Maddy summaryS 642, the "New Jersey Clean Energy Act of 2024," requires all electricity sold to New Jersey consumers to come from 100% clean sources by 2035, directly affecting electric power suppliers and utilities. It establishes a "clean electricity certificate" (CEAC) program administered by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to track and verify zero-emission generation from sources like nuclear, solar, wind, and hydroelectric facilities. The bill mandates that electricity providers meet this standard by purchasing CEACs representing clean energy from qualifying facilities, excluding fossil fuel-based generation. This policy aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution while supporting New Jersey's existing clean energy infrastructure goals.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a $50 fee for filing certified copies of name change orders in New Jersey. It directly affects residents who need official documents confirming a legal name change, such as those changing names due to marriage, divorce, or other personal reasons. The key provision deletes the existing fee from the state's fee schedule (previously listed in section 11(d) of P.L.1987, c.435), removing the cost for this specific service. The change applies immediately upon the bill's enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2176) expands the types of investments school districts and local units in New Jersey can make with public funds. It adds new permitted options including corporate debt obligations (with "A" ratings), bankers' acceptances (up to 180 days), and commercial paper (up to 270 days), all requiring specific credit ratings for safety. School districts must still follow strict rules, like using third-party custodians and adhering to maturity limits (max 397 days). The change directly affects school districts managing cash reserves, allowing them to potentially earn more interest while maintaining risk controls. The bill is currently in committee after being introduced in January 2026.
Maddy summaryS 2185 establishes the New Jersey Innovation Authority, a new state agency within the Department of the Treasury focused on modernizing government technology. The Authority will be governed by a 13-member board (including four state officials and nine public members appointed by the Governor with tech expertise) and will develop digital solutions to improve public services. It can hire staff without civil service restrictions and must undergo a 10-day Governor review period before implementing decisions. This bill directly affects state agencies seeking to streamline services and benefits the public through more efficient digital government interactions.
Maddy summaryS 1671 amends New Jersey's County College Contracts Law to allow county colleges to disqualify bidders with a history of negative experiences in previous contracts. This directly affects county colleges when awarding contracts for goods, services, or construction, and impacts contractors or vendors bidding on these contracts. The key provision permits colleges to consider past performance issues - such as failure to meet terms or deliver as promised - as a reason to reject a bid. The change modifies existing rules that previously focused solely on bid price and compliance, adding a new factor for bidders' prior experience.
Maddy summaryS 1629 allows health care professionals based outside New Jersey to provide telemedicine and telehealth services to patients in New Jersey, provided they hold a valid New Jersey license. The bill requires these out-of-state providers to follow New Jersey's standard of care, maintain proper patient records, and use interactive video technology for most services (with limited exceptions for asynchronous communication). It specifically permits prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances only after an initial in-person exam, except for minors with parental consent. This policy directly affects out-of-state health care providers seeking to serve NJ patients and expands access to telehealth services within the state.
Maddy summarySCR 27 proposes a constitutional amendment to guarantee all New Jersey residents a fundamental right to a clean and healthy environment, including clean air, pure water, safe climate, and healthy habitats. It designates the State as the trustee of all natural resources (waters, air, lands, wildlife, and climate) for both current and future generations, requiring the state to conserve and maintain these resources for public benefit. The amendment would be self-executing, meaning courts could enforce it directly without new laws, and it explicitly states these rights are in addition to existing environmental protections. This change would apply to all New Jersey residents and require the state government to uphold these environmental rights through its actions and policies.
Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 34) expresses the New Jersey Legislature's support for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives in higher education institutions and private businesses. It acknowledges New Jersey's diverse population - over 45% people of color, large immigrant communities, and multilingual residents - and cites evidence that DEIA programs improve student success in colleges and business performance. The resolution encourages colleges to adopt inclusive curricula and support services, and urges businesses to prioritize DEIA in hiring and workplace culture. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal force but aims to reinforce New Jersey’s commitment to inclusion without creating new requirements or funding.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2168) proposes major reforms to New Jersey Transit (NJT) governance. It establishes an independent Office of Customer Advocate to represent riders, requires NJT board members to have specific transportation experience (including regular rider backgrounds), and mandates more detailed reporting on capital projects. The bill increases board independence from the Department of Transportation and changes the board composition to include 11 voting members (with defined qualifications) and two non-voting labor-representative members. These changes directly affect NJT riders, employees, and the public by aiming to improve transparency, accountability, and service responsiveness.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's four-year public universities to create and update annual plans ensuring student access to reproductive health services, including referrals for contraception (including emergency contraception), STI testing/treatment, prenatal care, and abortion. It mandates 24-hour access to over-the-counter contraception via campus vending machines, retail, or health centers, plus evidence-based education. County colleges must develop referral networks to local providers for off-campus reproductive care. The law does not require institutions to directly provide services but sets specific access requirements, effective seven months after enactment.