Sen. Andrew Zwicker

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's state pension and annuity funds must stop investing in the 200 largest publicly traded fossil fuel companies, defined by carbon content in their oil, gas, and coal reserves. Funds must divest from these companies within one year (two years for coal companies), though they may temporarily pause divestment if fund values drop below 99.5% of their hypothetical value without divestment. Annual reports on progress and investments sold will be required, with transparency mandated to the Governor, Legislature, and Attorney General. The bill directly affects New Jersey's public employee retirement funds and their investment management.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill would require courts to order counseling for children exposed to domestic violence in their household and establish a presumption that custody of minor children should be awarded to the non-abusive parent in domestic violence cases. Courts can order the abusive parent to pay for the child's counseling and require proof of payment. The bill also includes provisions for restraining orders, firearm restrictions, and other protections for domestic violence victims. These changes aim to prioritize child safety and victim protection in domestic violence cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1625) requires the NJCLASS Loan Program administrator to include specific borrower data in its annual report to the Governor, Senate President, and Assembly Speaker. The report must detail the number of loans 90+ days delinquent (by income level), administrative wage garnishment activity (orders initiated, issued, and amounts collected), and default statistics (by income level). It also mandates reporting on loan forgiveness requests (due to death/disability), deferment requests, and forbearance requests. The bill directly affects New Jersey students who borrow through the NJCLASS program and the state agency managing the loan program. This change aims to increase transparency around borrower financial challenges and collections practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a one-time tax credit to New Jersey organic farmers who were required to switch from state certification to external certifiers in 2022. It covers the difference between fees paid to an external accredited certifier (under the National Organic Program) and the fees they previously paid to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture for organic certification, for the period May 30-December 31, 2022. To qualify, farmers must have been certified by the state on January 11, 2022, and paid both sets of fees during the specified period. The credit applies to both corporation business tax and gross income tax for the 2022 tax year.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $1.5 million annually from the Workforce Development Partnership Fund specifically to support the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. (NJMEP), a private non-profit organization that assists manufacturers in improving productivity, reducing costs, and enhancing competitiveness. The funding is designated as a permanent line item within the fund, replacing a portion of the previous 35% allocation reserved for the Office of Customized Training. The bill amends Section 9 of P.L.1992, c.43 to establish this dedicated funding stream for NJMEP or an appropriate successor organization. This concrete policy change ensures NJMEP receives dedicated financial support to continue serving New Jersey manufacturers.

Maddy summaryChiara's Law (S 2784) prohibits New Jersey shelters and pounds from euthanizing animals except when necessary for the animal's health or to ensure safety. It requires shelters to hold impounded animals for at least seven days before considering euthanasia, allowing time for owners to reclaim them. Shelters must first offer animals for adoption and can only euthanize after this period if health or safety risks exist. The law mandates humane euthanasia methods and maintains existing protocols for animals suspected of having rabies.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts tax levy limits for New Jersey school districts that experience reductions in state school aid. It prevents districts from being required to raise local property taxes when state aid decreases, ensuring their required local share (the portion they must fund themselves) aligns with actual state aid received. The key mechanism allows the commissioner to adjust state aid calculations and required local shares based on actual pupil counts and aid amounts, avoiding unintended tax increases for districts facing lower state funding. This directly affects school districts receiving state aid who see reductions in their allocated funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) to establish an Alzheimer's disease public awareness and education program. The program must include a public campaign covering symptoms, warning signs, and treatment options; educational materials for health providers; and training for police, fire, emergency medical staff, and judicial personnel to recognize symptoms and respond appropriately. DHS will develop and post accessible information about Alzheimer's on its website in English and Spanish, in consultation with the Alzheimer's Association. The law aims to improve public understanding of Alzheimer's, support early detection, and help professionals better assist affected individuals and families.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2785 establishes doxxing as a criminal offense. It prohibits knowingly disclosing someone's personal identifying information without consent when done with the intent to cause fear, violence, stalking, or mental anguish - specifically when the disclosure creates a substantial risk of serious harm, stalking, or severe emotional distress to the person or their "close relation" (defined broadly to include family, household members, or people with significant personal/professional ties). The bill includes exemptions for good-faith disclosures about unlawful conduct to the public or law enforcement, and for reporting misconduct by officials or protected speech activities. Violations are punishable as a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months in jail or $10,000 fine) or a third-degree crime (3-5 years in jail or $15,000 fine) if serious harm results.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as second homes attached or detached from a single-family home, with limits of 1,200 square feet and independent living facilities. It requires municipalities to permit ADUs on single-family lots and prohibits local rules like mandatory passageways, parking minimums, occupant relationship requirements, or separate utility billing. The bill also prevents restrictions that would effectively block ADU construction while allowing local control over short-term rentals and building code compliance. It directly affects homeowners seeking to add ADUs and local governments managing zoning.