Sen. Bob Smith

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study the feasibility of implementing large-scale geothermal heat pump systems across the state. The study requires the BPU to assess installation challenges, consult with the U.S. Department of Energy, other states (like Massachusetts and New York), geothermal experts, and utilities, and evaluate costs, savings, and potential financial incentives for ratepayers and the state. The BPU must submit a report within one year with recommendations for a pilot program and legislative or policy actions. This study does not mandate implementation but provides a foundation for future decisions on geothermal energy adoption.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 416) allows homeowners to deduct up to $45,000 annually from their gross income for specific property cleanup costs, regardless of income. It covers lead-based paint abatement, asbestos removal, lead plumbing replacement, soil remediation, leaded window replacement, and water treatment for sodium/chloride-contaminated well water (from road salt). Homeowners must submit municipal affidavits verifying work done by certified contractors and meet specific property requirements (e.g., primary residence). The deduction applies to expenses incurred since January 2018 and expires December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryS 208 requires companies that sell packaging products (like food containers, bottles, and bags) in New Jersey to create and implement plans managing their packaging waste. These plans must cover collection, reuse, recycling, and disposal of discarded packaging through environmentally sound methods, prioritizing reuse and reducing waste. Producers must submit detailed plans within 180 days of the bill’s passage, including specific packaging products covered and methods for convenient consumer collection using existing recycling infrastructure. The law aims to shift responsibility for packaging waste management from local governments to producers while increasing recycling rates and reducing material use.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 248) expands eligibility for a discounted "fishing buddy license" in New Jersey. It allows residents aged 16-65 (who haven’t bought a fishing license since 2010) or nonresidents to apply for a fishing license simultaneously with another qualifying person, reducing the fee to $10.75 (residents) or $16.50 (nonresidents) instead of standard rates. The key mechanism requires both applicants to meet age and license history criteria and apply together at the same time. This affects recreational anglers seeking cost savings when fishing with a companion who meets the eligibility requirements. The bill was introduced in January 2024 but later withdrawn.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires electric vehicle battery manufacturers and importers to label batteries with end-of-life information and prohibits disposing of used batteries as regular trash. It directly affects battery producers, vehicle manufacturers, and recyclers by mandating they create approved "battery management plans" to cover the collection, reuse, recycling, or safe disposal of used propulsion batteries. Producers must take responsibility for end-of-life management - either through direct take-back programs or by funding approved recyclers - within 180 days of the law's effective date. The law also bans solid waste facilities and collectors from accepting batteries for disposal as standard trash.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study and develop rules that would enable more rooftop solar, small wind, and other distributed energy sources to connect to the electrical grid. The study must evaluate specific solutions, including allowing electricity to flow between local and main grid systems, requiring solar inverters and energy storage to help maintain grid stability, and enabling solar systems to adjust output based on weather forecasts. Within one year, the BPU must submit a report with recommendations to the Governor and Legislature, then adopt rules through a pilot program before potential statewide implementation. The bill focuses on creating a process for expanding grid access for clean energy sources without mandating immediate changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates tax credits for businesses manufacturing equipment for advanced nuclear reactors and establishes a state program to support new nuclear facility construction. Manufacturers of nuclear components can claim a 15% tax credit on eligible equipment purchases, with higher 25% credits available for businesses relocating to New Jersey or qualifying as minority-owned, women-owned, or veteran-owned. Developers seeking tax credits must demonstrate economic feasibility, locate projects at existing or decommissioned nuclear sites, meet environmental standards, and contribute at least 20% of project costs. The program, administered by the Economic Development Authority, requires developers to secure U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing by 2030 for facility construction.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric power suppliers to offer net metering to authorized food waste recycling facilities for electricity they generate using renewable energy. It specifies that facilities receiving excess credits beyond their own usage must be compensated for remaining credits or allowed to continue crediting at a set rate ($0.03/kWh above residential tariff). Facilities can also choose to sell excess power directly to nearby customers within the same utility service area or enter bilateral agreements. The bill directly affects existing food waste recycling centers (defined as Class C facilities authorized under state law) that generate renewable energy on-site.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates tax credits for businesses and property owners who construct or retrofit buildings meeting specific green building standards. Taxpayers receive a credit equal to 4% of eligible construction costs plus an additional 0.5% to 2.0% based on the building's LEED certification level (Certified to Platinum). Eligible costs include construction, materials, and professional fees, but exclude computers, solar panels, and exceed $280 per square foot. The credit applies against several New Jersey business taxes and requires certification through the LEED system or similar standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 206) amends New Jersey law to authorize local law enforcement officers as "authorized agents" to implement alternative deer control methods under community-based management plans. It directly affects municipalities, county boards, and airport operators managing deer populations causing property damage in designated "special deer management areas." Key provisions require plans to detail specific methods (like controlled hunting or fertility control), ensure public safety and notification, obtain landowner consent, and include municipal endorsements. The Division of Fish and Wildlife must review plans, and the Fish and Game Council must approve them before implementation. The bill does not create new control methods but expands who can legally carry them out under approved plans.