Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a program for managing publicly owned forested lands across New Jersey. It requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to survey, map, and develop management plans for all state and local government-owned forested areas (minimum 0.5 acres with 10% canopy cover), including identifying cultural sites, wildfire risks, and areas for carbon sequestration. The bill creates "Carbon Reserve Forests" to protect mature forests, advance greenhouse gas reduction goals, and promote old-growth development, with management focused on ecological health rather than commercial use. It appropriates $60 million for these efforts and mandates public input through regional hearings. The program directly affects state/local land managers, indigenous communities (through cultural site protections), and climate initiatives.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2334 requires sports wagering licensees to pay an annual $250,000 fee in addition to existing license costs. Of this fee, $140,000 is allocated directly to the Council on Compulsive Gambling, and $110,000 funds other state gambling addiction treatment programs. The bill updates existing law by establishing this new mandatory fee (replacing the prior $100,000 annual fee structure) to specifically support evidence-based prevention and treatment services. This affects all businesses holding sports wagering licenses in New Jersey, directing funds toward addressing gambling addiction through designated state programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "New Jersey Migrant and Refugee Assistance Act," creating a Migrant and Refugee Resource Coordination Program within the Department of Human Services. The program connects migrants (individuals relocating to NJ from other countries) and refugees (those granted federal refugee status) with public assistance resources, including housing, healthcare, education, job training, and legal services. The Department must collaborate with local governments and community organizations, implement multilingual outreach, and submit annual reports detailing program effectiveness and recommendations. The law takes immediate effect and focuses on facilitating access to existing state services, not creating new benefits.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires commercial pesticide applicators in New Jersey to mark pesticide application areas with uniform silver flags. The flags must be silver, same size/type, display information in English and Spanish, and remain visible for at least 72 hours after application. It also prohibits using silver flags for other purposes (like dog fences or utility markers) to prevent confusion. The Department of Environmental Protection will create implementing rules under the Administrative Procedure Act.
Maddy summaryS 2771, the New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act, prohibits state and local government agencies from holding individuals for federal immigration authorities based on immigration detainers. It requires agencies like schools, hospitals, and law enforcement to provide services without fear of immigration enforcement, ensuring all residents access public services regardless of immigration status. The bill specifically bans cooperation with "immigration detainers" (requests from federal authorities to detain people) unless supported by a judicial warrant. This directly affects immigrant communities by reducing barriers to healthcare, education, and public safety services, while directing state resources toward local priorities instead of federal immigration enforcement.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to set a legal limit of 10 parts per billion for hexavalent chromium (a toxic form of chromium) in drinking water. It affects all public water systems, with deadlines based on system size: larger systems (10,000+ connections) must comply within 2 years, medium systems (1,000-9,999 connections) within 3 years, and smaller systems (under 1,000 connections) within 4 years after the law takes effect. The bill does not change existing limits for total chromium but specifically restricts hexavalent chromium to the new 10 ppb standard. The DEP may later adopt stricter limits if recommended by the Drinking Water Quality Institute.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's school bus stop laws to authorize the use of school bus monitoring systems for enforcement. It directly affects drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses (including those transporting children or individuals with developmental disabilities) and school districts/municipalities that install such systems. Key provisions establish that violations captured by these systems result in a $250 civil penalty (instead of criminal penalties), with collected funds directed to municipal and school safety programs. The bill also clarifies that registered vehicle owners are presumed responsible for violations recorded by the systems.
Maddy summaryS 2310 would create a state-owned "State Bank of New Jersey" to provide loans and financial services for small businesses, housing, infrastructure, and community development. The bank would use state funds deposited by the Treasurer (including state moneys and public source deposits) and operate similarly to private banks, with restrictions on lending to board members or their associates. It would be governed by a 13-member board appointed by the Governor, including banking experts and consumer advocates. This legislation directly affects New Jersey residents and businesses seeking affordable financing for economic development and housing needs.
Maddy summaryS 2299 creates the Highlands Conservation Trust to permanently preserve environmentally significant land in New Jersey's Highlands Region. The trust will acquire and hold land - such as forests, wetlands, and historic sites - to protect natural resources like clean water, wildlife habitat, and recreational areas. It will fund these efforts through revenue generated by a new "Highlands conservation license plate" program. The trust is governed by a seven-member board appointed by the Governor and local officials, with oversight focused on long-term land conservation.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to offer residents and businesses the option to receive property tax bills, construction permits, and payment receipts via email, rather than by mail. Municipalities must adopt an ordinance to provide this email option but cannot require it - taxpayers and permit applicants can still choose to receive all documents by traditional mail at no extra cost. The bill specifies that paper copies must remain available for those who prefer them, and it does not mandate any municipality to eliminate physical mail delivery. The Director of the Division of Local Government Services will establish the procedure for implementing this electronic delivery option.