Sen. Linda Greenstein

Maddy summaryS 649, the "Mold Safe Housing Act," requires landlords in New Jersey to address visible mold hazards in rental properties that pose health risks to tenants. It mandates landlords to inspect and remediate mold within 72 hours of written tenant notification, fix water leaks causing mold, and obtain certification that units are mold-free before occupancy changes or sales. Tenants can seek relocation assistance through the Department of Community Affairs if landlords fail to act, with costs recoverable from negligent owners via liens or legal action. The bill directly affects renters in mold-affected housing, landlords, and housing inspectors enforcing new safety standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires psychiatric facilities and outpatient mental health providers in New Jersey to implement specific suicide prevention protocols. It mandates daily suicide risk assessments and individualized counseling for at-risk patients (those with suicidal ideation or attempts), with providers ensuring 24/7 availability of certified suicide prevention counselors. Key mechanisms include "rapid referrals" for immediate outpatient appointments within 48 hours of discharge, "warm hand-offs" connecting patients directly to new providers, and "supportive contacts" (like texts or calls) when patients miss appointments or disengage from care. The bill directly affects mental health facilities, outpatient providers, and patients experiencing suicidal crises, aiming to improve continuity of care during critical transitions. (Note: The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 9, 2024, and is pending committee review.)

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public water systems (those serving 15+ connections or 25+ people daily) to conduct annual water loss audits and submit validated reports to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Water purveyors must use the American Water Works Association's standards to measure water loss - defined as unaccounted water from leaks, breaks, meter errors, or unauthorized use - and assign a data validity score. The audits must undergo "level one validation," where an independent expert reviews the data. This directly affects water utilities statewide, mandating transparency in water loss tracking to improve system efficiency and conservation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the Monday of Manufacturing Week (the first week of October) as "Women in Manufacturing Day" in New Jersey. It amends existing law to formally recognize this day, requesting the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public and private observance. The bill highlights that women comprise one-third of New Jersey's manufacturing workforce and 25% of leadership roles, aiming to celebrate their historical and ongoing contributions to the state's manufacturing industry.

Maddy summaryS 1222 directs New Jersey's Department of Agriculture to create a three-year pilot program establishing at least three locations (including one in northern and one in southern New Jersey) that exclusively sell "Jersey Fresh" agricultural products. These venues - such as kiosks at toll plazas, airports, or state parks - must offer only products approved under the Jersey Fresh Program, including fresh produce, seafood, and processed foods made with state-sourced ingredients. The bill appropriates $500,000 for implementation and requires venues to accept multiple payment types, donate surplus food to hunger-relief programs, and submit a report to the Legislature after two years detailing program costs and effectiveness. This directly affects farmers participating in the Jersey Fresh Program and consumers shopping at these designated venues.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) from forcing health plan members to use mail-order pharmacies or automatically enrolling them without consent. It directly affects individuals covered by private health insurance, prescription benefit plans, or state health programs like the State Health Benefits Program. The key provision requires PBMs to offer members a choice between mail-order and traditional pharmacies, and to obtain written consent before using mail service. This stops practices where PBMs automatically enrolled members in mail-order programs without their agreement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies to promote manufacturing career pathways for students through higher education. It creates a $10 million annual grant program for colleges, universities, and vocational schools to establish or expand manufacturing programs (with 50% of funds going to county colleges, 25% to four-year schools/private colleges, and 25% to vocational districts). The bill also directs a state liaison to assist manufacturing businesses with marketing, referrals to support services, and workforce reskilling initiatives. These provisions directly affect students seeking manufacturing careers, educational institutions developing relevant programs, and manufacturing businesses statewide.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to study alternative drinking water sources when perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exceed legal safety limits. The DEP must identify available water supply options for public community water systems and gather input from water providers, experts, and the public within one year. The study will result in a report with findings and recommendations for potential policy changes, to be submitted to the Governor and Legislature. If the report is not completed on time, the DEP commissioner must explain delays to legislative committees. The bill directly affects public water systems that may need to switch sources during PFAS exceedances.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1051) amends New Jersey's open records law to expand confidentiality protections for specific government records. It prohibits disclosure of certain information, including victim records, criminal investigatory records, personal identifying details (like addresses and social security numbers), trade secrets, and security procedures. The bill directly affects public agencies and officials who handle these records, limiting public access to the specified categories. The title mentioning "probation officers" does not align with the bill's actual text, which broadly revises existing confidentiality exemptions under state law. The bill was introduced in January 2024 and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans the use of receipt paper containing bisphenol A (BPA) for any business or banking record, including transaction receipts, credit/debit card records, or bank deposits. It directly affects retailers, banks, and all businesses that issue physical receipts. Violators face civil penalties of $250-$500 per offense, with daily fines for ongoing violations, enforceable by environmental departments or through court actions. The law takes effect 18 months after enactment.