Sen. Shirley Turner

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for New Jersey fire departments to stop using firefighting foam containing PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from January 1, 2027, to January 1, 2028. It appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Environmental Protection to fund a grant program that reimburses municipalities for replacing PFAS-containing firefighting foam with safer alternatives. The funding is intended to help local governments transition to PFAS-free foam that complies with existing regulations. This extension and financial support aim to facilitate the switch to safer firefighting equipment while providing time for necessary equipment upgrades.

Maddy summarySCR 134 is a New Jersey Senate resolution urging Congress to provide emergency funds to modernize air traffic control infrastructure and increase staffing at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). It directly addresses EWR’s ongoing issues, including system disruptions from outdated equipment (like aging copper lines), staffing shortages (with only 22 certified controllers at Philadelphia TRACON managing EWR airspace), and resulting flight delays/cancellations affecting its 50 million annual passengers. The resolution requests immediate action to resolve these critical safety and operational challenges, noting that a long-term FAA system upgrade announced in May 2025 will not solve urgent needs. As a non-binding request, it formally asks Congress to appropriate emergency funds to support EWR’s safety and efficiency.

Maddy summaryACR 169 is a New Jersey legislative resolution urging Congress to provide emergency funds for Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). It specifically requests immediate action to modernize EWR's aging air traffic control infrastructure and increase staffing at facilities supporting the airport. The resolution cites recent disruptions - including radar outages, flight delays, and cancellations - stemming from outdated FAA systems (like aging copper lines) and staffing shortages (only 22 certified controllers at Philadelphia TRACON managing EWR airspace). This resolution directly affects EWR passengers (nearly 50 million annually), airport operations, and regional economic activity, emphasizing the urgent need for federal intervention before a long-term FAA system upgrade becomes operational.

Maddy summaryS 4337 allows New Jersey adults (18+), emancipated minors, or their authorized representatives (like parents or legal guardians) to create a written directive stating they do not want opioids administered or prescribed. The directive must use a form developed by the New Jersey Department of Health and can be revoked anytime. Health care providers are protected from liability or disciplinary action if they follow the directive in good faith, though opioids may still be prescribed if medically necessary. This bill establishes a simple, accessible system for patient choice regarding opioid use.

Maddy summaryS 2392 amends New Jersey's existing medical cannabis law to add sickle cell anemia as a qualifying condition for treatment. This allows patients diagnosed with sickle cell anemia to access medical cannabis under the state's current program, following the same registration and physician authorization process as other qualifying conditions. The bill expands the list of approved medical conditions without creating new infrastructure or changing dispensary rules. It directly affects sickle cell anemia patients seeking alternative treatment options within New Jersey's regulated medical cannabis system. The policy change integrates sickle cell anemia into the existing framework established by P.L.2009, c.307.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study the feasibility of developing advanced nuclear reactors across the state. The BPU must complete an 18-month study with input from environmental and economic agencies, covering suitable locations, regulatory requirements, economic viability, safety, environmental impacts, and public input through at least three stakeholder sessions. The study will assess how advanced reactors could integrate with existing energy infrastructure and provide recommendations for a potential statewide deployment program. The bill does not fund or authorize reactor development, only directing a feasibility assessment.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $55 million from constitutionally protected business tax revenues and Green Acres funds to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for state park and recreation infrastructure projects. The funds will directly support specific capital improvements including boating access facilities, campground development, habitat enhancements, bridge and building repairs, and historic structure stabilization across state parks. The bill specifies exact allocations for each project category (e.g., $13.2 million for recreational development, $10 million for health/safety projects) without requiring additional budget committee approvals. It applies to lands administered by the DEP for public recreation and conservation purposes. The funding comes from existing dedicated revenue streams, not new taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $44.4 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The funds will specifically support the acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation through the Preserve New Jersey Green Acres Program, including Blue Acres projects and administrative costs. It directs $21.375 million to the Green Acres Fund (with $5.402 million from interest earnings) for land purchases across 15 designated projects in counties like Monmouth, Ocean, Cape May, and Burlington. These projects cover municipalities focused on watershed protection, coastal conservation, and carbon sequestration initiatives. The bill directly affects DEP operations and local communities participating in these land conservation efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $15,815,984 from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues to fund historic preservation projects across New Jersey. The funds will support 33 capital preservation projects (totaling $12.1 million) and 36 historic site management projects (totaling $1.6 million), plus $100,000 for emergency preservation needs and $1.98 million for administrative costs. The New Jersey Historic Trust will administer the grants for properties listed or eligible for listing in the New Jersey or National Register of Historic Places, with recipients required to provide matching funds. Projects include preservation work on sites like the Atlantic City Convention Hall, USS New Jersey, and various historic districts across 15 counties. This legislation implements the constitutional dedication of CBT revenues for historic preservation established by the Preserve New Jersey Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4400) amends New Jersey's child labor law to allow minors aged 14-15 employed as professional athletes by national sports associations, leagues, or teams to work beyond 11:30 p.m. under specific conditions. It permits work after 11:30 p.m. only if it continues a workday that began before 11:30 p.m., such as for return travel or game delays, and requires a written parental or guardian permission specifying the hours. The change directly affects young athletes in professional sports organizations who face scheduling conflicts requiring late work. It does not alter existing work hour limits for other occupations or age groups.