Maddy summaryThis bill (S 651) requires New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a program designating solar energy systems connected to "critical renewable microgrids" (microgrids using renewable energy to support public safety during outages) as community solar projects. It allows these systems to qualify for solar incentives (SREC-IIs) at discounted rates for low- or moderate-income customers, with at least 75% of their energy output directed to these customers at prices 20% lower than standard community solar rates. The program limits annual solar capacity to 100 megawatts, permits larger systems (up to 20 megawatts for smaller projects), and requires systems to begin operations within 3-4 years of approval. Additionally, it directs the Office of Homeland Security to designate qualifying microgrids as "assets of importance," exempting their solar incentives from cost caps. The bill directly affects solar developers, low-income households, and critical infrastructure providers.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the existing Air Pollution Control Act and Global Warming Response Act. It directly affects large industrial facilities (defined as "major facilities" emitting over specific thresholds like 100 tons/year of carbon monoxide or 10 tons/year of hazardous pollutants) by requiring them to report emissions annually and pay emission fees. Key provisions include setting statewide emission limits based on the 2007 Global Warming Response Act, mandating annual emission statements, and defining "greenhouse gas" consistently with prior law. The bill creates a framework for tracking and fees but does not establish new emission targets or penalties beyond existing regulatory mechanisms.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires public water systems in New Jersey to notify customers within 30 days if PFAS levels exceed state limits, including specific details about health effects and directing them to a new DEP educational program. Landlords must distribute these notices to tenants within 3 business days of receiving them from water systems, and post them prominently in rental properties. The notice must cover vulnerable groups like schools, hospitals, and facilities serving children, and include updates on contamination mitigation efforts. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) must create an online educational program about PFAS health risks and water safety. These requirements apply until PFAS levels return to acceptable limits.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 610) prevents New Jersey municipalities from restricting rooftop or ground-mounted solar panel installations on residential properties under specific conditions. It prohibits zoning rules for systems that extend 12 inches or less beyond roof edges (roof-mounted) or have 10 or fewer panels more than 50 feet from property lines (ground-mounted). The bill also limits municipal fees for approving solar or small wind energy systems to only the actual cost of review and approval, banning extra charges. It directly affects residential property owners seeking solar installations and municipal governments managing local zoning and permitting.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 682) revises New Jersey's Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) to modernize land development processes. It adds new goals like promoting renewable energy use and recycling, clarifies timelines for application reviews, and requires the Department of Community Affairs to create standardized model application forms and checklists for municipalities to adopt. These model forms would help streamline how developers submit applications and how local governments review them. The changes directly affect developers, municipal planning boards, and local governments by providing clearer, more uniform procedures for land use approvals. The bill focuses on improving efficiency in the development review process without altering core land use policies.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows current or future members of New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) to buy back up to one year of retirement credit for time served as an Eagleton Science and Politics Fellow at Rutgers' Eagleton Institute. Members must pay contributions based on their salary during the fellowship or their highest prior salary, using a formula set by the retirement system. To qualify, they must submit a signed statement from the Eagleton Institute Director verifying their fellowship service and cannot have already earned retirement benefits for that time through another system. The contributions are paid solely by the member, not their employer.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey property owners to deduct the capital gain from selling land to qualified conservation organizations on their state gross income tax return. It applies to both full-market-value sales and "bargain sales" (where land is sold below market value but with conservation restrictions). The deduction equals the gain calculated under federal tax rules, covering sales to groups like Green Acres, farmland preservation programs, or wildlife conservation initiatives. This directly benefits landowners who sell environmentally valuable property to these conservation entities.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes standardized food date labeling in New Jersey. It requires manufacturers to use "BEST if Used By" for quality dates (indicating potential quality decline, not safety risk) and "USE By" for elevated-risk dates on time/temperature control foods (like dairy or meat), which signal when food may become unsafe. Retailers cannot sell food past an "USE By" date or display confusing "sell-by" dates meant for stores, and they are protected from liability if manufacturers mislabel. The Commissioner of Health must create a public education program to clarify date label meanings and reduce consumer confusion between quality and safety dates. The bill excludes alcoholic beverages and amends existing milk labeling rules.
Maddy summaryS 635 establishes a three-year "Sustainable Tiny Home Pilot Program" through New Jersey's Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA), appropriating $5 million to fund construction of tiny homes (under 300 sq ft) in three regions of the state. The program awards annual grants totaling $1.65 million to builders who construct tiny home developments meeting green building standards, with requirements to report recycled construction waste and energy-efficient features. It directly affects builders, selected municipalities (chosen based on zoning flexibility and community interest), and future residents seeking affordable, low-emission housing. The bill aims to reduce carbon emissions (tiny homes emit ~2,000 lbs CO2 annually vs. 28,000 lbs for standard homes) and construction waste, aligning with climate goals.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to collaborate with neighboring states to research alternatives to PJM Interconnection's current electricity capacity market. It directs the BPU to investigate three specific options: requiring electric companies to secure 80% of future capacity through long-term contracts, withdrawing from PJM's capacity auction to create a multi-state compact, or leaving PJM's transmission grid entirely. The BPU must submit a report with findings and recommendations by December 31, 2025. The legislation directly affects electric load-serving entities in New Jersey that provide power to consumers.