Maddy summaryS 1024 requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to prioritize green stormwater infrastructure - such as permeable surfaces, rain gardens, and vegetated swales - in the design, construction, reconstruction, and repair of public highways funded by the Special Transportation Fund. This policy change directly affects DOT highway projects using state transportation funds, directing them to reduce stormwater runoff through nature-based solutions. The bill mandates DOT to establish a program implementing these practices "to the extent practicable," defining green infrastructure as methods treating runoff via vegetation, soil, or reuse. It does not create new funding but redirects how existing transportation funds are applied to highway projects.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryBill S 316 allows partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability companies in New Jersey to convert into other business entity types (like corporations or partnerships in New Jersey or other states) under specific rules. It requires approval by partners or governing documents, mandates filing a certificate of conversion with the Division of Revenue, and details how rights, assets, and liabilities transfer to the new entity. This directly affects business owners seeking to restructure their entity type while complying with New Jersey law. The bill standardizes the conversion process, including requirements for documentation and service of legal process for out-of-state entities.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a minimum uptime requirement for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations that receive state incentives under New Jersey's EV infrastructure programs. It requires operators of "incentivized EVSE" (charging stations funded through state programs) to maintain a specified operational availability standard, defining "downtime" as periods when hardware or software is offline and unusable. Exceptions ("exempted downtime") cover outages caused by factors outside the operator's control, such as utility failures or internet disruptions. The policy directly affects EV charging station operators participating in state incentive programs, ensuring funded stations remain reliably accessible to the public. This requirement applies to both new and existing incentive-funded charging locations across the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows teaching candidates awaiting certification to secure teaching positions while completing their certification process. It requires the State Board of Education to permit candidates to submit a signed affidavit to school districts, affirming they've met all certification requirements, along with proof of their application to the Department of Education. Candidates must provide written confirmation within 90 days that they've received their certificate, or the school must terminate their teaching role (though they may stay in non-teaching positions). The bill protects candidates who submit affidavits in good faith from having to repay salaries if their certification application later proves incomplete.
Maddy summaryS 1055 establishes a grant program administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to provide financial support for advertising and marketing expenses. It directly affects New Jersey emerging businesses - defined as companies with fewer than 225 employees (75% based in New Jersey) that operate, employ, or maintain property in the state. The program requires businesses to apply through the NJEDA, with grants limited to advertising/marketing costs only, and mandates annual financial reports to ensure proper use. If funds are misused, the grant converts to a repayable loan. The bill is pending in the Senate Economic Growth Committee after introduction on January 9, 2024.
Maddy summaryS 1448 (New Jersey) increases the age of "minor" for firearm safety from 16 to 18 years. It prohibits firearm owners from leaving loaded guns within easy access of minors under 18 without secure storage (locked container, secure location, or trigger lock), making non-compliance a disorderly persons offense. The bill also requires police officers who observe unsecured firearms to return later to verify proper storage. This directly affects firearm owners in homes or premises where minors under 18 reside or visit. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners or operators of public community water systems in New Jersey to regularly test for Legionella bacteria in drinking water. Specifically, they must test a random 0.1% sample of service lines quarterly and a random 1% sample of water system facilities (like storage tanks and pipes) monthly, using Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)-approved methods. If tests show excessive Legionella levels, they must notify affected customers within 24 hours and remediate the issue within 6 months. Violations would be treated as breaches of the Safe Drinking Water Act, potentially leading to administrative penalties.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to reestablish a state certification program for recreation administrators within 180 days. It automatically reinstates certifications for individuals previously certified under the 1966 law (if they pay a $25 fee within 60 days of notice), while others must apply through new procedures requiring either National Recreation and Park Association certification or equivalent qualifications. The program aims to ensure qualified professionals manage recreation services for municipalities, youth centers, senior care, and other organizations serving vulnerable populations. Certifications will be valid for two years and require renewal.
Maddy summaryS 998 establishes the New Jersey Water Infrastructure Center at a designated higher education institution, appropriating $5 million for its operation. The center will directly affect residents, water utilities, and local governments by researching and addressing challenges like aging infrastructure, lead service lines, affordability, and climate impacts on water systems. Key provisions include creating an online data dashboard for transparent water system performance metrics, funding applied research on affordability and infrastructure solutions, and facilitating stakeholder collaboration through workshops and grants. The bill aims to improve water system efficiency, affordability, and resilience for all New Jersey communities, with a focus on supporting vulnerable populations.
Maddy summaryS 259 directs New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create a program allowing qualified individuals, local governments, nonprofits, or other entities to lease state-owned land for pollinator habitat. The bill requires the DEP, working with the Department of Agriculture, to establish rules identifying suitable land and setting criteria for selecting who can manage these areas. This habitat would specifically support bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds through feeding, nesting, and reproduction. The program would operate under standard state leasing procedures, with rules finalized through the Administrative Procedure Act. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.