Sen. Joe Cryan

Maddy summaryThis bill requires sellers of residential properties in New Jersey to provide written disclosure about any landfill operating within one-half mile of the property at the time of sale. Buyers can cancel the contract within five business days of receiving this disclosure without penalty. Sellers who fail to disclose face fines of up to 10% of the purchase price or $5,000 per violation, with additional penalties available for buyers to pursue in court. The law also directs state agencies to create a landfill database to support implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows elected municipal officials in New Jersey (such as mayors or council members) to be considered "retired" for pension purposes while still holding their office, **provided they voluntarily stop receiving their salary for that position**. It requires that the pension benefit cannot be based solely on service in the elected role. The law applies to officials in the state's retirement systems and takes effect immediately, though it depends on maintaining federal compliance for the retirement program.

Maddy summaryS 4743 permits jointure commissions to provide school transportation services using buses they own or lease to local school districts without requiring public bidding. Currently, such services to non-member school districts must follow public bidding rules, but this bill removes that requirement. The change applies to all school districts served by a jointure commission when using their own or leased buses. This aims to streamline transportation contracting and improve cost-effectiveness for these public entities.

Maddy summaryS 4745 creates penalties for endangering children through social media use. It makes it a crime for anyone to knowingly engage in online conduct likely to harm a child's physical, mental, or moral welfare, or to direct a child into dangerous activities. For individuals with legal responsibility for a child's care (such as parents or guardians), violations are classified as a second-degree crime punishable by 5-10 years in prison or up to $150,000. For others, it's a third-degree crime with 3-5 years in prison or up to $15,000. The law specifically covers social media and electronic communications but excludes certain internet service providers as defined in federal law.

Maddy summaryThis bill redirects 50% of revenue from two specific taxes on high-value real estate transactions to New Jersey's Affordable Housing Trust Fund. It affects sellers of residential, commercial, or farm property (or controlling interests in commercial entities) transferring property valued over $1 million, who currently pay additional fees and taxes. Under the bill, 50% of the revenue from these taxes - currently deposited into the General Fund - would instead fund affordable housing programs through the Trust Fund, as specified in existing law. The policy change requires the state to annually allocate this portion to housing initiatives without altering the tax rates or thresholds.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates tax exemptions for aviation fuel used by qualifying airlines in New Jersey, requiring them to pay tax on all aviation fuel sales (previously exempt for most uses except "burnout" during taxiing/takeoff). It directs tax revenue to fund two key projects: (1) extending the PATH rail service to Newark Liberty International Airport starting in 2026, and (2) airport improvement projects via the Airport Safety Fund or NJ Department of Transportation grants. The policy directly affects airlines with over 8 million annual passengers in New Jersey or regional carriers under contract with them. This creates a dedicated revenue stream for airport infrastructure, replacing the previous exemption while ensuring funds support specific transportation upgrades.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the time teachers can be away from service while maintaining membership in New Jersey's Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF). It increases the standard discontinuance period from two to seven years, and extends the return-to-service window to 25 years for teachers who were laid off or voluntarily left with 10 or more years of service. Teachers returning within these extended timeframes will be re-enrolled in the TPAF at their previous tier with no additional contributions required. The changes apply to all current and future TPAF members who meet the specified conditions.

Maddy summaryS 4376 establishes a new Department of Veterans Affairs in New Jersey, creating a dedicated state agency focused exclusively on veterans' needs. The bill transfers all existing veterans' programs, services, and personnel from the current Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs to this new department. The new department will manage veterans' memorial homes, cemeteries, benefits programs, and other services, with a Commissioner who must be an honorably discharged veteran. This change makes New Jersey one of the few states without a separate department for veterans' affairs, aiming to provide more efficient and focused support for veterans.

Maddy summarySJR 154 directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to investigate PJM Interconnection's capacity market pricing model to determine if it ensures reliable electricity at the lowest cost, requiring a report within 12 months. It also mandates the state to collaborate with neighboring PJM states to promote affordable energy practices, urge PJM to implement market reforms protecting ratepayers from rising prices, and accelerate reviews of new power generation projects. The resolution addresses concerns about increasing electricity costs for New Jersey customers, linked to PJM's current pricing structure and delays in new energy resources entering the grid. This action aims to align PJM's operations with New Jersey's energy affordability goals under the Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 3931) updates occupational therapy licensure requirements. It requires licensed occupational therapists and assistants to complete continuing competence and professional development activities to renew their licenses, with standards established by the Division of Consumer Affairs and the Occupational Therapy Advisory Council. The bill expands the definition of occupational therapy services to include new areas like LGBTQIA+ issues, pelvic health, and environmental sustainability, while removing the previous requirement for applicants to submit proof of fieldwork completion. Additionally, it updates the Occupational Therapy Advisory Council structure, requiring at least four annual meetings and limiting members to three consecutive terms.