Maddy summaryThe Road to Relief Act (S 4369) creates a New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) grant program to reimburse specific commuters, full-time retail business employees, and retail businesses for increased transportation costs caused by public highway projects - like the ongoing I-80 construction. It provides financial assistance for the *difference* between pre-project and during-project transportation expenses, requiring applicants to submit documentation of both periods for the same number of days. The program covers costs such as longer commutes or delivery delays when a highway project blocks normal traffic flow in an "impacted construction zone." It appropriates $1 million to fund the EDA’s administration of the program, which applies only to projects where traffic disruptions directly affect eligible individuals or businesses.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySenate Bill S 3905 requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to create and maintain a free, statewide online database for local government legal notices. This bill directly affects municipalities, counties, and other local government units by allowing them to submit required legal notices electronically to DCA instead of publishing them in newspapers. The key mechanism enables local governments to fulfill their legal advertising requirements by delivering notices (or links) to DCA for inclusion in the centralized database, which the public can access online. The database will serve as a single public portal for all legally required local government notices, replacing the traditional newspaper publication method for those choosing this option.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey local governments - including municipalities, counties, school districts, and public agencies - from naming public property (such as roads, parks, schools, or buildings) after a foreign terrorist organization designated by the federal government. It requires these entities to remove all existing signs, plaques, or displays referencing such groups within 30 days of the law taking effect and to rename the property within 90 days. The state will reimburse local governments for the costs of removal and renaming, and violations will trigger daily deductions from state aid. The Division of Local Government Services must maintain an annual list of designated foreign terrorist organizations and lands they control, excluding sovereign nations.
Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $22,431,294 from the 2003 Dam, Lake and Stream Project Revolving Loan Fund and $6,239,630 from the 1992 Dam Restoration and Clean Water Trust Fund - totaling $28,670,924 - to provide loans for dam restoration and inland waters projects. The funds, drawn from unused monies due to project cancellations and repayments, directly support 17 specific projects, including repairs for private dams (like High Crest Lake Dam and Mountain Creek Lake Dam) and lake associations, as well as local government-owned dams. These loans finance restoration costs for dam owners, private lake associations, or local governments working together. The bill specifies that unexpended funds will return to the respective bond funds for future projects.
Maddy summaryS 3587 upgrades retail theft offenses in New Jersey, including elevating "leader of organized retail theft enterprise" to a first-degree crime punishable by 10-20 years in prison. The bill creates a new offense for "fostering the sale of stolen property" (including online sales), which is a disorderly persons offense punishable by up to six months in jail. It establishes a retail theft unit within the Department of Law and Public Safety to investigate and prosecute organized retail theft, appropriating $1 million for this purpose. The bill also includes new requirements for gift card sales to prevent fraud, such as mandatory notices for retailers and packaging restrictions for both open- and closed-loop gift cards.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a pilot program offering tax credits to New Jersey commercial farms that donate edible fruits and vegetables to local charities. Specifically, farm operators can claim a 50% credit against their state business tax or income tax for the wholesale value of donations (capped at $5,000 per year), provided they obtain written documentation from the charity verifying the donation details. The program runs from 2024 through 2028, with an annual limit of $100,000 in total credits across all participating farms. It directly affects commercial farm operators who donate produce to qualifying charities, including 501(c)(3) organizations and food banks within New Jersey.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2952 amends the state's rooming and boarding house regulations to specifically address cooperative sober living residences, which are facilities for people recovering from alcohol or drug addiction. The bill increases civil penalties for licensing violations to $25,000, requires two unannounced annual inspections of these facilities (compared to one for regular rooming houses), and establishes new reporting requirements for serious incidents like overdoses, fires, or communicable disease outbreaks. It mandates that these residences employ staff who live on-site and are qualified to assist with addiction recovery, prohibit alcohol and drug use within the facilities, conduct random testing of residents, and provide individual counseling and group recovery meetings. The bill appropriates $100,000 for implementation and requires the Department of Community Affairs to maintain a public list of licensed cooperative sober living residences with their locations and contact information.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 4275 prohibits state contractors and financial institutions from sharing data with "foreign adversaries" (defined as entities deemed a security threat by U.S. standards). It requires the Department of the Treasury to maintain a public list of entities selling data to such adversaries, making them ineligible for state contracts, subsidies, tax benefits, or certifications. Contractors must certify they aren’t on the list, and false certifications face $1 million penalties or five-year bans. The law exempts data shared under court orders, legitimate business transactions, or publicly available information. This directly affects businesses seeking state work or financial partnerships.
Maddy summaryS 2911 expands eligibility for New Jersey's "Combat Infantryman Badge" license plate to include veterans who hold a Combat Action Ribbon, as certified on their DD-214 or discharge form. Currently, only holders of the Combat Infantryman Badge qualify, excluding Marines who receive the Combat Action Ribbon instead. The bill amends existing law to allow these veterans to obtain the same distinctive plate design (bearing the badge emblem and "Combat Infantryman Badge" wording) for a $15 additional fee. Surviving spouses of eligible veterans may retain the plate on their vehicle under the same rules. This change specifically addresses a gap that prevented Marines from accessing the plate under current law.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public and nonpublic schools in New Jersey to have at least one FDA-registered portable anti-choking device (which uses manual suction to clear airway blockages) available in the cafeteria, school nurse’s office, and other accessible locations during school hours and events, with clear signage. Schools must develop policies requiring staff training in airway management and device use, and the Commissioner of Education will provide annual training opportunities. The Department of Education will reimburse schools for device costs through a formal application process. The bill directly affects all New Jersey schools and their staff, focusing on immediate accessibility and preparedness for choking emergencies.