Sen. John McKeon

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study whether to require specific upgrades for electric utility poles and transmission towers. The study will examine feasibility of mandating concrete/steel/fiberglass poles instead of wood, higher-grade poles/towers, taller poles for transformers, and improved foundation standards. The BPU must assess these options' ability to strengthen infrastructure against severe weather like hurricanes, while considering costs for ratepayers and utilities. The study, due within six months, will not change current requirements but will inform potential future standards. (Procedural bill; summary focuses solely on the study mandate.)

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1135 changes the default organ donation status on driver's licenses and ID cards from "donor" to "non-donor." Under this bill, residents must actively choose to be organ donors when applying for or renewing licenses/ID cards - previously, the default was automatic donation. The bill requires the Motor Vehicle Commission to provide clear opt-out options during licensing, with the "ORGAN DONOR" designation displayed only if someone affirmatively selects it. This directly affects all New Jersey residents obtaining or renewing licenses or ID cards after the bill's effective date, though minors under 18 without prior donor registration cannot opt out.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1146) prohibits retail firearm dealers from operating within 1,000 feet of specific locations, including schools, childcare centers, healthcare facilities, places of worship, alcohol-serving establishments, parks, and other retail firearm dealers. It directly affects firearm retail businesses by restricting their physical locations. The key provision creates a mandatory buffer zone around these sensitive sites to enhance public safety near community spaces. The bill amends New Jersey’s firearm licensing law (N.J.S.2C:58-2) to enforce this geographic restriction. The measure is currently pending in the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a tax credit to businesses developing anaerobic digestion facilities in New Jersey that process specific types of food waste. The credit covers up to 50% of facility development costs or $250,000 per project, with a total state cap of $15 million over six years. It defines "food waste" to include processing residues, overripe produce, and used cooking fats - but excludes donated food or consumer waste. Businesses must apply for certification demonstrating facility use for food waste processing before claiming the credit. The credit applies against the corporation business tax, with unused portions potentially carried forward to future tax periods.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1142) changes New Jersey's cyber-harassment law to make it a more serious crime when adults target minors. Specifically, it lowers the age threshold from 21 to 18 for adults committing cyber-harassment against minors, eliminating the previous requirement that the adult had to impersonate a minor to face third-degree criminal charges. The law now treats any cyber-harassment of a minor by someone 18 or older as a third-degree crime (punishable by 3-5 years in prison or $15,000 fines), rather than requiring impersonation. It also adds requirements for courts to order minors to complete anti-harassment programs and holds parents financially liable if they fail to comply with court orders regarding their child's cyber-harassment behavior.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-owned bank to provide financial services to New Jersey's legally operating marijuana businesses. It addresses the challenge these businesses face accessing traditional banks due to federal prohibition, by establishing a state institution that can accept deposits and offer loans. The bank will operate under rules similar to state-chartered banks, with a 13-member board including the State Treasurer and members with expertise in finance, public administration, and consumer advocacy. It directly affects licensed marijuana manufacturers, sellers, and distributors complying with New Jersey law, aiming to reduce cash handling risks and improve business efficiency.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (SCR 47) would permit New Jersey Supreme Court justices and Superior Court judges to engage in certain extra-judicial activities for compensation, subject to rules set by the Supreme Court. Currently, judges are prohibited from such activities while in office. The amendment would limit annual compensation from these activities to no more than 15% of a judge’s salary and explicitly ban honorariums (payments for appearances, speeches, or articles directly tied to their judicial role). It requires the Supreme Court to establish and regulate permitted activities and compensation levels.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities and counties to borrow money through bond issuances to pay employees for accrued leave time (earned but unused vacation or sick time) *now*, rather than waiting until retirement when those payments would cost more. It directly affects local governments and their employees, as it provides a mechanism to convert future retirement leave obligations into current fixed costs. The key provision requires the local chief financial officer to certify that borrowing now is cheaper than paying the leave at future retirement rates, which may rise due to salary increases. This avoids higher future expenses by locking in current interest rates for leave buyouts.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific 3.62-mile segment of Interstate Route 280 (from milepost 6.53 to 10.15) in West Orange, New Jersey, as the "Governor Brendan Byrne Memorial Highway" to commemorate Governor Brendan T. Byrne's public service. It requires the Commissioner of Transportation to install signs bearing this designation but explicitly prohibits using state funds for the signs. Instead, the bill authorizes the Department of Transportation to accept private funding from non-governmental entities to cover the costs of producing, installing, and maintaining the signs. The bill takes immediate effect and has no direct impact on residents or policy, as it is a commemorative designation with no new regulations or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires internet pharmacies that deliver prescription drugs to New Jersey patients to obtain a state permit from the New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy. To qualify, pharmacies must be based in the U.S., provide licensing documentation, submit inspection reports, and maintain records of New Jersey patients. The permit mandates pharmacies to comply with New Jersey laws on prescription confidentiality, provide toll-free pharmacist consultations, and ensure prescriptions are electronically transmitted or sent as facsimiles. It directly affects out-of-state internet pharmacies serving New Jersey residents, while exempting those certified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.