guidelines to ensure ongoing safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create regulations allowing wastewater utilities to charge a specific fee ("wastewater system improvement charge") to recover costs for rehabilitating, improving, or replacing aging infrastructure. It directly affects wastewater utilities regulated by the BPU, which provide treatment services to communities. The key mechanism is a rate recovery tool similar to one already used for water supply utilities (N.J.A.C.14:9-10.1 et seq.), enabling these utilities to spread infrastructure costs across customer rates. The goal is to accelerate necessary infrastructure upgrades by providing a clear, regulated funding pathway.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 79) urges Governor Phil Murphy to appoint members to two existing state councils as required by law. It specifically requests appointments to the Advisory Council on Solid Waste Management (established by the 1970 Solid Waste Management Act) and the Recycling Market Development Council (created by P.L.2019, c.439). Both councils have been inactive due to expired member terms and unfulfilled appointments, despite their statutory roles in reviewing waste policies, improving recycling markets, and addressing challenges like China's 2018 recycling import ban. The resolution does not create new policy but seeks to reactivate these bodies to address current waste management gaps.

Maddy summaryThis bill would amend New Jersey's zoning law to specify that solar and photovoltaic energy facilities on farmland are not automatically considered "inherently beneficial uses" for zoning approval purposes. Currently, such facilities are presumed beneficial regardless of location under the Municipal Land Use Law. The bill would require solar projects on farmland to undergo the standard zoning review process rather than benefiting from an automatic presumption of being "inherently beneficial." This change would particularly affect solar developers seeking to build on agricultural land and municipalities reviewing such applications, as it removes a current advantage for solar projects on farmland.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Corrections (DOC) to submit quarterly reports to state legislators about residential community release programs, including halfway houses. The reports must include specific data such as reimbursement amounts, inmate demographics (by violent/non-violent crime), escape rates, safety measures between inmate groups, violence incidents, and disciplinary actions. Additionally, the DOC must annually analyze and report on each program's effectiveness, with a focus on whether inmates reoffend (recidivism rates). These requirements directly affect the DOC's reporting obligations and provide transparency about program operations for lawmakers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services to establish four new recovery community centers. These centers provide non-clinical, peer-led support for people recovering from substance use disorders, offering services like recovery coaching, job training, mental wellness groups, and on-site childcare. The Division must seek funding from any source to support these centers and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature on progress, including recommendations for expanding services. The bill directly affects individuals in recovery and the state agency responsible for implementing it, with no clinical treatment provided.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2888 creates state tax credits for businesses employing individuals with developmental disabilities. It allows a 40% credit on the first $6,000 of wages paid to each qualifying employee, capped at $2,400 per employee annually, for both corporation business tax and gross income tax. A "qualified person" must have a severe, chronic disability manifesting before age 22 (including intellectual disabilities, autism, or neurological conditions like cerebral palsy) that results in substantial functional limitations. The bill aims to incentivize hiring for this group by aligning with the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit model, while preventing abuse through rules against displacing existing workers or double-counting credits.

Maddy summarySJR 92 designates May 1st of each year as "Silver Star Service Banner Day" in New Jersey to honor veterans and service members who were wounded or became ill during military service. The resolution requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public recognition of this day, aligning with a national observance established by Congress in 2010. It directly affects wounded, ill, or injured veterans and their families by providing a formal state-level day to acknowledge their sacrifices through the Silver Star Service Banner, a symbol recognized since 2010. The bill is procedural and commemorative, not creating new programs or benefits.