Sen. Patrick Diegnan

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4066) amends New Jersey's Prevention of Domestic Violence Act to clarify that final restraining orders protecting multiple people continue to be effective after the death of the original plaintiff. It also requires prosecutors to notify all individuals listed as protected persons on a restraining order, not just the victim, when a defendant is released from custody. These changes ensure ongoing protection for all individuals covered by the restraining order, regardless of the plaintiff's status. The bill directly affects domestic violence victims and their families who are protected by restraining orders, as well as prosecutors and law enforcement agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $49.5 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues to fund land acquisition for recreation and conservation purposes across New Jersey. The funding supports specific projects including Blue Acres projects (which protect lands from flood and storm damage) and the Green Acres Program. The bill allocates $23.7 million for land acquisition in 14 designated project areas across multiple counties, with $23.7 million specifically for Blue Acres projects and $2.05 million for program administrative costs. This funding comes from a constitutional fund approved by voters in 2014 that's dedicated to open space and conservation initiatives.

Maddy summarySJR 76 designates the second Friday in December each year as "PSRPs in Our Schools Day" in New Jersey to recognize paraprofessionals and school-related personnel (PSRPs). This resolution honors PSRPs, including instructional aides, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and custodial staff, who support students through tutoring, classroom assistance, meal preparation, facility maintenance, and student transportation. The resolution does not create new programs or funding but calls for the Governor, Legislature, and citizens to observe and acknowledge these staff members' contributions. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the requirement for parents to pay past-due child support owed to New Jersey's Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) for children in its care. It specifically voids all existing child support arrears (over $3 million in 2023), related court judgments, liens, and warrants for these cases, making them unenforceable. The change aligns with a 2022 federal policy allowing states to reduce child support collection efforts for children in foster care, addressing that 90% of involved parents are indigent and collection costs often exceed amounts recovered. This directly affects parents legally responsible for children in DCPP custody, removing financial barriers to family reunification.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the list of transportation infrastructure projects eligible to receive loans from New Jersey's Infrastructure Bank for Fiscal Year 2025. It adjusts which projects qualify, changes their priority order, and modifies the allowable loan amounts for specific projects. The bill authorizes the bank to expend up to $61.4 million (an increase from $53.8 million) for these projects, which include bridge repairs, road improvements, pedestrian bridges, and trail projects across various municipalities. Local government units, including cities, counties, and townships, would be directly affected as they apply for these loans to finance transportation infrastructure projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey telecom, cable, and internet providers to let customers pause or cancel service contracts without early termination fees when they move into a qualifying long-term care facility. It directly affects residents admitted to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, dementia care homes, or residential health care facilities for at least 90 days, as verified by a physician’s order or care plan. Providers must pause billing for a minimum 90 days upon admission, then cancel the contract if the resident remains in the facility beyond that period. The law mandates no fees for this pause/cancellation, though customers must provide physician documentation and typically give 45 days’ notice (or 48 hours in urgent cases).

Maddy summaryS 4051 allows New Jersey school districts to appoint qualified "school security specialists" to provide security services, directly affecting schools and district safety planning. To qualify, specialists must have 20+ years of supervisory law enforcement experience, pass background checks, hold a valid driver's license, be registered with the Security Officer Registration Act, and complete specific training in emergency response, de-escalation, and school safety protocols. Districts may permit these specialists to carry handguns in schools only if they meet state firearm laws and receive superintendent approval. The bill also establishes certification requirements through the state's School Safety Academy and integrates specialists into existing school safety information systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) and Division of Motor Vehicles (DLPS) to establish an automated weigh-in-motion monitoring program. The program would use sensors on roadways to automatically measure commercial vehicle weights without stopping traffic, replacing some manual roadside inspections. Commercial drivers would be able to use data from these systems as evidence to defend against weight violation claims. The law updates existing weight enforcement procedures in Title 39 of New Jersey statutes to incorporate this technology.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the scope of practice for licensed audiologists in New Jersey, allowing them to select, prescribe, and order hearing aids in addition to their current ability to dispense and fit them. To qualify, audiologists must complete an accredited program of coursework and clinical training covering these specific services. The change aligns New Jersey law with new federal regulations that created a distinct category for prescription hearing aids. It directly affects licensed audiologists who meet the training requirements and their patients seeking prescription hearing aids.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for New Jersey's homestead property tax reimbursement program to include disabled individuals receiving disability payments under the federal Railroad Retirement Act. Previously, only those receiving disability payments under the Social Security Act qualified. The amendment adds Railroad Retirement Act recipients to the definition of "disabled person" in the law, allowing them to claim the reimbursement if they meet other standard requirements like income limits and residency. This change directly affects disabled railroad workers who previously could not access this property tax relief.