Sen. John McKeon

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's Dry Cell Battery Management Act to update rules for disposing of specific batteries. It defines "covered batteries" (including portable, medium-format, and rechargeable types) while excluding medical device batteries, lead acid batteries over 11 pounds, vehicle batteries, and recalled batteries. The law directly affects retailers, distributors, and institutions that handle large volumes of these batteries, requiring proper disposal under the updated framework. Key changes clarify definitions and exclusions to streamline battery management and reduce regulatory burden for excluded categories. The bill amends existing law and repeals two sections, but does not create new disposal requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for peer-to-peer car sharing platforms (like Turo) in New Jersey. It requires these platforms to assume liability for bodily injury or property damage during a vehicle's sharing period and mandates that both vehicle owners and drivers maintain insurance meeting state minimums. The law defines key terms like "shared vehicle" (excluding taxis or rental cars) and specifies that insurance must cover use through the platform without exclusions. It directly affects car sharing platforms, vehicle owners, and drivers by setting clear insurance and liability standards for shared vehicle use.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the fees associated with handgun purchase permits and firearms purchaser identification cards in New Jersey. It directly affects individuals applying for these permits, such as those purchasing handguns (requiring a permit) or rifles/shotguns (requiring a firearms purchaser ID card). The legislation amends statutes N.J.S.2C:58-3 and N.J.S.2C:58-4 to adjust the fee schedules for these specific permits. The change modifies existing fee structures without altering background check requirements or eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2298) requires internet pharmacies to obtain a New Jersey permit before delivering prescription drugs to New Jersey residents, with exceptions for pharmacies certified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Permits mandate US headquarters, state licensing proof, pharmacist details, and annual renewal. Pharmacies must provide toll-free pharmacist consultations (48 hours/week), maintain patient records, and ensure prescriptions are transmitted electronically or by facsimile. The law also prohibits pharmacies from waiving New Jersey’s laws, court jurisdiction, or liability protections for prescription services. It applies directly to internet pharmacies serving New Jersey patients and aims to enhance safety and accountability.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Reproductive Health Care Access Fund" in New Jersey's General Fund to address gaps in abortion provider availability and enhance clinic security. The fund will directly support three programs: (1) clinical training for health care professionals to expand access, (2) security grants for facilities facing threats like violence or cyberattacks, and (3) loans for reproductive health care facilities. It targets providers in underserved areas, including southern counties with no abortion clinics, as highlighted in a 2023 Rutgers report. The fund will finance these programs using state appropriations and interest earnings, aiming to sustain providers and protect patients.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "New Jersey Anti-Semitism Task Force" within the Department of State to research anti-Semitism and develop recommendations for addressing it. The permanent task force will consist of 18 members, including legislative leaders, representatives from Jewish organizations (like Hadassah and the Anti-Defamation League), law enforcement, and public appointees. It directly affects Jewish communities in New Jersey, where 200 anti-Semitic incidents were reported in 2018 (ranking the state third nationally), by focusing on research and policy solutions for hate crimes against Jewish people and institutions. The task force will operate under the state government to address rising anti-Semitism, as documented by FBI data showing Jewish-targeted attacks made up 58-60% of religious hate crimes in recent years.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 671) requires most full-service restaurants (with 10+ seats) to stop providing single-use utensils or condiments to dine-in customers, instead offering reusable options that customers must return after use. Casual dining establishments may only provide these items if customers specifically request them, and online orders must default to "no utensils" unless requested. Exemptions include schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, and food courts (for two years), while pre-packaged items with attached utensils are also exempt. The bill also mandates the Environmental Protection Department to run an education campaign about reducing single-use items and imposes fines ($1,000 for second offense) for violations.

Maddy summaryS 2318 establishes a low-carbon transportation fuel standard program in New Jersey, requiring gasoline and diesel refiners, wholesalers, importers, and alternative fuel producers (who choose to participate) to meet annual carbon intensity standards for transportation fuels. The program mandates a 10% reduction in the average carbon intensity of gasoline and diesel by 2030 compared to 2019 levels, measured using the GREET model to assess life-cycle emissions. It creates a credit-trading system where producers of low-carbon fuels earn tradable credits to offset deficits from higher-carbon fuels, administered by the Department of Environmental Protection. This directly affects fuel suppliers and producers, aiming to reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions while incentivizing cleaner fuel markets.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all new residential buildings in New Jersey to install smart thermostats (defined as internet-connected devices, commonly called "wi-fi thermostats") in every residential unit. Builders must include these provisions in construction permit applications to be approved. The Commissioner of Community Affairs, with the Board of Public Utilities, will create energy efficiency standards for these thermostats through regulations. The requirement would take effect seven months after the bill becomes law. This directly affects new home construction projects and developers seeking building permits.

Maddy summarySCR 18 proposes a constitutional amendment banning new fossil fuel power plants (burning coal, natural gas, oil, or petroleum) for electricity generation in New Jersey. It would not apply to repairs of existing plants or to "peaking power plants" operating at low capacity (10% or less) during peak demand periods to stabilize the grid. The amendment defines key terms like "base load" (minimum daily electricity needs) and "peak demand" to clarify exemptions. This policy change requires voter approval to take effect and would directly affect developers planning new fossil fuel facilities.