Maddy summaryS 1687 requires all New Jersey firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to complete specialized training on managing electric vehicle (EV) fires within 36 months of the bill's effective date. The law mandates the Division of Fire Safety and the Commissioner of Health to develop training courses covering EV fire risks - such as lithium-ion battery hazards - and safe response protocols. This applies to both volunteer and paid personnel in fire suppression/rescue roles (firefighters) and EMTs certified in basic life support. The training aims to address the unique challenges of EV fires, which can burn hotter and longer than traditional vehicle fires, though such incidents remain rare. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 2238 requires New Jersey school districts receiving state preschool funding to place at least half of preschool students in licensed child care centers, with the remainder in district-run programs or Head Start. This directly affects school districts that receive preschool education aid under the School Funding Reform Act of 2008. Districts may apply for a waiver from this requirement if licensed child care spots are unavailable within their area, providing justification to the Department of Education. The law would take effect in the first full school year after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey YouthBuild Act, creating a state grant program administered by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to fund local programs for economically disadvantaged youth, especially those who have not completed high school. It requires funded programs to provide a balanced mix of 50% classroom education (including high school equivalency, life skills, and leadership training) and 50% hands-on construction or rehabilitation work on housing for low-income or homeless individuals. Programs must offer stipends to participants, counseling services, and pathways to industry-recognized credentials, with all projects directly serving community housing needs. The bill appropriates state funds to support these comprehensive education, job training, and housing rehabilitation efforts for eligible youth.
Maddy summaryS 2140 amends New Jersey's campaign finance laws to update reporting requirements for independent expenditure committees. It specifically clarifies how these committees must document "paid personal services" contributed to campaigns, requiring detailed statements from the contributor about the value of such services when compensation cannot be easily separated from other work. The bill directly affects organizations that spend money on election-related activities without coordinating with candidates, requiring more precise financial disclosures. These changes aim to improve transparency in campaign finance reporting under New Jersey's existing disclosure framework.
Maddy summaryThis bill upgrades burglary of an occupied residence to a second-degree crime in New Jersey, changing it from the current third-degree classification. It directly affects individuals convicted of entering or remaining in a dwelling (like a home) where someone was present during the offense. The key provision requires offenders to serve 85% of their prison sentence before becoming parole-eligible, as mandated by the "No Early Release Act" (NERA). This applies specifically when a person was present in the residence at the time of the burglary, increasing penalties compared to burglary of unoccupied dwellings or other burglary scenarios.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey firearm owners to store unloaded guns and ammunition separately in locked safes or containers at their residence. First-time violations mandate 10-40 hours of community service with approved gun violence prevention organizations, while repeat offenses are classified as disorderly persons offenses. Retailers must display mandatory warnings about storage requirements at purchase counters and provide written notices to customers. It repeals prior laws governing minors' access to firearms and appropriates $500,000 for a public awareness campaign on safe storage.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a program requiring gas utilities to gradually increase renewable natural gas (RNG) in their supply, starting at 5% by 2024 and reaching 30% by 2050. It allows utilities to recover costs for RNG infrastructure investments and procurement through customer rates, with safeguards like a 5% annual cost cap on total utility revenue. The program affects all gas public utilities in New Jersey and their ratepayers, who will see incremental cost recovery reflected in bills. Key provisions include standardized RNG definitions, phased target percentages, and a ratemaking mechanism ensuring cost recovery for approved investments.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey police officers - including city, county, campus, and sheriff's officers - to undergo mandatory psychological evaluations. New hires must complete an initial evaluation (including an oral interview and clinical test), followed by a second evaluation after probation and every five years thereafter. The evaluations assess whether officers have any mental or emotional conditions that could affect job performance, including implicit bias. The bill also adds provisions allowing departments to conduct fitness-for-duty evaluations when officers' conduct poses safety risks, with officers entitled to review results and seek independent reviews at their own expense.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2164) changes liability rules for residential landlords operating through LLCs or corporations. It allows courts to hold individual members, managers, directors, or officers personally responsible for unpaid housing, building, or health code violations - like fines or penalties - when a property has at least three unpaid charges after 13 months. To trigger this, proper notice must be sent to all relevant parties (including owners and lienholders), and the individual must own at least 10% of the LLC. The bill directly affects landlords using corporate structures, making key individuals personally accountable for repeated code violations on residential properties.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1070) expands unpaid leave rights for New Jersey employees who are victims of domestic violence or sexual offenses, or whose covered family members (including spouses, domestic partners, children, parents, or close associates treated as family) are victims. Employees may take up to 20 days of unpaid leave per 12 months for activities like medical care, safety planning, legal assistance, or court proceedings related to the incident. The leave may run concurrently with accrued paid leave (vacation, sick leave, or disability benefits), and employers may require documentation such as restraining orders or medical records. It clarifies that this leave does not conflict with existing state or federal family leave laws.