Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell, Office of Information Technology, and New Jersey Big Data Alliance to develop a strategic plan for the state's cyberinfrastructure. The plan must assess current systems (including data storage, networks, and expertise), create a roadmap for a shared data cloud and high-speed network, and address workforce development and cybersecurity. It specifically directs the creation of an open data repository to improve collaboration between government, academia, and industry. The agencies must submit the completed plan to the Governor and Legislature within one year of the bill's effective date. This is a procedural directive focused on planning, not new regulations or funding.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's electric utilities to create and submit to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) detailed plans within 120 days of enactment. The plans must address reopening electric distribution circuits currently closed or restricted (to ≤100 kW) for new renewable energy projects like solar panels and battery storage. Key provisions include requiring smart inverters that manage reactive power, enabling electricity flow between distribution and transmission systems, and identifying cost-effective alternatives to upgrade infrastructure. Utilities must report on interconnection approvals for renewable projects after implementing their plans, with the BPU reviewing and approving plans within 300 days. The bill directly affects utilities and renewable energy developers by removing grid access barriers.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study the feasibility of large-scale geothermal heat pump systems, which use underground temperatures to heat and cool buildings. The BPU must assess installation challenges, consult with the U.S. Department of Energy, other states, and experts, and evaluate costs, savings for ratepayers and utilities, and potential financial incentives. Within one year, the BPU must submit a report with findings and recommendations for a possible pilot program. This study affects state agencies, utilities, and future ratepayers by examining a potential clean energy option for building climate control.
Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's Franchise Practices Act to strengthen protections for franchisees operating in the state. It requires franchisors to provide 60 days' written notice before terminating a franchise (with limited exceptions like criminal convictions), prohibits terminations without "good cause," and bans unreasonable performance standards or restrictions on franchisee ownership changes. The law also adds a new requirement that franchisors report annually on how advertising funds collected from franchisees are used. These changes apply to franchises with a physical location in New Jersey, including most retail and motor vehicle franchises, and are pending Senate Commerce Committee review.
Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that certain residential redevelopment projects under New Jersey's Aspire Program will not have their tax credit incentives prorated (reduced proportionally) during any year of the project's eligibility period. It specifically applies to projects approved under the November 2021 rules or submitted within 121 days after July 6, 2023, which previously faced proration requirements. The key change removes the proration requirement for these qualifying projects, ensuring developers receive the full tax credit amount annually. This directly affects developers of residential projects providing housing for low- and moderate-income households. The bill retroactively applies to projects already approved under the affected rules.
Maddy summaryThis non-binding Senate Resolution (SR 17) urges New Jersey's lending institutions to stop financing projects that contribute to climate change, such as fossil fuel exploration and extraction. It cites that major global banks provided $3.8 trillion to oil, gas, and coal companies between 2016-2020, while noting negative impacts like health issues for the Mapuche people in Argentina and forced relocations in Mozambique linked to such projects. The resolution references NatWest's example of pledging $133 billion for sustainable energy by 2025 and phasing out coal financing by 2030. It does not mandate action but calls on institutions to align with Paris Agreement goals and reduce fossil fuel funding.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a program through New Jersey's Infrastructure Bank to help school districts replace diesel school buses with electric ones. It allocates $20 million annually from state "societal benefits charge" revenues to fund loans and financial assistance for purchasing electric buses and charging infrastructure. School districts must complete energy assessments comparing costs and environmental benefits of electric vs. diesel buses, with priority given to districts in communities disproportionately affected by pollution. The program requires school districts to repay loans using operational savings from electric buses, and the Infrastructure Bank must submit an annual project priority list to the legislature.
Maddy summaryS 3024 redirects state tax revenues for fiscal year 2026 and beyond to fund specific land preservation programs. It establishes a new "Preserve New Jersey Urban Agriculture and Horticulture Fund" that will receive 5% of dedicated funds annually (plus a $25 million one-time deposit) to help Garden State Preservation Trust and local governments acquire urban lands for farming or gardening. The bill changes allocation percentages from previous law, increasing funding for farmland preservation (26% vs. 31% under current law) and creating the dedicated urban fund. This directly affects local governments and the Garden State Preservation Trust, which must review annual funding allocations for conservation, farmland, and historic preservation programs. The policy focuses on supporting urban agricultural access through land acquisition, not new taxes or regulations.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 671) requires most full-service restaurants (with 10+ seats) to stop providing single-use utensils or condiments to dine-in customers, instead offering reusable options that customers must return after use. Casual dining establishments may only provide these items if customers specifically request them, and online orders must default to "no utensils" unless requested. Exemptions include schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, and food courts (for two years), while pre-packaged items with attached utensils are also exempt. The bill also mandates the Environmental Protection Department to run an education campaign about reducing single-use items and imposes fines ($1,000 for second offense) for violations.
Maddy summaryS 656 allows the New Jersey State Treasurer to appoint an acting executive director for the Garden State Preservation Trust (GSPT) when the permanent director position remains vacant for one year or longer. The Treasurer must consult with the Environmental Protection Commissioner and Agriculture Secretary, and the acting director serves a minimum of one year at an annual cost not exceeding $150,000. This appointment does not require civil service rules, but the GSPT retains full oversight authority over the acting director. The bill directly affects GSPT operations, which manages state conservation programs for open space, farmland, and historic preservation.