Sen. John McKeon

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all new residential buildings in New Jersey to have smart thermostats installed in every unit before construction permits are approved. A "smart thermostat" is defined as a Wi-Fi-enabled device that connects to the internet, commonly called a Wi-Fi thermostat. Builders must include these thermostats in their permit applications, and the state will develop energy efficiency standards for them through regulations by the Commissioner of Community Affairs and the Board of Public Utilities. The requirement takes effect seven months after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $7.5 million annually from constitutionally dedicated Corporation Business Tax (CBT) revenue to preserve land in New Jersey's Highlands Region. The funds will be deposited into a new "Preserve New Jersey Highlands Preservation Fund" managed by the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council, with $2.5 million allocated each year for recreation/conservation lands, $2.5 million for development credits, and $2.5 million for farmland preservation. Priority for funding will be given to lands in special environmental zones, conservation priority areas, and lands that connect to existing preserved lands. The bill specifies that funds cannot be used for land requiring condemnation, contaminated land, or land already preserved.

Maddy summaryThis bill codifies the U.S. Supreme Court's standard from *New York Times Co. v. Sullivan* for defamation lawsuits brought by public officials. It requires public officials to prove a statement was both false and made with "actual malice" (knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for truth) to win a lawsuit about their official conduct. Truth of the statement is established as an absolute defense against such claims. The law directly affects public officials who pursue defamation cases and ensures the existing legal standard is formally written into New Jersey law.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (SCR 123) passed by the New Jersey Legislature. It condemns President Trump's decision to rescind a federal policy that previously prohibited immigration enforcement actions in sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, and places of worship. The resolution sends a formal statement to the President, Homeland Security Secretary, and New Jersey's congressional delegation, reaffirming the state's support for equal access to essential services regardless of immigration status. It does not change any laws or enforcement practices, as it is a non-binding expression of disapproval.

Maddy summaryThis bill permits dental service corporations in New Jersey to operate as subsidiaries of nonprofit parent companies, while requiring them to maintain all existing regulatory requirements under the 1968 Dental Service Corporation Act. It directly affects nonprofit dental service corporations and their nonprofit parent organizations. The key provision removes a prior restriction preventing such subsidiary relationships, though the dental service corporation itself must still comply with all investment limits (capping funds used for investments at 10% of assets or 50% of surplus, whichever is less) and other statutory obligations. This change aims to enhance competitiveness without altering the protective safeguards for subscribers.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Jersey Strong Public Service Scholarship Program to help students pursuing higher education while working in public service roles facing workforce shortages. It provides up to $25,000 for two years of study after one year of full-time work in eligible sectors (like hospitals, schools, or first responder jobs), or up to $50,000 for four years after two years of work. To qualify, applicants must be New Jersey residents, U.S. citizens, high school graduates (or recent graduates), and employed full-time in an eligible public service job at minimum wage or higher. The program requires applicants to apply for other financial aid first and maintains scholarship funds if academic progress is met, but requires repayment if dismissed from school or withdrawn without approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to create an internet-based tracking system for rape kits (also called sexual assault forensic evidence kits). The system will allow victims, law enforcement officers, healthcare providers, and labs to monitor a kit's journey from collection at a medical facility through testing and final disposal. It mandates the Attorney General to issue guidelines for this tracking system, ensuring transparency in the chain of custody. The law, which became effective in January 2025, directly affects victims of sexual assault, healthcare facilities, law enforcement, and forensic labs handling these kits.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for New Jersey's homestead property tax reimbursement program to include disabled individuals receiving disability payments under the federal Railroad Retirement Act. Previously, only those receiving disability payments under the Social Security Act qualified. The amendment adds Railroad Retirement Act recipients to the definition of "disabled person" in the law, allowing them to claim the reimbursement if they meet other standard requirements like income limits and residency. This change directly affects disabled railroad workers who previously could not access this property tax relief.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3998) standardizes benefits for New Jersey teachers' pension members by removing tiered eligibility. It requires all current non-retired members of the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) to receive the same benefits as those enrolled before July 1, 2007, effectively moving everyone to "Tier 1" benefits. Public employees meeting salary minimums but not hour requirements will be enrolled in TPAF, and current Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP) members can transfer service credit to TPAF (without transferring contributions) to qualify for retirement benefits. Changes apply only to retirement applications processed after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health to study indoor air quality in public schools statewide. Within one year, the department must conduct a representative study of schools across diverse regions, age levels (from preschool to high school), and building ages to identify common air pollutants like carbon dioxide, VOCs, and fine particles. The study will compile a list of the most frequent indoor air contaminants and develop practical guidance for schools on reducing or mitigating these pollutants. The final list and guidance documents will be published on the Department of Health and Education websites for public access.