Sen. John Burzichelli

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 709) allows prosecutors to request extended prison sentences for individuals convicted of receiving stolen property who have two or more prior separate convictions for the same offense (N.J.S.2C:20-7) or substantially equivalent crimes. It applies only if the current offense occurred within 10 years of either the defendant's last prison release or their most recent prior conviction. The court must hold a hearing where the defendant can contest the evidence before imposing the extended term. This directly affects repeat offenders convicted under New Jersey's stolen property law, increasing potential prison time for those with multiple prior offenses meeting the specified criteria.

Maddy summaryS 698 allows smoking in casinos and casino simulcasting facilities (like those with slot machines or table games) under strict conditions, while maintaining New Jersey's broader smoke-free air rules. It permits smoking in no more than 25% of the facility area, only in clearly marked zones with specific ventilation requirements (separately exhausted systems), and excludes areas near table game pits. Casinos must separate smoking areas from non-smoking zones with solid walls or windows and cannot assign employees to work in smoking areas unless they choose to. This bill directly affects casino operators and simulcasting facilities approved by New Jersey's Casino Control Commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that school districts must conduct criminal history record checks for all workers performing construction or public works in school buildings - including contractors and third-party employees - before allowing them on school property during school hours. It updates existing requirements to explicitly include these workers in background checks, ensuring they meet the same standards as school staff. The bill also mandates that school districts revise their visitor policies to incorporate these updated check procedures. These changes directly affect school districts, contractors, and workers in school construction or maintenance roles.

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 193 (now law as P.L.2025, c.238) allows trained operators from New Jersey's 9-8-8 crisis hotline to make follow-up calls, texts, or chats with minors aged 16 or older who are identified as high-risk for suicide after an initial contact. It permits this communication with the minor's voluntary consent, without requiring parental authorization. The bill specifically clarifies that such follow-up is brief, supportive, and solely for suicide prevention - distinct from formal mental health treatment. This change directly affects minors at acute suicide risk who have already reached out to the crisis hotline.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the recovery period for municipalities designated under New Jersey's Municipal Stabilization and Recovery Act from 9 years (109 months) to 15 years (181 months). It directly affects municipalities deemed "in need of stabilization and recovery" by state officials, requiring them to implement a 15-year financial recovery plan within 150 days of designation. Key provisions mandate the plan include a balanced budget, detailed debt repayment schedules for state obligations (including deferred pension payments), and strategies to increase revenue while ensuring timely payments to counties and school districts. The extension provides additional time for municipalities to stabilize finances under the existing framework of P.L.2016, c.4.

Maddy summaryS 716, "The Manufactured Home Park Protection Act," would have given residents in New Jersey manufactured home parks the right to purchase their park if the landowner sells it, directly affecting homeowners who live in these communities. Key provisions include requiring landowners to offer the park for sale to resident homeowners first and establishing a state website to notify nonprofits about potential sales. The bill aimed to prevent displacement by expanding residents' ability to collectively buy their park through groups or cooperatives. This bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, after being incorporated into an already-approved law (P.L.2025, c.362).

Maddy summaryThis bill sets new eligibility requirements for individuals appointed as New Jersey's Attorney General. To qualify, a candidate must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for 20 years, a New Jersey resident for seven years (with exceptions for public service), and a licensed attorney in good standing who has actively practiced law, served as a judge, or taught law in the state for at least seven of the previous ten years. The bill does not alter the appointment process (Governor appoints with Senate approval) but adds these specific qualifications that all candidates must meet. It directly affects individuals seeking the Attorney General position by establishing clear, measurable criteria for eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors to pay the prevailing wage rate for workers on data center construction projects meeting specific size thresholds (250 kilowatts electrical capacity or designed for 500 kilowatt-hours average usage). It directly affects contractors and subcontractors working on such projects in New Jersey, mandating registration, safety documentation, certified payroll submission, and OSHA training compliance. Key provisions include requiring all workers to complete OSHA-10 safety training, restricting third-tier subcontractors, and banning temporary labor unless tied to registered apprenticeships. The bill also establishes joint liability for unpaid wages and requires detailed weekly worker attendance records.

Maddy summaryThis bill would automatically renew off-track wagering licenses without requiring commission approval, as long as licensees file renewal forms and pay applicable fees. It reduces the minimum required number of annual thoroughbred races from 50 to 25 at Meadowlands Racetrack and Monmouth Park, with consent from the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. The bill also shortens the timeframe for unclaimed cash vouchers from three years to one year, with the value split equally between the facility and the purse account. These changes primarily affect off-track wagering licensees, horse racing facilities, and the New Jersey Racing Commission.