Sen. Bob Singer

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the Governor's power to declare and extend state of emergency or public health emergency declarations in New Jersey. It requires the Legislature to approve any extension of these declarations, with automatic termination after 60 days for state emergencies (or 30 days for public health emergencies) unless approved by a majority vote of both legislative chambers. The Governor must notify the Legislature in writing at least seven business days before seeking an extension, detailing the ongoing threat. The bill also prohibits the Governor from issuing identical declarations for the same emergency after termination without specific legislative authorization.

Maddy summaryS 649, the "Mold Safe Housing Act," requires landlords in New Jersey to address visible mold hazards in rental properties that pose health risks to tenants. It mandates landlords to inspect and remediate mold within 72 hours of written tenant notification, fix water leaks causing mold, and obtain certification that units are mold-free before occupancy changes or sales. Tenants can seek relocation assistance through the Department of Community Affairs if landlords fail to act, with costs recoverable from negligent owners via liens or legal action. The bill directly affects renters in mold-affected housing, landlords, and housing inspectors enforcing new safety standards.

Maddy summaryS 694 establishes a one-year pilot program in New Jersey for individuals aged 21-30 with intellectual or developmental disabilities who meet specific criteria (e.g., no aggressive behavior, not dual-diagnosed with mental illness). The program provides at least six hours weekly of recreational, social, and vocational activities - including skill-building workshops, mentorship, and community volunteering - through trained direct support professionals. It requires data collection on participant progress, quarterly reports to guardians (with consent), and a final evaluation report to the legislature within three months of completion. The state appropriates up to $85,000 to fund this initiative, which expires upon submission of the final report.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires certified school nurses in New Jersey to create two specific plans for students with life-threatening allergies or anaphylaxis: an individualized health care plan (IHP) and an individualized emergency health care plan (IEHCP). Parents must provide annual written authorization for these plans, which must include allergy symptoms, treatment protocols, activity accommodations, and staff training requirements. The school nurse coordinates all care, ensures staff are trained to recognize and respond to reactions (including during after-school activities), and updates plans annually or as a student's health changes. The bill directly affects students with severe allergies, their parents, school nurses, and all school personnel who interact with these students.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies a requirement that 50% of tourism advertising funds must be spent for advertising outside a municipality. It allows local Tourist Development Commissions to determine their own minimum percentage for outside advertising based on current marketing practices. The change adjusts the rule to reflect modern advertising methods that weren't available when the original law was enacted in 1982. This gives commissions flexibility to allocate funds more effectively for attracting tourists to their communities.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 652) updates laws around public disorder by broadening the definition of "riot" to include actions like using weapons or causing property damage during gatherings of five or more people. It increases penalties for damaging public monuments (making it a fourth-degree crime during riots) and creates a new offense for promoting violent, disorderly assemblies. The bill directly affects individuals engaging in disruptive behavior at public events, including protests or gatherings near monuments, schools, or public venues. Key changes clarify that refusing to disperse after an official order or causing injury during a riot now carries stricter penalties under existing assault and disorderly conduct statutes.

Maddy summaryS 160 requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to issue only one license plate per vehicle for most cars and motorcycles, replacing the current requirement of two plates (front and rear). It directly affects all New Jersey vehicle owners who register cars or motorcycles, allowing those currently issued two plates to return one to the MVC and display a single plate on the rear. The bill amends existing law to remove the front plate requirement and specifies that the single plate must be clearly visible on the rear, while maintaining current visibility rules. This change applies to new registrations and existing owners who return a second plate under the transition provision.

Maddy summarySCR 36 proposes a constitutional amendment to guarantee New Jersey registered voters the right to vote in person at their local polling place on election day. It also requires voters to submit a written request before receiving a mail-in ballot, preventing automatic mail-in ballot distribution to all voters. The amendment would bar the state legislature or governor from passing laws or issuing orders that limit in-person voting for those who wish to vote that way or automatically send mail-in ballots to all registered voters. This change would take effect only if approved by voters in the next general election following its submission.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate Resolution (SR 32), not a binding law. It expresses New Jersey's strong support for Israel and recognizes Israel's right to use "decisive force" in self-defense against attacks from Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The resolution calls on these groups to cease violence and dismantle their infrastructure, expresses condolences for civilian casualties on both sides, and urges other U.S. states to adopt similar positions. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new policies or affect individuals directly; it serves only as a formal statement of legislative support.

Maddy summaryS 927 allows New Jersey volunteer firefighters and first aid/rescue squad members to claim a $5,000 state income tax deduction if they meet specific service requirements. To qualify, firefighters must perform 60% of fire duty (e.g., 400 duty hours annually with ≤50% for drills) and hold Firefighter I certification, while rescue members must perform 10% of rescue duty (e.g., 400 hours or 10% alarm attendance) and complete approved training or hold EMT certification. Volunteers must serve the entire tax year, and departments must verify eligibility by submitting annual lists to state health and community affairs agencies by March 31. The deduction is limited to $5,000 per year and requires submission of proof with tax returns.