Sen. Doug Steinhardt

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey's public colleges and universities from accepting gifts or donations from entities designated as "foreign adversaries" by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. It directly affects all public higher education institutions in New Jersey by banning financial support from foreign governments or non-government entities determined to pose a national security threat to the U.S. The key mechanism requires institutions to rely on the U.S. Commerce Department's official list of "foreign adversaries" to identify prohibited donors. The prohibition applies to both direct donations and those received through individuals or entities acting on behalf of such adversaries.

Maddy summarySJR 28 designates the second weekend of September each year as "Salute to Service and Sacrifice Weekend" in New Jersey. This resolution recognizes fallen police, firefighters, and emergency medical services professionals by encouraging state officials and residents to observe the weekend with ceremonies honoring their service and sacrifice. It does not create new programs or funding but requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to promote public recognition. The bill directly affects New Jersey residents and officials who would participate in or support designated observances.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 13-member "Salute to Service and Sacrifice Memorial Commission" to design and oversee a memorial honoring New Jersey law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel who died in the line of duty. The commission, appointed by the Governor with representation from relevant unions, family members of fallen personnel, and memorial design experts, must select a location and design featuring three walls (one for each service) displaying names of fallen personnel, with space for future additions. It will establish a permanent fund for the memorial's construction and maintenance, financed through donations and appropriations, and must submit a final report within 18 months. The bill directly affects fallen first responders' families and the public through the memorial's creation.

Maddy summaryBill S 730 requires New Jersey's Division of Taxation to study how state business income taxes affect businesses leaving the state, starting new businesses, and hiring employees. The study will analyze 16 years of tax return data (eight years before and eight years after the bill's effective date) to assess tax impacts on business behavior. The Director must submit a retrospective report within two years of the bill taking effect, followed by annual reports for seven years, detailing findings and potential tax policy changes to improve New Jersey's business climate. This study directly affects the Division of Taxation (as the conductor) and indirectly informs future tax policy decisions for all businesses operating in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 731 prohibits state agencies and local governments from allowing foreign companies created under the laws of a "foreign adversary" to participate in critical infrastructure projects. A "foreign adversary" is defined as a country determined by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to pose significant security threats to the U.S. The bill specifically bars these companies from construction, maintenance, or control of infrastructure including power grids, water systems, gas pipelines, and communication networks. Existing agreements conflicting with this law cannot be renewed, though pre-enactment agreements remain valid until expiration.

Maddy summaryS 728 prohibits New Jersey state agencies and local governments from buying or using technology products, services, or systems from companies owned by, controlled by, or based in foreign countries identified as posing significant cybersecurity threats by U.S. or New Jersey security agencies. It directly affects all state and local government entities that purchase technology, requiring them to avoid vendors linked to specified threat countries. The law takes effect immediately upon passage, using threat designations from agencies like the U.S. Director of National Intelligence and New Jersey's Office of Homeland Security. It focuses on preventing procurement of technology from entities deemed high-risk for cyber espionage, without naming specific countries.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create and provide blue envelopes for people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The envelopes must hold driver's licenses, registration, and insurance cards, feature a distinctive color for police recognition, clearly state the holder's diagnosis, and include communication guidance for officers. To obtain an envelope, individuals or their caregivers must submit documentation verifying the autism diagnosis. The bill aims to improve interactions between autistic drivers and law enforcement during traffic stops. It takes effect 12 months after enactment.

Maddy summaryS 723 prohibits foreign governments and foreign persons from acquiring or purchasing agricultural land in New Jersey after the bill's effective date. Current foreign owners must sell their land within five years to a non-foreign entity (such as a U.S. citizen or business), with a deed ensuring the land remains devoted to agricultural use. The bill requires annual reports to the governor and legislature detailing foreign ownership acreage, top nationalities, and land use trends. Limited exceptions apply for land acquired through debt collection (requiring sale within two years) or inheritance, and the law does not override U.S. treaties with foreign nations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 12) urges the New Jersey Department of Health (NJ DOH) to increase public awareness about the dangers of xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer misused recreationally as a street drug. It directly affects New Jersey residents by calling for the NJ DOH to provide educational resources on xylazine's risks - including its link to overdose deaths, inability to be treated with naloxone, and frequent combination with fentanyl and other drugs - without creating new legal requirements.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's legislature passed SCR 15 to request Congress call a state-led convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The convention would propose constitutional amendments to limit federal spending, reduce federal government power over states, and impose term limits on federal officials and members of Congress. This is a continuing application, meaning New Jersey's request remains active until at least two-thirds of states join the same effort. The bill itself does not change laws but seeks to initiate a process for potential constitutional amendments.