Sen. Parker Space

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 316 prohibits foreign governments and foreign persons (including non-U.S. citizens, foreign-owned corporations, and entities controlled by foreign entities) from acquiring or owning agricultural land in the state after the bill's effective date. Existing foreign owners must sell their land within five years, transferring ownership to a U.S. entity while requiring the land to remain in agricultural use. The bill allows limited exceptions for land acquired through debt collection, inheritance, or security interests, but mandates that such land also be sold within two years. It requires the Agriculture Secretary to annually report on foreign ownership trends, acreage, and land use to the Governor and Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 932) prohibits public school districts from teaching concepts defined as "critical race theory" in classroom instruction or allowing teachers to use materials promoting those concepts. It specifically bans teaching ideas like race-based superiority, assigning historical guilt to individuals, or claiming the U.S. government is fundamentally racist. The bill also prohibits teachers from engaging in political, ideological, or religious advocacy in class, such as endorsing candidates or legislation, and requires balanced presentation of controversial issues. It directly affects all public school teachers and districts in New Jersey, with enforcement through potential loss of state funding for violations. Exceptions allow teaching ethnic history, impartial historical discussion, and historical documents.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's business laws to allow partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability companies to convert into other business structures (like corporations or out-of-state entities) under specific rules. It requires approval by partners or governing documents, mandates filing a certificate of conversion with the state Division of Revenue, and ensures property, debts, and legal rights transfer smoothly to the new entity. The law applies to all businesses converting their legal structure within New Jersey, streamlining the process while maintaining compliance with both New Jersey and the converting entity's original governing laws.

Maddy summaryS 1657 establishes New Jersey's "Energy Infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships Program" to help public entities like schools, hospitals, and emergency facilities upgrade energy infrastructure through private partnerships. The bill allows these entities to enter 25-year contracts for energy projects (such as solar, wind, and storage systems) under existing public contracting laws, without requiring taxpayer funds. Key provisions include authorizing private companies to finance, build, and manage energy projects that improve resilience against weather events, reduce costs, and support renewable energy expansion. This directly affects critical facilities needing modernized energy systems while leveraging private capital to meet the state's decarbonization goals.

Maddy summaryS 2403 requires New Jersey's Adjutant General to establish a program providing veterans with evaluation and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), total brain injury, or traumatic brain injury. This program would directly assist New Jersey veterans diagnosed with these conditions, which are commonly associated with military service. The bill amends N.J.S.38A:3-6 to add this duty to the Adjutant General's responsibilities under the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, ensuring state-administered access to these services.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a program to reimburse county governments for providing transportation services to disabled veterans traveling to medical appointments at Veterans Affairs facilities in New Jersey or neighboring states. It removes a previous restriction requiring appointments to be specifically for service-connected conditions, expanding eligibility to all VA medical appointments. The bill appropriates $2 million from the state budget to fund this program through the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs. It directly affects disabled veterans (defined as those with a VA-certified service-connected disability) and county governments offering transportation services.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges New Jersey school districts to establish concussion management teams. These teams - comprising school nurses, psychologists, athletic trainers, and other staff - would support students recovering from concussions by coordinating care, monitoring cognitive needs, and ensuring safe returns to both classroom and sports activities. The resolution highlights CDC data showing concussions are common in youth sports and emphasizes that such teams provide immediate, school-based expertise to complement existing district policies. It does not create new legal requirements but encourages districts to adopt this approach for student health and safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey electric utilities to create and maintain a toll-free phone number for the public to report damaged power lines or dangerous vegetation (like trees touching power lines). Utilities must list this number on every customer bill and prominently on their website. It directly affects residents who can now easily report safety hazards to their utility company. The law takes effect immediately after enactment, with a 60-day delay for implementation. The bill focuses on improving public safety reporting through clear communication channels.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1724) prohibits New Jersey from implementing any fee based on how many miles drivers travel in the state. It specifically bans the state from charging vehicle owners or operators a fee calculated by mileage, and also prevents state funds from being used for any related studies, pilot programs, or initiatives. The law applies to all motor vehicles and takes immediate effect. It does not affect existing vehicle taxes or fees like gas taxes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 28) urges the New Jersey Department of Education and Attorney General to regularly update two school safety documents last revised in 2007: the *School Safety and Security Manual: Best Practices Guidelines* and *Law Enforcement Directive No. 2007-1*. It directs these entities to review and revise the documents to reflect current best practices for school safety, ensuring school personnel and law enforcement have up-to-date guidance on topics like emergency response and security protocols. The resolution does not create new requirements but calls for ongoing updates to address evolving safety needs. The resolution was introduced in the Senate on January 13, 2026, and referred to the Education Committee.