Sen. John McKeon

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 683) authorizes New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to approve sites for small modular reactors (SMRs), which are compact nuclear reactors under 300 megawatts. It requires SMR sites to be in municipalities with existing nuclear facilities and gives BPU authority to override local opposition. The bill also allows SMR operators to store used nuclear fuel on-site until a national waste repository is established, while requiring the BPU to create a financial incentive program for SMR construction within one year. It directly affects nuclear energy developers, local governments, and state agencies managing nuclear safety and infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 2348) codifies the U.S. Supreme Court's standard from *New York Times Co. v. Sullivan* for defamation lawsuits involving public officials. It requires public officials suing for defamation related to their official duties to prove the statement was false and made with "actual malice" (knowledge it was false or reckless disregard for truth). Truth of the statement is an absolute defense, preventing recovery. The bill simply formalizes this existing federal precedent into state law without altering the legal standard.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an independent Office of Nonprofit Ombudsperson within New Jersey's Department of the Treasury to serve as a dedicated advocate for nonprofit organizations. The ombudsperson, appointed by the Governor, will monitor state agencies' compliance with online resource portals for nonprofits, investigate complaints, provide technical assistance, and report annually on agency interactions. It requires state agencies to maintain updated, accessible online resource pages detailing funding, eligibility, and support services for nonprofits. The $329,000 appropriation funds the office's operations, directly affecting all nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3) entities) and state agencies interacting with them.

Maddy summaryS 2320 establishes the Jersey Strong Public Service Scholarship Program, providing financial aid to New Jersey residents working in public service fields facing critical workforce shortages (such as healthcare, education, or emergency services). Eligible students must work full-time in these sectors for 1-2 years before receiving scholarships covering tuition and fees up to $25,000 for two years or $50,000 for four years at public New Jersey colleges. To qualify, applicants must be NJ residents, U.S. citizens, recent high school graduates, and employed in approved roles at minimum wage or higher. The program requires students to apply for other aid first and maintain academic progress, with scholarships terminating if they withdraw without approved reasons.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey high school districts (grades 9-12) to add mandatory instruction about compulsive gambling risks to their health and physical education curriculum. The content must cover gambling addiction dangers, financial risks, and probability concepts. The state education commissioner must provide student resources and develop teacher training on identifying gambling issues and treatment options. Implementation begins in the school year after the commissioner completes the training module and updates the state education standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey tax rules for businesses regarding punitive damages. It prevents corporations and business owners from deducting punitive damages paid in legal settlements or judgments as a business expense. Instead, the amount paid (or covered by insurance) must be included in the business's taxable income. The law applies to both the corporation business tax and gross income tax for taxable years starting after its effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $7.5 million annually from constitutionally dedicated tax revenue specifically for preserving land in New Jersey's Highlands Region. It creates a new "Preserve New Jersey Highlands Preservation Fund" managed by the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council. Funds will be used to acquire land for recreation/conservation, farmland preservation, and matching federal grants under the Highlands Conservation Act. The council must report annually on fund usage, including land preserved and federal matches secured.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2324) clarifies that owners of self-driving cars must follow New Jersey's existing auto insurance rules. It amends definitions in state insurance law to explicitly include "self-driving private passenger automobiles" under the term "automobile," ensuring these vehicles are subject to standard insurance requirements like regular cars. This directly affects owners of autonomous vehicles in New Jersey, requiring them to carry the same insurance coverage as conventional vehicles. The bill does not create new insurance mandates but confirms current rules apply to self-driving technology.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey pharmacists to dispense HIV prevention medication (PrEP) and emergency HIV exposure medication (PEP) without a specific patient prescription under certain conditions. It directly affects HIV-negative individuals seeking prevention services who meet screening criteria, such as recent negative HIV tests and no contraindications. Pharmacists must complete training, verify patient eligibility using CDC guidelines, provide counseling, and document services, while also notifying primary care providers. The bill additionally requires health insurers to cover these medications under prescription benefits. This aims to improve access to timely HIV prevention by expanding pharmacists' role within established clinical protocols.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires commercial vehicles carrying large loads (where the load extends above the vehicle's sides, tailgate, or rear) and trailers to use the right lane on highways, except when entering or exiting from the left lane. It applies to motor-drawn vehicles, towed vehicles (like trailers), and vehicles with uncovered or extended loads. Violations carry a fine of up to $500 per offense. The law aims to improve highway safety by keeping larger vehicles out of faster-moving left lanes. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Transportation Committee.