Sen. Joe Cryan

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2141 bans businesses from owning, operating, or selling cryptocurrency ATMs within the state. The bill defines a cryptocurrency ATM as a physical kiosk that allows users to buy, sell, or exchange digital currency using cash, debit, or credit cards. Violations would result in fines up to $20,000 per offense, with enforcement under the state's consumer fraud laws. This action responds to Federal Trade Commission data showing crypto ATM scams caused over $65 million in fraud losses in the first half of 2024, disproportionately affecting older adults.

Maddy summaryS 731 requires New Jersey electric utilities to create special pricing plans for large data centers (defined as facilities with 100+ megawatts monthly demand) to protect regular electricity customers from cost increases. The bill mandates that these plans must prevent non-data center ratepayers from bearing costs from data centers' high energy use and incentivize data centers to improve energy efficiency, including using waste heat. Utilities must submit these plans to the Board of Public Utilities within 180 days, and the rules will take effect one year after the bill passes. Key requirements include data centers committing to 85% service levels for 10 years, proving project uniqueness, and providing financial guarantees to cover potential cost overruns if they reduce service.

Maddy summaryS 2617 establishes the Council for Community Recovery and Family Success to develop a statewide initiative focused on improving outcomes for infants, children, youth, and families in New Jersey. The council, composed of 25 members including state agency heads and appointed community representatives, will coordinate services across departments and advocate for a State Bill of Rights for Children based on UN standards. It will identify gaps in preventive services and develop strategies across four key areas: family relationships, financial security, education, and health. The bill appropriates $4.0 million to fund the council’s operations and its work plan. This is a procedural bill creating a new oversight body, not a direct policy change affecting specific programs.

Maddy summaryS 2338, the "Climate Superfund Act," imposes strict liability on fossil fuel companies responsible for over one billion metric tons of covered greenhouse gas emissions during 1995-2026 (the "covered period"). It requires these companies to pay compensatory damages into a state fund managed by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The collected funds will finance climate change adaptation projects - such as flood protection, infrastructure upgrades, and heat-resilient housing - as defined in the bill. This legislation directly affects major fossil fuel extraction and refining entities operating in New Jersey during the covered period, establishing a new cost recovery program without requiring proof of negligence.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the authority of Class Three special law enforcement officers in New Jersey to provide security at places of religious worship, such as churches and mosques, in addition to their existing roles at schools. Under the new provisions, these officers would possess full police powers while on duty at religious sites, though they must complete specific training and certification to carry firearms. The legislation also clarifies that school districts hiring these officers for public schools must also provide them for nonpublic schools within the same district. Finally, the act allows current officers to continue their service if they complete the required training and certification within 24 months of the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryS 1759 increases the portion of rent that counts as property taxes for tax deduction purposes from 18% to 30% for renters whose rental unit is their primary residence. It also raises the maximum property tax credit amount from $50 to $250 for eligible taxpayers, including those aged 65 or older, or who are blind or disabled and not subject to New Jersey income tax. These changes apply to both homeowners and renters who qualify for these tax benefits under New Jersey law. The bill modifies specific definitions and credit thresholds in the state's tax code without altering eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey's Division of Gaming Enforcement to join a national self-exclusion program, enabling gamblers to voluntarily exclude themselves from casinos across multiple states using a single form. It requires the division to create rules and forms for this participation, ensuring individuals can select which states they want excluded from and must give explicit consent before sharing their information. The bill protects casinos from liability if they follow self-exclusion protocols and keeps the list confidential from public view. It directly affects individuals seeking to restrict their access to gambling venues in multiple jurisdictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Administrator to negotiate a driver's license reciprocity agreement with Ireland. It would allow New Jersey license holders to obtain an Irish license without taking driving tests (meeting agreement requirements), and Irish license holders to get a New Jersey license without tests (meeting requirements). The agreement would exempt both groups from knowledge and skills testing when applying for reciprocal licenses. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the dollar limit for New Jersey state contracts that can be awarded without public advertising, increasing the threshold for construction and repair projects from $25,000 to $150,000. Under the new rules, state officials would have the authority to make smaller purchases and agreements more quickly by bypassing the formal bidding process when the total cost stays below this higher limit. The legislation also maintains an existing provision that allows the Governor to adjust these monetary thresholds every five years to account for inflation.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs 50% of revenue from fees and taxes on real property transfers exceeding $1 million (applied to sellers of residential, commercial, and certain other high-value properties) to the New Jersey Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Instead of depositing these funds into the General Fund as current law requires, the bill mandates they support affordable housing programs. The change takes effect July 1 following enactment, with the Trust Fund managing these dedicated resources for housing initiatives.