Sen. John McKeon

Maddy summaryS 2137 prohibits businesses licensed to operate amusement games (like arcade machines or video games) from accepting wagers, allowing gambling activities on their premises, or advertising such activities. It directly affects licensed amusement game operators across New Jersey. The bill amends existing law to explicitly ban these actions, stating license holders "shall not accept or allow wagers" or "advertise or promote" gambling related to their licensed games. Violations would be classified as disorderly persons offenses, potentially leading to license forfeiture and gambling penalties. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryS 2293 creates a state-owned "State Bank of New Jersey" to provide financial services to businesses legally selling marijuana under New Jersey law. The bank will accept deposits and make loans to these businesses, addressing a key problem: federal prohibition prevents most private banks from serving marijuana-related operations, forcing them to handle large cash amounts that increase safety risks and inefficiency. The bank will be governed by a 13-member board appointed with input from legislative leaders and include experts in finance and public administration. It will operate similarly to private banks but specifically serve legally operating marijuana businesses as defined in the bill. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Commerce Committee.

Maddy summaryS 2346 extends health insurance coverage for adult children with disabilities beyond the typical age limit of 26. It requires health plans to continue coverage for individuals 26 or older who have an intellectual disability or physical handicap and are chiefly dependent on their parent for support. The law prohibits health plans from denying coverage based on factors like marriage, having a child, or not living with the parent. This applies to hospital, medical, and health service corporation contracts in New Jersey, ensuring continuous coverage for a specific group of disabled adults who rely on parental support.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific section of Interstate Route 280 in West Orange (from milepost 6.53 to 10.15) as the "Governor Brendan Byrne Memorial Highway" to honor the late former New Jersey Governor. It has no policy impact beyond the commemorative name change and applies directly to that highway segment. The bill requires that private funding - not public funds - cover all costs for signs and maintenance, with the Transportation Commissioner authorized to accept gifts or grants from private entities for this purpose. It is purely a ceremonial designation with no substantive legislative changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2301) changes sentencing for juveniles tried as adults in New Jersey who received 20+ years of parole ineligibility. It requires courts to consider youth-specific factors - like impulsivity, childhood trauma, or poverty - during sentencing and allows affected individuals to petition for resentencing after 10 years. At resentencing hearings, courts must evaluate whether the offense stemmed from "mitigating qualities of youth" or "irreparable corruption," using the same factors. Additionally, it mandates parole hearings at the 20-year mark, requiring the Parole Board to consider youth-related rehabilitation efforts and provide written reasoning for decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a certification program for volunteer physicians and dentists who provide care at qualifying free clinics. To qualify, medical professionals must be licensed in New Jersey, meet federal free clinic employee status, and complete at least four hours of volunteer work weekly for four consecutive weeks at a clinic meeting specific criteria (no third-party billing, sliding fees). Certified volunteers gain civil immunity from lawsuits for reasonable care provided in good faith, excluding gross negligence or willful misconduct, with the State of New Jersey becoming the sole legal recourse for claims. The law directly affects licensed medical professionals volunteering at free clinics meeting the defined standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to establish standards for electric utility poles and transmission towers. It mandates that utilities install new or replacement distribution poles using the highest class of wood (or equivalent non-wood material of equal quality) and transmission towers made from the highest-grade materials, consistent with federal requirements. The BPU must reference national electrical standards when setting these rules and require annual public reports on utility compliance. These changes directly affect all electric public utilities operating in New Jersey, aiming to improve infrastructure safety and reliability.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey property owners to deduct the capital gain from selling land to qualified conservation organizations on their state gross income tax return. It applies to both full-market-value sales and "bargain sales" (where land is sold below market value but with conservation restrictions). The deduction equals the gain calculated under federal tax rules, covering sales to groups like Green Acres, farmland preservation programs, or wildlife conservation initiatives. This directly benefits landowners who sell environmentally valuable property to these conservation entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to impose fines for housing or zoning code violations on a daily basis until the violation is corrected. It requires municipalities to provide property owners with a 30-day period to fix issues before imposing fines exceeding $1,250, and permits owners to request a court hearing for independent review. Fines for ongoing violations continue each day until the property is brought into compliance, with courts able to determine the final amount. The bill updates existing law to explicitly permit daily fines, reversing a recent court ruling that had limited this practice.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 35% tax credit against New Jersey corporation business and gross income tax for production companies staging pre-Broadway or post-Broadway theater shows at qualifying venues (350+ seats). The credit covers eligible production costs like sets, costumes, payroll, and advertising, up to a $10 million annual cap. Companies must apply to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority with details about their production, venue, and expenses, and the credit cannot reduce taxes below the state’s minimum. It directly affects theater production companies seeking to offset costs for shows targeting or following Broadway runs.