Sen. Nick Scutari

Maddy summaryThis bill increases and modifies fees and penalties for businesses that measure, label, or package goods (such as grocery stores, farmers, and retailers) to reflect current economic conditions. It updates penalties that have not been raised in nearly 40 years, making noncompliance more costly, and grants the state’s Weights and Measures enforcement agency authority to adjust fees through rulemaking to cover inspection and enforcement costs. The goal is to ensure accurate measurements and truthful labeling, better protecting consumers and promoting fair competition among businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits most retail businesses in New Jersey from charging extra fees when customers pay with cash. It requires businesses to accept cash without adding "convenience fees" to the total price, directly affecting in-person retail transactions like grocery stores or clothing shops. Key exemptions include airports (with minimum cash-accepting vendors), municipal parking facilities, mobile-only payment parking, car rentals (if accepting cashier's checks), and large sports venues. The law aims to make cash payments equal in cost to other payment methods, with penalties for violations including civil fines up to $5,000.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Health (DOH) to provide SNAP, WFNJ, and WIC recipients with clear information about card skimming, cloning, and fraud prevention. It mandates that DHS and DOH distribute written materials at enrollment/recertification points, post digital/paper resources online and at offices, and establish processes to replace benefits stolen through these fraud methods using federal or state funds. The bill also directs both departments to coordinate with card vendors to implement security measures like chip technology and transaction alerts. Recipients must report fraud to DHS/DOH or law enforcement, with annual reports tracking fraud incidents and benefit replacements.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 106) declares that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) "Protecting Against Climate Threats" rules - adopted January 20, 2026, and known as NJPACT-REAL - are inconsistent with legislative intent. The resolution argues the DEP overstepped its authority by adopting these rules without explicit legislative approval, as the DEP claimed authority under outdated laws that never intended to cover climate regulations. The rules significantly expand flood hazard areas, restrict development rights for property owners, and impact housing costs and property values. This resolution does not change the rules but formally states the Legislature’s position that the DEP must await future legislative action on climate policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires a construction permit before any asbestos work (like removal or repair) begins on single-family homes, duplexes, or townhouses in New Jersey. It applies to all asbestos-containing material work on these residential properties, except projects involving less than 1,000 square feet of asbestos. The permit must be obtained from the local construction code enforcing agency in addition to other required permits. This update adds a new step to existing asbestos regulations, ensuring oversight for residential asbestos handling.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1388) prohibits health club contracts from including clauses that limit the club’s liability for injuries caused by the club’s negligence (Section 1(l)). It directly affects health club customers who suffer injuries due to the club’s or its staff’s negligent actions. The key provision makes any contractual attempt to waive such liability unenforceable, ensuring customers can seek compensation for negligence-related harm. Violations would be treated as consumer fraud under New Jersey law, potentially resulting in fines up to $20,000 per offense. The bill codifies prior court rulings rejecting such liability waivers as against public policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires limited liability companies (LLCs) and foreign LLCs to disclose specific ownership details when recording deeds for residential rental properties (including single-family homes, duplexes, or multi-unit buildings). The disclosure must include the registered agent's name and address, plus the beneficial owner's full name, date of birth, current address, and a unique ID number - all submitted as an affidavit with the property deed. This applies only to transfers of rental properties with one to two dwelling units or multiple dwellings to LLCs. The requirement amends New Jersey law to increase transparency in real estate transactions involving LLC ownership.

Maddy summaryS 1379 (New Jersey) creates a presumption that illnesses or injuries suffered by public safety workers (firefighters, police, EMTs) who responded to the September 11, 2001 attacks are compensable under workers' compensation law, regardless of when a claim is filed. It requires workers to participate in the federal World Trade Center Health Program to qualify for benefits. The bill also specifies that benefits paid through federal programs (like the WTC Health Program) will be credited against future state benefits, preventing double payment. This directly affects New Jersey public safety workers exposed to 9/11 hazards who later developed related illnesses or injuries.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require New Jersey to observe daylight saving time year-round if federal law permits it. It affects all residents and businesses in New Jersey by eliminating the biannual clock changes between standard and daylight saving time. The bill amends state law to remove the seasonal time adjustment clause, making daylight saving time the permanent standard. However, it cannot take effect until Congress changes federal law to allow states to adopt year-round daylight saving time.

Maddy summaryS 3132 requires New Jersey's Division of Taxation to audit out-of-state contractors who have won state or private contracts. The audits verify that administrative costs are properly allocated and reasonable, review financial controls, and examine the contractors' annual financial reports. The Division must share audit results with the agency that awarded the contract and submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature. It also establishes a confidential hotline for reporting issues related to these contractors.