Sen. Angela McKnight

Maddy summaryS 1659 requires construction permit applicants in New Jersey to disclose the anticipated funding sources and amounts for their projects. This applies to most construction projects, but excludes single-family homes, dwelling unit renovations/repairs, and small-scale alterations (e.g., to buildings with fewer than three units). Applicants must provide this funding information when applying for a permit and update it before receiving a certificate of occupancy. The bill directs the Commissioner of Community Affairs to create implementing rules within 180 days of enactment. It does not apply to residential renovations or single-family home projects as defined in the bill.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires stores authorized to accept SNAP benefits in New Jersey to install security features on their payment terminals to prevent card skimming, a fraud method that steals data from payment cards. Starting in January 2027, the state Department of Human Services will have the power to inspect these retailers to ensure they are following the new safety rules. If a store violates the law, it faces fines ranging from $1,000 for a first offense up to $5,000 for each subsequent violation, and a retailer could be banned from the SNAP program after four or more infractions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that forensic evidence collected during sexual assault investigations in New Jersey be kept for at least 10 years, extending to 10 years after a minor victim turns 18. It applies to various custodians, including law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, courts, and healthcare facilities, and mandates that they notify victims within 30 days of collection that the evidence may be discarded after the preservation period. The law also allows county prosecutors or the Division of Criminal Justice to authorize destruction after the deadline, provided they offer the Division a chance to take custody of the items. By updating current guidelines that previously required only five years of retention, the legislation aims to ensure evidence remains available for potential future use.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill authorizes the Motor Vehicle Commission to issue special Juneteenth commemorative license plates to vehicle owners who apply for them. The plates will feature a specific design and slogan selected in consultation with the New Jersey Historical Commission, and applicants must pay a $50 fee plus an annual $10 renewal fee. All money collected from these fees will be placed in a special fund to support Juneteenth celebrations and programs managed by the Historical Commission, while a portion of the initial fees covers the cost of designing and producing the plates. If the cost to produce the plates exceeds the application fee for two years in a row, the program could be discontinued.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits wearable technology companies in New Jersey from selling or offering to sell consumers' health information without their express written consent. It defines "wearable technology" as devices worn on the body that track physical activities and health metrics, such as heart rate and sleep patterns, and applies to any company that develops or sells these devices. The law requires companies to obtain clear, written permission before monetizing data related to a user's past, present, or future physical or mental health condition. By adding this specific restriction to existing privacy statutes, the legislation aims to give individuals greater control over how their personal health data is used by device manufacturers.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a New Jersey gross income tax credit for volunteer first responders who pay for child care services. To qualify, a volunteer firefighter or member of an emergency, ambulance, or rescue squad must complete at least 150 hours of official work or training in a tax year. Eligible taxpayers can claim a credit equal to 50 percent of their child care expenses, with a maximum benefit of $5,000 per year. The legislation requires individuals to submit documentation proving both their volunteer service hours and the costs incurred for care.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health club service contracts in New Jersey to include specific clauses outlining procedures for cancelling memberships during an infectious disease outbreak. The key provision mandates that contracts must explicitly state how members can terminate their agreements if the facility closes or restricts access due to a public health emergency. Under these rules, the health club would be allowed to retain a portion of the payment covering services already used, along with a capped amount for administrative expenses. This change directly affects consumers who purchase gym memberships and the facilities that sell them, ensuring clearer terms for unexpected closures.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires water utilities in New Jersey to send written notice to property owners and tenants within 30 days if a water meter stops registering. It prohibits these utilities from placing, selling, or enforcing liens for unpaid water charges during the period when the faulty meter was not working unless they have provided this specific notification. The law applies to both municipal and public water utilities and mandates that notices be sent via individual service or certified mail to the owner, their representatives, and affected residential customers. Utilities that fail to comply with these notice requirements face a civil penalty of at least $2,500 for each violation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 16-member Task Force on Student Mental Health to study how New Jersey public schools can better support students facing issues like depression, anxiety, and trauma. The group will include representatives from the state education and mental health departments, elected officials, educators, parents, and other school staff who will meet to review current services and compare them with successful programs in other states. After organizing within 30 days, the task force must submit a final report with its findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within one year, after which the group will dissolve.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the New Jersey Dialysis Patient Support Person Accommodation Act, requires licensed dialysis centers to allow patients to bring a designated support person during their treatment. The support person is permitted to assist with communication, mobility, and decision-making as needed, though centers may enforce reasonable health and safety rules that do not unreasonably block access. Facilities must create and display written policies on this access, train their staff on the new requirements, and allow patients to file complaints with the Department of Health if they are denied a support person.