Sen. John McKeon

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1447 establishes a state heat stress safety standard and prevention program for workers. It requires employers across all industries (including agriculture, construction, and indoor settings without climate control) to implement written heat safety plans by June 1, 2025. Key provisions include providing potable water under 59°F, mandatory rest breaks in shaded/cool areas, heat exposure monitoring, emergency response protocols, and heat alert systems for forecasted heatwaves. The law mandates employer-developed plans to prevent heat-related illness, requiring worker input and language accessibility for non-English speakers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurers to get prior approval from New Jersey's Commissioner of Banking and Insurance before implementing new rates for long-term care insurance sold to groups (such as employers or associations). Currently, only individual long-term care insurance rates need this approval. The change ensures group policy rates undergo commissioner review to confirm they're not excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, and that benefits match the premium charged. This directly affects insurers offering group long-term care plans in New Jersey.

Maddy summarySCR 55 proposes a constitutional amendment to raise the mandatory retirement age for New Jersey Supreme Court Justices and Superior Court Judges from 70 to 72 years. This change would directly affect current and future judges serving in these courts by delaying their required retirement. The amendment modifies Article VI, Section VI, paragraph 3 of the state constitution, altering the retirement age provision without changing other terms or tenure rules. If approved, judges would need to retire at age 72 instead of 70. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 13, 2026.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill S 2355 expands eligibility for Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO) payments to victims of motor vehicle crashes resulting in death or requiring ambulance removal from the scene. It adds these crashes to the list of qualifying incidents under the existing "Criminal Injuries Compensation Act," allowing victims to access compensation for medical bills, counseling, lost wages, and funeral costs. The bill also establishes a "Traffic Crash Victim’s Bill of Rights," granting victims free access to crash reports and evidence, notification of court proceedings, employer leave for related hearings, protection from intimidation by the other driver, and clear information about their rights and compensation options. These changes apply directly to crash victims and their families, not to the drivers involved in the accidents. The bill is pending in the Senate Transportation Committee after its January 2026 introduction.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2281 makes it a crime (third degree) for anyone to knowingly possess a firearm during a public demonstration specifically intended to cause civil disorder. This applies regardless of whether the person has a valid firearm permit or purchase card. The bill defines "civil disorder" as violent gatherings of two or more people creating imminent danger to public safety, and "public demonstration" as organized public gatherings supporting or opposing a cause. Violators face up to 5 years in prison, a $15,000 fine, or both. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee (introduced January 13, 2026).

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 2279) establishes registration and operational rules for retail health clinics (located in stores/pharmacies offering walk-in care for minor issues) and urgent care facilities. It requires annual registration with the Department of Health, mandating clinics to submit details like location, staff names (including medical/operational supervisors), and services offered. Key provisions include requiring clinics to provide patient records to primary care providers within 5 days and to patients within 24 hours (free of charge), urging patients to follow up with a primary care provider, and prohibiting services to minors or Medicaid patients except in emergencies. The bill directly affects all retail clinics and urgent care facilities operating in New Jersey that aren’t already licensed as ambulatory care facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill equalizes retirement benefits for New Jersey teachers by removing tiered membership in the Teachers’ Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF). It moves all current non-retired TPAF members to the same benefit tier as those who joined before July 2007, and requires enrollment of public school employees meeting salary but not hour requirements. Educators in the Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP) can automatically transfer service credit to TPAF (without transferring contributions), with an opt-out option within six months. It also expands disability retirement eligibility for current long-term disability recipients, requiring applications within two years of enactment.

Maddy summaryS 616 provides New Jersey businesses with tax credits for installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and converting commercial vehicle fleets to zero-emission models. Businesses that purchase and install EV charging stations (capped at $1,000 per station) or buy qualifying zero-emission vehicles (with credits up to $100,000 based on vehicle weight) can claim a 50% credit against corporation business tax or gross income tax. To qualify, businesses must apply for certification from the Environmental Protection Commissioner, proving purchase dates, costs, and installation details, with decisions made within 90 days. The credits apply for five years starting after the bill’s effective date and require submitting certification with tax returns.

Maddy summarySJR 55 designates April of each year as "Autism Awareness Month" in New Jersey. The bill requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance and awareness activities. It directly affects New Jersey residents by aligning state recognition with National Autism Awareness Month, acknowledging the state's high autism prevalence (highest in the nation) and associated challenges. The resolution has no funding or policy changes - only a symbolic designation and call for public engagement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in New Jersey to be accessible to drivers with disabilities within 18 months of the law's effective date. It mandates specific physical features, including 11-foot-wide charging spaces with 5-foot access aisles, clear floor space meeting ADA standards, and accessible communication features like touchscreens or audio interfaces. The law applies to all new EV charging installations and gives the Department of Transportation authority to require existing stations to comply where feasible. The bill directly affects EV charging station operators and ensures disabled drivers - using wheelchairs, canes, or mobility devices - can independently use charging stations.