Sen. John Burzichelli

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 753) changes New Jersey's civil service hiring rules by expanding the "rule of three" to a "rule of five." It allows state appointing authorities to hire or promote from the top five eligible candidates on competitive or promotional lists, instead of just the top three. The change applies to all civil service positions regulated by the Civil Service Commission, while still requiring consideration of veterans' preference. This directly affects state agencies and hiring managers when filling vacancies, broadening the pool of candidates they can select from. The bill amends existing law (N.J.S.11A:4-8) to implement this expansion.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities, counties, school districts, and other local political subdivisions to withdraw from the state's civil service system (Title 11A). To do so, they must pass an ordinance, resolution, or referendum, with the withdrawal taking effect six months later. After withdrawing, these entities cannot rejoin civil service for five years and may only rejoin once. Current employees hired before withdrawal retain civil service protections, but new hires after withdrawal are not covered by civil service rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 704) amends New Jersey's child labor laws to create an exemption for minors under 16 working as vloggers. It allows minors to work as vloggers - defined as creating video content featuring a minor for compensation on online platforms - without being subject to standard child labor restrictions, provided their caregiver or family member also complies with specific requirements (detailed in pending sections). The exemption specifically applies to minors working in this capacity under the bill's defined conditions. The bill was withdrawn after being approved as part of P.L.2025, c.355, meaning it became law through another legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows partnerships and joint ventures to bid on New Jersey public works projects (like roads, bridges, and water treatment facilities) and contracts requiring prevailing wages, provided every member of the partnership is independently registered. It requires such groups to register with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development before winning a contract and name a primary manager to oversee compliance. All parties in the partnership or joint venture become equally responsible for fulfilling the contract or facing penalties, including contract cancellation. The change specifically applies to heavy infrastructure projects, such as transit systems and environmental remediation, expanding bidding opportunities for collaborative business structures.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study the feasibility of developing advanced nuclear reactors statewide. The BPU, working with the Environmental Protection Department and Economic Development Authority, must complete an 18-month study covering suitable locations (like retired power sites), regulatory requirements, economic viability, safety, environmental impacts, and public input through three stakeholder sessions. The study will assess how to integrate reactors with existing infrastructure and recommend a potential statewide deployment program. The BPU must submit a final report to the Governor and Legislature within 18 months, including findings published online.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies to offer businesses an optional electronic service for receiving legally required notices, such as violation warnings, underpayment alerts, and unemployment claims. State entities must notify affected businesses within 60 days of the bill's effective date about this option and provide instructions to opt in. The requirement applies to all executive branch departments, boards, commissions, and other state agencies defined as "State entities" under the bill. Businesses receiving these notices can choose to receive them electronically instead of by mail, with state entities implementing the service "to the maximum extent practicable."

Maddy summaryS 707 eliminates a $10,000 annual salary threshold for retired Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) members returning to teaching positions at public institutions of higher education. Currently, such retirees were exempt from having retirement benefits canceled only if their salary exceeded $10,000 per year, but this bill removes that requirement entirely. The change ensures retired PERS members returning to teaching roles at public colleges or universities are fully exempt from retirement re-enrollment rules regardless of their salary. This update aligns the law with legislative intent to exempt these retirees without salary conditions, removing an outdated reference to prior legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to collaborate with neighboring states to research alternatives to PJM Interconnection's current electricity capacity market. It directs the BPU to investigate three specific options: requiring electric companies to secure 80% of future capacity through long-term contracts, withdrawing from PJM's capacity auction to create a multi-state compact, or leaving PJM's transmission grid entirely. The BPU must submit a report with findings and recommendations by December 31, 2025. The legislation directly affects electric load-serving entities in New Jersey that provide power to consumers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Board of Medical Examiners and Board of Nursing to allow up to three optional continuing medical education (CME) credits on menopause topics toward license renewal for physicians and advanced practice nurses. The Department of Health must develop training modules covering menopause's physiological/psychological aspects, treatments, health risks, and patient communication strategies. These modules will be accessible via online courses, webinars, and workshops, and count toward required CME hours. The bill also directs the Department to promote the training through medical associations and integrate menopause education into nursing and medical school curricula. It takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey municipalities to complete regional impact assessments before approving large warehouse developments. It mandates that towns update their master plans to protect farmland and open spaces, and reassess property taxes after approval to balance municipal revenue. The law delays individual land use approvals until these assessments - covering traffic, environment, and cross-municipal effects - are reviewed and approved by the host and adjoining municipalities. It directly affects developers seeking warehouse permits and local governments managing land use planning.