Sen. Joe Pennacchio

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits retail stores from asking customers to show government-issued identification when returning items, unless the customer cannot provide a receipt or other proof of purchase. It also bans businesses from scanning, copying, or keeping copies of identification cards during these transactions. Additionally, the law requires stores to clearly post signs at entrances and cash registers if they do require ID or use return history to deny future returns. Violations of these rules are subject to civil penalties ranging from $250 for a first offense to at least $1,000 for subsequent offenses.

Maddy summaryBill S 1314 exempts municipal and county building expansions or reconstructions (and certain emergency services buildings) from New Jersey's Highlands Water Protection Act, provided they stay within 125% of the existing building footprint and do not increase hard surfaces by more than a quarter acre. This directly affects local governments planning to renovate or expand existing public facilities without major environmental impact. The key provision allows these projects to proceed without complying with the Act's usual environmental review and planning requirements, as long as the specified footprint and surface area limits are met. It does not apply to agricultural buildings converted for non-agricultural use.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's school bus stop laws to authorize the use of school bus monitoring systems for enforcement. It directly affects drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses (including those transporting children or individuals with developmental disabilities) and school districts/municipalities that install such systems. Key provisions establish that violations captured by these systems result in a $250 civil penalty (instead of criminal penalties), with collected funds directed to municipal and school safety programs. The bill also clarifies that registered vehicle owners are presumed responsible for violations recorded by the systems.

Maddy summarySCR 51 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how New Jersey municipalities determine their affordable housing requirements. Currently, these obligations are based on regional housing needs, but the amendment would require the Legislature to calculate a single statewide number representing the total affordable housing needed for the entire state. This statewide figure would become the exclusive requirement under the Constitution, replacing the current regional approach. The amendment must be approved by voters in the next general election after legislative passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires physicians in New Jersey to provide written informed consent information to patients before performing cosmetic breast implant surgery. It mandates that physicians share specific details including surgical risks, FDA-required manufacturer warnings, standardized information about breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and implant illness, and how to report adverse events via the FDA's MedWatch program. Patients must sign this written consent form prior to surgery. Physicians who fail to comply face disciplinary action, including potential license suspension or revocation. The bill directly affects all patients seeking breast implants and physicians performing this procedure in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryS 877 exempts municipal electric utilities from oversight by New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) regarding their rates and operations. Currently, if a municipality provides electricity beyond its city limits, it is treated as a public utility subject to BPU rate regulation; this bill removes that requirement. Municipal electric utilities would no longer need BPU approval for rates, charges, or operations, though the BPU would retain authority to resolve disputes over service territories. This directly affects cities operating electric utilities that serve customers outside their corporate boundaries. The bill amends existing laws (R.S.40:62-24 and P.L.1983, c.78) to create this exemption.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically designates the Saturday before Thanksgiving as "National Adoption Day" and November as "National Adoption Month" in New Jersey. It does not create new policies or funding but requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to raise public awareness about adoption services and celebrate finalized adoptions. The resolution aims to highlight the foster care system and encourage adoption, referencing existing annual events where counties finalize adoptions during this period.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Farmland Assessment Review Commission within New Jersey's Department of Agriculture to annually review and recommend changes to the state's farmland assessment program. The commission would evaluate the program's application, eligibility requirements, funding mechanisms, and interactions with other land preservation programs to ensure fair, equitable, and uniform statewide implementation. It would assess factors such as the number of properties under assessment, potential inspection fees for landowners, income-based eligibility considerations, and how other land preservation programs affect farmland assessment. The commission, consisting of nine members including state officials and representatives from farmland owners and local tax assessors, would submit annual reports with recommendations to the Governor and Legislature for potential legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to include age-appropriate instruction about fentanyl and xylazine dangers in health classes for students in grades 6 through 12. The curriculum must cover prevention, symptoms of poisoning, emergency response, and legal protections for seeking help, using resources from federal agencies like the CDC and DEA. School districts must provide this instruction as part of existing health education standards, with the state education commissioner supplying approved materials and maintaining online resources for staff and parents. Annual reports will evaluate the program's effectiveness in reducing youth drug poisoning. The bill directly affects all New Jersey public schools and their students in grades 6-12.

Maddy summaryThis bill, "Max's Law," requires New Jersey public school districts to include age-appropriate instruction about fentanyl and xylazine dangers in health classes for students in grades 6 through 12. The curriculum must cover prevention, symptoms of poisoning, emergency response, and relevant laws protecting those seeking help. School districts must use resources from federal agencies like the CDC and NIH, and the state education department will provide materials and post online resources for staff, students, and parents. The law takes effect immediately, applying to the first full school year after enactment, with annual reports evaluating its impact on youth drug use and poisoning.