Maddy summaryS 1687 requires all New Jersey firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to complete specialized training on managing electric vehicle (EV) fires within 36 months of the bill's effective date. The law mandates the Division of Fire Safety and the Commissioner of Health to develop training courses covering EV fire risks - such as lithium-ion battery hazards - and safe response protocols. This applies to both volunteer and paid personnel in fire suppression/rescue roles (firefighters) and EMTs certified in basic life support. The training aims to address the unique challenges of EV fires, which can burn hotter and longer than traditional vehicle fires, though such incidents remain rare. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill, the "Fair Appraisals Act," prohibits licensed real estate appraisers in New Jersey from discriminating in property valuations based on race, gender identity, disability, or other protected characteristics. It directly affects appraisers by requiring them to avoid bias in their work and imposing penalties for violations, including restitution for affected property owners, mandatory anti-bias training, license suspension for repeat offenses, and civil fines up to $50,000. Appraisers must also inform property owners about how to report discrimination, and the Division on Civil Rights will collect demographic data on complaints to monitor patterns. The law aims to ensure fair property valuations and strengthen enforcement against discriminatory practices in housing.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish testing standards for microplastics in drinking water. Within three years, the DEP must adopt a standard testing method, require public water systems to test and publicly report microplastic levels for four years, and accredit labs to analyze samples. It also requires the Drinking Water Quality Institute to study microplastics and recommend a definition within two years. The bill affects all public water systems serving New Jersey residents. Note: The bill was introduced in January 2024 but was withdrawn the same day (withdrawn per P.L.2023, c.318).
Maddy summarySJR 48 adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) non-binding working definition of antisemitism for use in New Jersey. This definition, which includes examples like "criticism of Israel similar to other countries not being antisemitic," is intended as an educational tool for public officials, law enforcement, educators, and others to better recognize and address antisemitism. It does not change existing laws but aims to improve awareness and response to antisemitic incidents, referencing New Jersey's reported 298-347 Jewish bias incidents annually. The resolution emphasizes understanding antisemitism as a key step in combating it, without creating new legal obligations.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands ballot drop box access specifically for fire district elections in New Jersey. County election boards must establish at least 10 secure, 24/7 accessible ballot drop boxes per county at locations like government buildings, colleges (with >5,000 students), and fire district areas, with weekly ballot retrieval during fire district elections. It requires security cameras at all locations, prohibits political displays within 100 feet, and ensures accessibility compliance. The policy directly affects county election boards (who implement the boxes) and voters participating in fire district elections.
Maddy summarySJR 47 designates August as "Radon Awareness Month" and August 2 as "Radon Action Day" in New Jersey. It aims to raise public awareness about radon - a radioactive gas that causes lung cancer - encouraging residents to test homes for radon levels and take mitigation steps. The resolution highlights that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, affects homes statewide (with most areas at moderate-to-high risk), and recommends testing every two years or after structural changes. It does not create new regulations but promotes existing DEP and Surgeon General guidelines for testing and mitigation.
Maddy summaryS 1621 (New Jersey) would allow public colleges and universities to collect funds for legislative organizations (like student groups lobbying for policy changes) as optional fees on student tuition bills. Currently, such fees require a student referendum; this bill eliminates that requirement, making them "waivable fees" instead. Students would see these fees as separate line items on their bills but could choose to waive payment without penalty. The bill requires clear disclosures explaining the fee's purpose, that it's optional, and that the institution doesn't endorse it. This change applies only to nonpartisan organizations attempting to influence legislation.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1592 establishes the first state definition of Islamophobia for use in civil and criminal cases. The bill defines Islamophobia as racism targeting Muslim identity or perceived Muslim identity, including specific examples like stereotyping, verbal abuse, discrimination in institutions, and false conspiracy claims about Muslims. State officials, law enforcement, and educational institutions must use this definition when investigating hate crimes or discrimination cases motivated by anti-Muslim bias under existing laws. The definition explicitly excludes criticism of Muslim-majority countries that would apply equally to other nations, and the bill clarifies it does not override First Amendment protections or existing anti-discrimination laws.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new "farm brewery and winery-brewery license" in New Jersey, expanding opportunities for small-scale producers. It allows limited brewery license holders to sell beer directly to consumers on-site (with tour requirements) and off-site (up to 15.5 gallons per person), host unlimited on-premises events without permits, and hold up to 18 off-site events annually with director approval. The license features tiered fees based on annual production capacity (e.g., $1,250 for ≤50,000 barrels, $7,500 for ≤300,000 barrels). It directly affects small breweries and wineries seeking to increase retail sales and event hosting while maintaining restrictions on food service (only coffee/soda allowed).
Maddy summaryThis bill provides $250,000 in supplemental funding to the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS) for pediatric services at the Tourette Syndrome Clinic of Rutgers University. The funds will directly support diagnostic assessments and counseling services for children with Tourette Syndrome, particularly for families with financial need who use the clinic's sliding-scale fees. The clinic offers psychological evaluations, social-emotional skills groups, and therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. This appropriation is a direct financial commitment to expand access to specialized care for pediatric patients in New Jersey.