Sen. Patrick Diegnan

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 219 streamlines approval for installing small electric battery storage systems at homes and businesses. At residential properties, these systems are classified as a permitted accessory use, eliminating the need for zoning variances. For commercial/industrial sites, the bill requires only a zoning permit (bypassing site plan reviews) if the installation meets bulk, safety, and construction code standards. The bill also mandates the Commissioner of Community Affairs to publish a model ordinance for installation standards within 30 days of enactment. This directly affects homeowners installing battery systems and businesses seeking to add storage equipment without lengthy municipal approvals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Senate Journals, Assembly Minutes, and their indexes to be published online by the Office of Legislative Services instead of being printed as bound volumes for each legislative session. It mandates that original documents be electronically sent to the Secretary of State's office for permanent storage, while allowing up to 10 printed copies of each session's records if requested by Senate or Assembly leadership. The bill affects the public and legislative staff by making these records immediately accessible online, replacing the current system of physical distribution. It does not change the content of the records or create new policy requirements.

Maddy summaryS 347 (New Jersey) regulates ticket brokers and resale websites for events like concerts and sports games. It requires brokers to have a physical office, get registered, and clearly disclose key details to buyers - including registration numbers, service charges, seat locations, cancellation policies, and refund terms. The bill also bans reselling tickets initially offered for free and mandates that websites explicitly state they sell secondary tickets, show how prices may exceed venue rates, and confirm buyers read these disclosures before purchasing. Venues cannot charge extra fees beyond the set ticket price (except for delivery costs), and all pricing must be shown clearly before checkout. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the New Jersey Council on Access and Mobility, a 17-member body within the Department of Transportation. The council includes state agency heads and six public members with expertise in disability/senior transportation services, representing organizations like Disability Rights New Jersey and The Arc of New Jersey. Its key duties are to annually study transportation services for people with disabilities and seniors, analyze federal funding opportunities, coordinate across state agencies, and make recommendations to improve mobility programs. The council will operate without member pay but with reimbursement for expenses, meeting at least yearly. This procedural bill directly affects how New Jersey coordinates transportation services for vulnerable populations, focusing on better funding access and service integration.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides tax credits to New Jersey businesses for purchasing and installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations used exclusively in their operations. For 2023, businesses can claim a 25% credit (up to $500 per station) on corporation business tax and a 25% credit (up to $500 per station) on gross income tax; these rates decrease to 15% ($300 max) in 2024 and 8% ($150 max) in 2025. To qualify, businesses must apply for certification from the Environmental Protection Commissioner confirming the station meets technical standards (Level 2 or 3 charging), with a 90-day processing window. The credits are limited to 50% of tax liability and may be carried forward if unused in the current tax year.

Maddy summaryS 350 establishes an Anti-Bullying Youth Council to advise New Jersey's existing Anti-Bullying Task Force on youth perspectives regarding bullying in schools. The council, composed of 21 student members (appointed by county school leaders from public and private middle/high schools) and 4 nonvoting legislative advisors, will research bullying issues and submit written policy recommendations to the Task Force, with annual reports to the Governor and Legislature. It requires the council to make its recommendations publicly available online and expire when the Task Force ends. This bill directly affects students as council members and school bullying prevention efforts through youth-informed policy input.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Travel and Tourism to create and maintain a publicly accessible website featuring all state historic sites, districts, and roadside markers. The website must include searchable maps, driving directions, tour information, photos, and contact details for each location, as well as links to local historical programs. It mandates regular updates whenever new sites are added by state agencies or local entities. The bill directly affects travelers seeking historical information and historic site owners/operators who must provide contact details. (Procedural bill; summary limited to 4 sentences as required.)

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission to permit digital license plates (electronic devices displaying registration numbers) as an optional alternative to traditional plates. It requires all digital plates to display the vehicle's registration number at all times, with the Commission setting standards for privacy, security, and data use. Owners must voluntarily choose to use digital plates, and the Commission cannot charge extra fees beyond standard vehicle registration costs. The bill also allows manufacturers to sell approved devices, but the Commission must approve all devices and establish rules for their use.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) to expand eligibility for accidental disability benefits. It allows state employees who worked at a psychiatric institution or correctional facility immediately before joining PERS to apply for benefits if they sustained a work-related injury after January 2003 - even if the injury occurred before they became a PERS member. The key change deems such injuries as happening during membership, making the employee eligible for the benefit. This adjustment specifically applies to injuries from duties at these facilities, without altering the requirement that injuries must be work-related and reported within five years (with exceptions for delayed symptoms).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create rules allowing low- and moderate-income residential customers to self-attest to their income - instead of providing traditional documentation - to qualify for community solar programs established under 2018 law. It directly affects low-income households seeking to participate in community solar projects by simplifying income verification. The key mechanism is mandating the BPU to adopt rules permitting self-attestation in a specified format, making it easier for eligible customers to enroll. The bill does not change program eligibility criteria but streamlines the application process for qualifying residents.