Sen. Bob Smith

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Department of Agriculture to promote state-produced aquaculture products (farm-raised fish and shellfish) through the existing Jersey Fresh Program. It requires an annual $100,000 appropriation from the General Fund to fund advertising and promotion of these products, which must meet department-established quality standards. The Department must also create a specific quality grading system for aquaculture products, distinct from wild-caught seafood, to verify their quality under the program. This directly benefits New Jersey aquaculture businesses by expanding market access for their products through state marketing efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey food service businesses from automatically providing single-use plastic utensils and condiments to customers. Instead, businesses must only provide these items upon explicit customer request. Restaurants and similar establishments with 50 or more on-site seats must offer reusable, washable utensils for dine-in customers, who must return them after use. Businesses that exclusively use eco-friendly alternatives are exempt, and violations could result in fines up to $5,000 per offense, with penalty funds going to litter prevention programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners of solar and photovoltaic energy systems (like rooftop panels or ground-mounted arrays) to remove and recycle these facilities when they are retired, including related equipment. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection must create rules for safe removal and recycling, covering standards and processes. Owners who fail to comply face a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation. The law directly affects solar facility owners and operators, not the general public or new installations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state agencies and local governments (including counties, municipalities, school districts, and public authorities) to purchase 5% of their goods and services from the Central Nonprofit Agency (CNA). The CNA distributes products made at rehabilitation facilities that employ people with disabilities. Key provisions include mandating training for purchasing agents on the CNA program, requiring quarterly reporting on compliance, and granting the CNA a "right of first refusal" for goods/services if priced within 15% of fair market value. The law aims to support employment for people with disabilities by ensuring a steady market for goods produced at rehabilitation facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies licensing requirements for businesses handling soil and fill recyclable materials in New Jersey. It exempts "intra-utility transportation or processing" of these materials from certain regulations, allowing public utilities and their contractors to handle soil and fill recyclable materials without a full license under specified conditions. The bill also removes fingerprinting requirements for brokers, consultants, and salespeople, and expands the definition of "soil and fill recyclable materials" to exclude materials managed under licensed site remediation professionals. Additionally, it establishes a de minimis exemption for handling less than 200 cubic yards of soil and fill materials at a single site and extends the license application deadline from 30 to 45 days.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's solid waste management districts (including counties and the Hackensack Meadowlands District) to develop and implement a strategy to reduce food waste by at least 50% by 2030, compared to waste levels in the year the law takes effect. Districts must adopt this strategy as an amendment to their existing solid waste management plans, subject to DEP approval. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) must also publish a public list of specific methods districts can use, including food donation programs, composting facilities, source separation, and public awareness campaigns. These measures aim to divert food waste from landfills and reduce methane emissions.

Maddy summaryThe Climate Superfund Act would require fossil fuel companies that extracted or refined fossil fuels between 1995 and the bill's effective date to pay compensatory damages for climate change impacts they caused. Companies responsible for over one billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions during this period would pay based on their proportional share of emissions. The Department of Environmental Protection would collect these payments into a special fund and distribute them as grants for climate adaptation projects like flood protection, infrastructure upgrades, and health programs. Companies would have six months to pay in full or choose nine annual installments, with potential for administrative appeals if they disagree with the assessment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's solid waste management districts to create and implement strategies reducing food waste by 50% by 2035 (compared to 2022 levels), with plans integrated into existing waste management frameworks. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) must publish a list of practical methods for achieving this, including food donation programs, composting, and public education. Additionally, the DEP must develop new rules to streamline regulations for composting facilities, exempting small operations (like community gardens) from strict permitting requirements. These provisions directly affect waste districts, composting facilities, and entities generating food waste, aiming to reduce landfill disposal and methane emissions.

Maddy summaryS 4569 appropriates $13.64 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues to fund conservation and recreation projects through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The bill allocates $8.35 million for nonprofit organizations to acquire land for open space (across 8 specific projects), $2.13 million for park development (across 2 projects), and $1.48 million for stewardship activities (across 4 projects). Additionally, $1 million establishes a new planning grant program to help nonprofits prepare conservation plans, and $681,000 covers administrative costs. All projects listed in the bill have been pre-approved by the DEP. The funding comes from a dedicated tax revenue stream established by the Preserve New Jersey Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey State Police to create a maternity leave policy for troopers who provide proof of pregnancy. It mandates at least eight weeks of continuous paid leave after childbirth, with full pay and benefits that do not count against sick leave balances. The policy also prohibits residency restrictions or integrity checks during this leave period. The Superintendent must post clear details about the policy - including required forms, FAQs, and contact information - on the State Police intranet. The policy applies directly to pregnant State Police troopers and takes effect immediately.