Sen. Patrick Diegnan

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state program to permanently restrict development on qualifying privately-owned woodlands through easement acquisitions. Landowners with woodlands meeting specific criteria (minimum 20 acres, used for agriculture/forest products, or managed under approved stewardship plans) can participate. The State Agriculture Development Committee will administer the program using existing farmland preservation funds and seek federal programs like the Forest Legacy Program, with easements recorded similarly to property deeds. The goal is to preserve forested lands for agricultural, silvicultural, and conservation purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school staff (including those in after-school programs) to complete epilepsy and seizure disorder care training every five years. It directly affects school boards, administrators, and all school personnel who interact with students. The key provision mandates that training must be provided through a Department of Health-approved course from a nonprofit epilepsy support organization. This ensures staff can recognize seizures, provide appropriate care, and know when to seek help, as outlined in individualized health plans developed with parent input and physician guidance. The law applies to all schools in the state and takes effect at the start of the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to include age-appropriate instruction about fentanyl and xylazine dangers in health classes for students in grades 6 through 12. The curriculum must cover prevention, symptoms of poisoning, emergency response, and legal protections for seeking help, using resources from federal agencies like the CDC and DEA. School districts must provide this instruction as part of existing health education standards, with the state education commissioner supplying approved materials and maintaining online resources for staff and parents. Annual reports will evaluate the program's effectiveness in reducing youth drug poisoning. The bill directly affects all New Jersey public schools and their students in grades 6-12.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies eligibility rules for New Jersey's State small business set-aside program, which helps direct state government contracts to small businesses. It specifies that employee count requirements apply only to businesses without a federal revenue standard (13 CFR §121.201), and changes how gross revenue is calculated: businesses must now use a 5-year average (instead of 3 years) of revenue history for eligibility. This directly affects businesses seeking state contracts under the program, requiring updated revenue reporting. The changes update the existing Set-Aside Act (P.L.1983, c.482) and supersede certain existing regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey State Police to create a maternity leave policy for troopers who provide proof of pregnancy. It mandates at least eight weeks of fully paid recovery leave after childbirth, with benefits maintained and the leave not counted against sick leave balances. The policy must also prohibit residency restrictions or integrity checks during this leave period, which are typically applied to other medical leave. The State Police Superintendent must post clear details, including required forms, FAQs, and contact information, on the department's intranet. This directly affects current and future female troopers who become pregnant while serving.

Maddy summaryS 3754 establishes a "Disability Mortality and Abuse Prevention Advisory Committee" within New Jersey's Department of Human Services. The committee will review cases of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have died or survived abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and assess how government systems respond to these cases. Composed of 12 members including medical professionals, disability advocates, and service providers, the committee will identify system improvements and recommend changes to strengthen prevention and reporting processes. The committee must submit findings and recommendations to state agencies within 27 months, and the state will appropriate funds to support this effort.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to create a single online application portal for substitute teachers seeking jobs at public schools. It mandates the portal be operational within 90 days of the bill's effective date, allowing substitute teachers to submit one application to multiple schools. The portal must help teachers connect with available positions, improve information sharing about openings, and maintain strong data privacy and security. School districts may still use their own hiring systems alongside the portal, and the Commissioner may hire a private vendor to manage it. The bill directly affects substitute teachers and public school employers across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill lowers the employee threshold for New Jersey's Secure Choice Savings Program, requiring all employers with at least one employee to participate - previously, only businesses with 25 or more employees were subject to this requirement. It removes the "small employer" exemption, meaning even the smallest businesses must automatically enroll eligible employees in the retirement savings program unless employees opt out. Employers must establish payroll deduction arrangements within nine months of the program's launch, with employees able to choose contribution levels (starting at 3% of wages) and investment options. The change directly affects all New Jersey employers, expanding participation from larger businesses to all workplaces with employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5195) requires manufacturers to provide written notice to purchasers when selling firefighting personal protective equipment (like jackets, helmets, or gloves) containing chemicals called PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances). The notice must state that PFAS is present, explain why it's used, and list the specific chemicals. Beginning six months after the bill takes effect, manufacturers must provide this notice at sale, and both parties must keep copies for three years. Two years later, the bill prohibits selling, manufacturing, or distributing firefighting gear that intentionally contains PFAS. It directly affects manufacturers of firefighting PPE and fire departments purchasing this equipment.

Maddy summaryS 2697 allows state, local, or contracted government vehicles used for snow and ice removal to display both amber and green warning lights during active operations. This specifically affects snow plows and similar public safety vehicles operated by the State, bi-state agencies, or local governments. The bill amends vehicle code provisions to permit green lights (in addition to required amber lights) when these vehicles are actively working on roadways and creating traffic hazards. It does not change the existing requirement for amber lights or allow green lights for other vehicle types. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.