Maddy summaryThe Climate Superfund Act would require fossil fuel companies that extracted or refined fossil fuels between 1995 and the bill's effective date to pay compensatory damages for climate change impacts they caused. Companies responsible for over one billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions during this period would pay based on their proportional share of emissions. The Department of Environmental Protection would collect these payments into a special fund and distribute them as grants for climate adaptation projects like flood protection, infrastructure upgrades, and health programs. Companies would have six months to pay in full or choose nine annual installments, with potential for administrative appeals if they disagree with the assessment.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3997) restructures New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) by eliminating membership tiers and granting current non-retired PERS members and certain retirees the same benefits available to members who joined before July 1, 2007. It requires public employers to enroll eligible employees (meeting salary but not hour requirements) into PERS within 60 days, and automatically transfers service credit from the Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP) to PERS for DCRP participants - without transferring their contributions - unless they opt out within six months. Disabled PERS members receiving long-term disability insurance become eligible for disability retirement benefits within two years. These changes apply only to members processing retirement applications after the bill's effective date.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2034, the "Pet Insurance Act," establishes clear rules for pet insurance policies sold in the state. It requires insurers to define key terms like "preexisting condition" and "hereditary disorder" in policies and disclose specific exclusions (e.g., for genetic conditions or chronic illnesses) using plain language. The bill mandates a 30-day "free look" period, allowing pet owners to return policies for a full refund if unsatisfied, and requires clear disclosure of coverage limits, deductibles, and how claims history might affect premiums. This directly affects pet insurance companies operating in New Jersey and the pet owners purchasing these policies.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill S 2038 requires public four-year colleges to post on their websites the average time students take to earn each bachelor's degree (from initial enrollment to graduation). County colleges must post a student outcome measure determined by the Higher Education Secretary for each associate degree. Additionally, all public institutions must publicly post annual fiscal reports, audits, and a clear summary of this financial data on their websites. The law aims to increase transparency about student outcomes and institutional finances for the public. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly after passing the Senate unanimously.
Maddy summaryS 3153 prohibits New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) from using federal benefits - such as Social Security or veterans' payments received by children in foster care - to cover the state's costs for their care. Instead, DCF must use these benefits to pay for the child's unmet needs (like medical or educational expenses) beyond what the state is obligated to cover, or save them in a dedicated account for the child's future. DCF is also required to apply for federal benefits on behalf of eligible children, notify the child, parents, and courts, and provide annual reports on how the funds are managed. This ensures children's federal benefits are preserved for their direct benefit rather than being used to reimburse the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an independent Office of the Veteran Advocate within New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), to serve as a dedicated advocate for veterans receiving services from the department. The Veteran Advocate, appointed by the Governor with Senate consent, will investigate complaints about veterans' services, monitor facilities for abuse or neglect, conduct site visits (with proper authorization), and issue subpoenas for investigations. The Advocate will serve as an ombudsman for veterans and their families, make recommendations for improving services, and monitor implementation of corrective actions when systemic issues are identified. The office will submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature, and the bill appropriates funds from the General Fund to support these operations. This new office directly affects veterans receiving services under the DMVA's supervision and ensures their concerns are addressed through a dedicated, independent oversight mechanism.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's licensing definitions for cosmetic services, clarifying which practices require specific licenses. It defines key terms like "barber" (primarily for male customers), "beautician" (primarily for female customers), "cosmetologist-hairstylist," and "manicurist," specifying exactly which cosmetic services each license covers. The bill affects salons, barbershops, and individual practitioners who must now operate under these clarified licensing categories. It also establishes rules for student-run "clinics" where supervised senior students provide services, requiring clear fee posting and consumer notices.
Maddy summaryS 261, the "Compassion for Community Cats Law," requires animal shelters and rescue organizations in New Jersey to spay or neuter cats before adoption (with exceptions for kittens under two months or health reasons). It creates a new fund in the Department of Health, financed by penalties from shelter violations and other sources, to provide grants to municipalities for community cat programs. These programs must humanely trap, sterilize, vaccinate, ear-tip, and return outdoor cats to their original locations. The law directly affects animal shelters, municipalities running cat programs, and community cats (stray or feral cats with no known owner).
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to create and regularly update a public list of industry-valued credentials - such as certificates, diplomas, or certifications that employers actively seek and that lead to better wages, career advancement, or job security. DOLWD must base the list on state labor market data and direct employer feedback, updating it annually and making it available online as both a list and a downloadable file. The list will help workers identify credentials that align with employer needs and job market demands across New Jersey.
Maddy summaryS 3609 allows licensed nonprofit organizations (like charities, churches, and veterans' groups) in New Jersey to conduct raffles remotely via the internet and advertise them statewide. It removes all limits on prize values, permits remote raffles on Sundays (currently prohibited), and requires organizations to submit quarterly reports to the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission detailing raffle income, expenses, and prize distributions. The bill amends existing raffle laws to modernize remote participation rules and reporting requirements, effective immediately upon enactment.