Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2331) allows civil lawsuits against New Jersey casinos and simulcast facilities if they recklessly or intentionally fail to enforce self-exclusion programs for people who voluntarily banned themselves from gambling. It directly affects self-excluded gamblers and holds casinos/employees liable for harm caused by reckless indifference or intentional misconduct (e.g., ignoring self-exclusion requests or permitting gambling while on the list). Current law shields casinos from liability for simple failures to block self-excluded players, but this bill removes that protection for cases involving reckless or intentional actions. The law amends existing regulations to clarify that casinos must follow self-exclusion procedures and can be sued for willful violations.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's electric utilities to create and submit to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) detailed plans within 120 days of enactment. The plans must address reopening electric distribution circuits currently closed or restricted (to ≤100 kW) for new renewable energy projects like solar panels and battery storage. Key provisions include requiring smart inverters that manage reactive power, enabling electricity flow between distribution and transmission systems, and identifying cost-effective alternatives to upgrade infrastructure. Utilities must report on interconnection approvals for renewable projects after implementing their plans, with the BPU reviewing and approving plans within 300 days. The bill directly affects utilities and renewable energy developers by removing grid access barriers.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2292) prohibits New Jersey public entities (like state agencies, counties, and municipalities) and public employees from entering into confidential settlements for claims protected under the state's whistleblower law (Conscientious Employee Protection Act). It requires all such settlements to be made public records, including details like settlement dates, parties involved, claims described, payment amounts, and legal counsel costs. The Attorney General must publish a searchable online list of these agreements. Exceptions apply only for settlements involving national security, and the bill explicitly preserves existing protections for victim identities in juvenile sex crime cases.
Maddy summaryThis bill sets statewide targets to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 2035 (10% per capita, 3% statewide) and 2050 (20% per capita, 8.5% statewide) compared to 2019 levels. It creates the "Vehicle Miles Traveled Advisory Commission," composed of state agency leaders and public members with expertise in transportation, active mobility, and smart growth planning. The commission will track progress, review state plans, and submit annual reports with policy recommendations to the Governor and Legislature. The bill directly affects state agencies responsible for transportation, environmental protection, and community planning, aiming to reduce emissions and transportation costs - particularly for lower-income households - through more compact development and active transportation infrastructure.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to pass local ordinances requiring that new buildings be constructed without natural gas connections. Under the law, municipalities could mandate that construction permits for new buildings only be issued if plans specify alternative energy sources (like electricity) instead of natural gas. The bill also requires the state commissioner to create rules for implementing these local policies, and it takes effect immediately. This directly affects developers and builders working on new construction projects in municipalities that adopt such ordinances.
Maddy summaryThe "Patient and Provider Protection Act" regulates pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) in New Jersey, directly affecting PBMs, pharmacies (both contracted and independent), and patients who use prescription drugs. It requires PBMs to establish conflict-free committees managing drug formularies, ensures generic drugs are not disadvantaged over higher-cost alternatives, and bans commission-based PBM compensation in favor of flat fees. The bill mandates PBMs to prioritize long-term patient health outcomes, prohibits misleading marketing to steer patients to network pharmacies, and sets reimbursement rules: contracted pharmacies must be paid at least their acquisition cost, while independent pharmacies receive rates no more than 5% below the lowest contracted rate (but not below cost). It also bans contracts conditioning drug rebates on excluding generic drugs and prevents PBMs from restricting independent pharmacies from matching network prices and quantities.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires large warehouses, distribution centers, and ports generating 50+ daily truck trips to obtain a permit from New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and annually implement pollution-reduction measures. It specifically targets facilities in overburdened communities (defined by existing law) with 50,000+ square feet of business space, or all facilities with 100,000+ square feet, mandating shorter permit terms (3 years) for those in overburdened areas. The DEP must establish a program within one year to achieve zero emissions from these facilities by 2050, requiring annual compliance demonstrations and permit fees before operations begin or continue. Facilities must prove they can meet pollution reduction goals to secure or renew permits, with enforcement starting after the bill's effective date.
Maddy summaryS 1220 requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to study indoor air quality in public schools within one year of the bill's effective date. The DOH must test for specific contaminants like carbon dioxide, VOCs, and fine particulate matter across a representative sample of schools (covering diverse regions, age levels, and building ages), then compile a statewide list of common contaminants and develop practical guidance for schools to reduce or mitigate these pollutants. This guidance will be shared with the Department of Education and posted online for public access. The bill directly affects public schools by providing them with science-based tools to address indoor air quality, while requiring the DOH, DEP, and DOE to collaborate on implementation.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers and sellers to test the electrical systems of low-speed electric bicycles, powered mobility devices (like scooters), and their batteries before selling, renting, leasing, or distributing them to consumers in New Jersey. Products must be tested by independent safety labs against specific Underwriters Laboratories standards (e.g., UL 2849 for bikes) and display the lab’s logo on packaging or directly on the device. Sellers who violate this rule face a $1,000 fine per offense after an initial warning. The law aims to ensure consumer safety by preventing the sale of potentially hazardous devices.
Maddy summaryS 760, the "Mold Safe Housing Act," requires landlords in New Jersey to address mold hazards in rental properties within 72 hours of tenant notification. It mandates inspections before occupancy changes for certain buildings and creates a process where tenants can request mold remediation, with landlords facing financial liability if they fail to comply. The bill establishes a relocation program for tenants in unsafe housing, allowing the state to seek reimbursement from negligent landlords for relocation costs. This law directly affects renters in mold-prone housing, landlords, and local housing authorities, focusing on health safety through enforceable cleanup deadlines and financial accountability.