Sen. Teresa Ruiz

Maddy summaryThis bill removes an existing exception allowing smoking in casinos and simulcasting facilities under New Jersey's smoke-free law. It eliminates the specific exemption that previously permitted smoking in casinos with at least 150 slot machines or 10 table games, and in simulcasting facilities with dedicated seating for 50+ patrons. As a result, smoking will now be banned in these venues, aligning them with the general smoking restrictions in public places. The change directly affects all New Jersey casinos and simulcasting facilities operating under the state's regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts the sale of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products intended for human consumption or inhalation, requiring sellers to hold a valid license from New Jersey's Cannabis Regulatory Commission. It defines THC broadly to include delta-8, delta-9, and similar compounds, and prohibits sales to anyone under 21 years old. Unlicensed sellers or those distributing THC products exceeding commission-established limits face civil penalties. The law allows temporary sales during pending license applications but mandates compliance with existing manufacturing, testing, and labeling standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1812) changes how New Jersey schools identify students with specific learning disabilities under federal law. It requires schools to use research-based methods like response-to-intervention instead of relying on a large gap between a student’s IQ and achievement scores (which will be banned starting July 2023). Schools must also conduct comprehensive evaluations assessing students’ psychological needs, not just one single test. The law directly affects public school districts and students in New Jersey who may need special education services.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Grow Your Own Teacher Loan Redemption Program to help teachers in New Jersey pay off student loans. It targets individuals who graduated from high school in a district with a teacher shortage or lived in such a district for over five years, and who become certified teachers there. Participants earn up to $10,000 annually toward loan repayment (principal and interest) for each year of full-time teaching in a shortage district, with a maximum total of $50,000 over five years. The program is funded at a maximum of $500,000 per state fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Budget and Accounting to establish a separate fringe benefit rate for public colleges and universities starting in fiscal year 2025. It directly affects employees at these institutions and the state budget, as current funding uses a general state rate that doesn't reflect their actual retirement costs (many use cheaper plans like ABP instead of the standard PERS). The new rate will be based on the actual cost of employee retirement programs at these schools, applied to all federal, dedicated, and non-State funded programs. This change aims to align state funding more accurately with the actual benefit expenses of public higher education employees.

Maddy summaryS 278 requires limited liability companies (LLCs) and foreign LLCs purchasing residential rental properties to disclose specific ownership information when recording property deeds. The bill mandates that these companies attach an affidavit identifying their registered agent’s name and business address, and if the agent isn’t a company member, also disclose at least one company member’s details. This applies to all residential rental properties - regardless of the number of dwelling units - when the LLC is the buyer. The disclosure must be submitted with the deed at the time of recording with the county office, enhancing transparency in rental property transfers.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases annual payments from New Jersey's Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund to municipalities over two years, replacing the current fixed $740 million allocation. It prohibits municipalities from counting anticipated revenue from this fund when creating their annual budgets and requires that any additional aid must be subtracted from their property tax levy amounts. The bill directly affects all New Jersey municipalities receiving these state aid payments, including cities, towns, and counties. If enacted, it would provide incremental funding increases while ensuring local tax burdens are adjusted downward proportionally.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1992) expands the duties of New Jersey's existing Commission on Human Trafficking to specifically study the connection between human trafficking and illicit massage parlor businesses. The commission, which currently evaluates human trafficking laws and victim services, will now add this specific focus to its annual report. This change stems from a 2018 Polaris Project report noting massage parlors as potential trafficking venues, particularly near New York and I-95 corridors. The bill does not create new laws or programs but directs the commission to study this issue and report findings to the Governor and Legislature annually.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council to prepare a report on suicide prevention instruction in public schools. The council must review current programs, identify risk identification methods, evaluate best practices (including comparing to nearby states), and recommend improvements to mental health access in schools. To gather data, the council will develop a survey for schools (administered by the Department of Education in the 2023-24 school year), ensuring student privacy is protected before sharing results. The report must be submitted to the Governor and Legislature within 12 months of the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryS 2165 requires New Jersey landlords to inspect rental properties within 90 days of the law taking effect to identify lead service lines or lead plumbing. If lead pipes are found, landlords must disclose this to current tenants and provide written notice about health risks to prospective tenants before new leases. Violations carry a $500 civil penalty per offense, with each day of noncompliance considered a separate violation. The bill directly affects landlords and tenants in rental properties served by lead plumbing, aiming to increase transparency about potential health hazards in drinking water.