Sen. Linda Greenstein

Maddy summaryS 1041 requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Drinking Water Quality Institute to study how to regulate perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. The study must assess whether setting a single standard for all PFAS or specific groups (instead of individual chemicals) is feasible, and evaluate treatment technologies to remove PFAS from water. The DEP must submit a report to the Legislature within 24 months of the bill's enactment, detailing findings on standards and treatment options. This bill directly affects the DEP's regulatory process and aims to inform future drinking water standards for PFAS, a group of persistent chemicals used in many consumer products.

Maddy summaryS 889 creates a grant program to help Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland counties develop shelters for homeless veterans in southern New Jersey. The program awards state funds to these counties to identify suitable locations and provide property for state-operated shelters, based on applications submitted to the Adjutant General. It directly addresses geographic barriers that isolate homeless veterans from existing resources, particularly during extreme weather. The bill requires counties to propose shelter sites and land, with grants contingent on available funding and legislative appropriations. This policy change aims to expand access to shelter services in regions where homeless veterans face limited mobility to reach existing facilities.

Maddy summarySJR 48 adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) non-binding working definition of antisemitism for use in New Jersey. This definition, which includes examples like "criticism of Israel similar to other countries not being antisemitic," is intended as an educational tool for public officials, law enforcement, educators, and others to better recognize and address antisemitism. It does not change existing laws but aims to improve awareness and response to antisemitic incidents, referencing New Jersey's reported 298-347 Jewish bias incidents annually. The resolution emphasizes understanding antisemitism as a key step in combating it, without creating new legal obligations.

Maddy summaryS 989 requires automatic fire sprinkler systems in newly constructed townhouses in New Jersey for which construction permit applications were not finalized before the bill's effective date. It directly affects builders and developers constructing townhouses under specific state building codes. The bill mandates the Commissioner of Community Affairs to adopt rules within five months incorporating 2021 International Residential Code standards for sprinkler system design and installation. This bill was introduced in January 2024 but was withdrawn on January 9, 2024.

Maddy summaryS 203 establishes statewide targets to reduce organic waste disposal in landfills: a 50% reduction from 2016 levels by 2027 and a 75% reduction by 2032. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) must adopt regulations within 18 months to achieve these targets, requiring local governments to set rules for waste generators (like businesses and municipalities) and allowing them to charge fees or impose reasonable penalties for noncompliance. The regulations will not set landfill-specific waste limits but include a two-year penalty grace period and require recovery of 20% of excess edible food by 2035. By July 2027, the DEP must report on progress, including infrastructure needs and market development for recycled products like compost.

Maddy summaryS 891 requires all New Jersey Superior Court and municipal court judges and judicial personnel to complete at least three hours of annual training on handling domestic violence and sexual assault cases. The training must include 1.5 hours focused on sexual violence dynamics, survivor impacts, risk factors, and relevant laws. This establishes a minimum standard for judicial personnel who currently lack a statutorily required training threshold, particularly addressing gaps for municipal court judges. The bill directs the Administrative Office of the Courts to develop and review this curriculum every two years. (Bill S 891, introduced January 9, 2024)

Maddy summaryS 1077 establishes a $1 million pilot program in New Jersey's Office of Planning Advocacy to reimburse municipalities for costs related to updating zoning for warehouse development. It directly affects municipalities that need to reexamine master plans or conduct mitigation studies for warehouse projects, requiring them to adopt warehouse-specific zoning ordinances aligned with state guidance. The program funds expenses like zoning updates or impact studies, with priority given to municipalities needing financial assistance, and expires after the Office submits an effectiveness report. The bill appropriates $1 million from the General Fund and defines "warehouse" as facilities primarily storing goods for sale or distribution.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1417) prohibits the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals, beginning two years after enactment, with limited exemptions for specific facilities. It allows oil refineries and petroleum terminals to continue using PFAS-containing foam for large storage tank fires until eight years after enactment (with reporting and transition requirements), and permits fixed-system facilities to use it for four years. The bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish a collection and disposal program for PFAS foam and appropriates $250,000 for this purpose. Note: This bill was withdrawn on January 9, 2024, and is no longer active.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the existing Air Pollution Control Act (1954) and Global Warming Response Act (2007). It establishes a regulatory framework requiring major facilities (those emitting threshold levels of pollutants like CO2 or VOCs) to pay annual emission fees and submit yearly emissions reports. The bill defines key terms like "greenhouse gas" and "excess emissions" based on current law, aligning with statewide limits established in the 2007 act. It does not set new emissions targets but creates the mechanism for enforcing existing benchmarks through fees and reporting. The bill is procedural, focusing on enabling regulation rather than specific policy changes.

Maddy summaryS 1044 requires public water systems in New Jersey to notify customers when PFAS (a group of chemicals linked to health risks) levels in drinking water exceed safety limits, sending written notices within 30 days to residents, schools, hospitals, and local officials. Landlords must distribute these notices to tenants within three business days and post them prominently in rental properties. Public water systems must also provide annual updates on contamination status until the issue is resolved, and a final notice when levels return to safe levels. The bill mandates the Department of Environmental Protection to create an educational program about PFAS health effects. These requirements apply to all public water systems and landlords serving properties connected to those systems.