Maddy summaryS 2712 requires New Jersey's Division of Rate Counsel to hire an independent third party to study the feasibility and cost savings of de-privatizing electric and gas public utilities (companies serving residents) by exploring two options: public ownership or joint public-private operation. The study must analyze short- and long-term impacts - including environmental effects, service quality, ratepayer costs, and financial implications - and include input from utilities and public entities. It mandates all electric/gas utilities and public entities to cooperate with the study and requires a final report to the Governor and Legislature within one year. The bill appropriates $100,000 from the state budget to fund this study, which will inform future decisions but does not implement de-privatization itself.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new "EMS Part" within New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) specifically for emergency medical services (EMS) employees, making membership mandatory for all qualifying workers. It sets a 10% salary contribution rate for members and provides enhanced retirement benefits: 50% of final salary for those with 20+ years of service, plus additional payments for service beyond 20 years (up to 25), and 65% of final salary plus 1% per year over 25 (up to 30) for resigning employees with 25+ years. Existing retirement service credit for EMS employees transfers to the new EMS Part without additional cost. The bill directly affects EMTs, paramedics, nurses, and other certified EMS personnel as defined by the legislation.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to use funds from the "Global Warming Solutions Fund" to provide grants and financial assistance to commercial, institutional, and industrial entities for projects that refurbish or upgrade existing electricity generation facilities. Specifically, 60% of the fund's annual allocation must support these facility upgrades (alongside other efficiency and renewable projects), with selection criteria requiring measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions or energy demand. The remaining funds are allocated to low-income residential energy programs (20%), local government climate initiatives (10%), and forest/tidal marsh restoration (10%). The bill clarifies how these funds will be distributed and administered, focusing on concrete policy changes to support energy modernization and emissions reduction.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2331) allows civil lawsuits against New Jersey casinos and simulcast facilities if they recklessly or intentionally fail to enforce self-exclusion programs for people who voluntarily banned themselves from gambling. It directly affects self-excluded gamblers and holds casinos/employees liable for harm caused by reckless indifference or intentional misconduct (e.g., ignoring self-exclusion requests or permitting gambling while on the list). Current law shields casinos from liability for simple failures to block self-excluded players, but this bill removes that protection for cases involving reckless or intentional actions. The law amends existing regulations to clarify that casinos must follow self-exclusion procedures and can be sued for willful violations.
Maddy summaryS 2414 extends the required public notice period for certain land use applications from 10 to 21 days before hearings. It affects developers and municipalities handling projects like long-term approvals (5+ years), major site plans, and modifications to development conditions - excluding minor subdivisions and conventional site plans. Notice must be published in local newspapers or delivered directly to property owners within 200 feet of the project site. The bill maintains existing exceptions but increases the notice window for qualifying applications under New Jersey’s Municipal Land Use Law (P.L.1975, c.291).
Maddy summaryS 1622 creates a tax credit program for New Jersey employers who hire military spouses who are nonresidents of the state but live in New Jersey due to their spouse's military service (such as being transferred here, legally domiciled here, or moving on a permanent change-of-station). Employers receive a credit equal to 15% of wages for military spouses working 120-400 hours per year or 25% for 400+ hours, capped at $2,400 per employee annually. The credit reduces corporation business tax or gross income tax and requires employers to apply through the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development. The bill directly supports military spouses facing employment disruptions from frequent military relocations.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1763) creates a refundable tax credit for homeowners who make extra principal payments on qualifying mortgages. Taxpayers can claim 50% of these extra payments, up to $1,000 annually, reducing their state income tax bill (or creating a refund if the credit exceeds tax owed). To qualify, the mortgage must be for a primary residence, be a traditional 15-30 year loan, and the homeowner must meet income limits (e.g., single filers with $125,000-$135,000 taxable income see reduced credits). The credit applies only to payments beyond the required monthly amount and cannot be claimed for more than 10 years total.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases pension benefits for New Jersey police and firefighters (members of the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System) who become permanently disabled while on duty due to weapon-related injuries. It modifies the pension calculation so that affected members receive 100% of their final annual salary instead of the standard two-thirds, providing a significantly higher benefit. The change applies specifically to disabilities caused by weapons, as defined under New Jersey law, and does not alter other disability pension rules. This adjustment aims to better compensate first responders injured in line-of-duty incidents involving weapons.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1507) increases penalties for landlords who violate New Jersey's "Truth-in-Renting Act" from $100 to $1,000 per violation. It directly affects tenants who face landlord violations, such as failing to provide required rental guides, refusing cash receipts, or blocking payment methods. The bill also allows tenants to recover reasonable attorney fees, court costs, and related expenses when suing for these violations. These changes aim to strengthen tenant protections by raising financial consequences for landlords and reducing legal barriers for tenants seeking redress.
Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that law enforcement officers employed by schools, colleges, or universities may legally carry firearms on campus during their employment or while traveling to/from work, without needing written authorization from the institution. It specifically amends New Jersey law to exempt these officers from general campus firearm restrictions, defining "law enforcement officer" as someone authorized to arrest offenders and trained by the Police Training Commission. The change removes ambiguity about whether campus officers require special permission to carry weapons while performing their duties. It does not affect firearm rules for students, staff, or the public.