Sen. Angela McKnight

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's electric utilities to create special pricing rules (tariffs) for data centers within 180 days of the law taking effect. The tariffs must protect regular electricity customers (non-data center ratepayers) from cost increases caused by data centers' high energy use. Utilities must also design tariffs to encourage data centers to improve energy efficiency, including using technologies that capture and reuse waste heat. The Board of Public Utilities will review and approve these tariffs, and utilities must implement them for all data centers in their service area one year after the law passes.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's voter registration process by integrating it directly into Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) services. It allows residents to register to vote when applying for or renewing a driver's license at an MVC office, requiring the MVC to transmit registration details to the state's voter system. The bill also expands automatic voter registration to other state agencies (like the Medical Assistance and Health Services Program), which will automatically send eligibility information for voter registration (with an opt-out option) when individuals apply for services. These changes directly affect New Jersey residents interacting with MVC or participating in state social services programs, aiming to increase registration rates through routine state agency visits.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Garden State Preservation Trust to conduct a comprehensive audit of New Jersey's land preservation programs, including Green Acres, Blue Acres, farmland preservation, and historic property preservation. The audit must identify inefficiencies and recommend fund reallocations. It authorizes local governments and nonprofit organizations using constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for farmland preservation to use up to 3% of the value of development easements or fee simple titles for administrative expenses. The bill also requires unspent funds allocated to local governments for farmland preservation to be returned to the Preserve New Jersey Farmland Preservation Fund after 18 months if not committed to an active project. It appropriates $150,000 from the General Fund to support the audit implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 2373 (the "New Jersey First Responders PTSD Protection Act"), protects paid first responders (including police, firefighters, EMTs, and 911 dispatchers) who are diagnosed with work-related PTSD. It prohibits public employers from firing, harassing, or discriminating against these employees for taking leave related to a PTSD diagnosis verified by a licensed medical professional. Employers must reinstate employees to their prior roles after medical clearance and face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation if they retaliate. The law applies only when PTSD arises from trauma directly tied to job duties, such as witnessing incidents or experiencing vicarious trauma while performing official responsibilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies to automatically enroll people receiving certain federal and state assistance programs into energy assistance programs. It targets recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Work First New Jersey, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. The Department of Human Services must share recipient data with the Department of Community Affairs and the Board of Public Utilities, who then automatically enroll eligible individuals into utility bill payment assistance or energy efficiency programs they qualify for. This eliminates the need for separate applications for these specific groups, streamlining access to energy cost help.

Maddy summaryThis bill codifies New Jersey's Attorney General guidelines for investigating bias incidents into law. It requires all county and municipal law enforcement agencies to report suspected or confirmed bias incidents through the Electronic Uniform Crime Reporting system within 24 hours of initial response. The bill also mandates immediate notification to the Bias Crime Unit and county prosecutor in cases involving homicide, aggravated assault, hate group perpetrators, or potential large-scale public unrest. Additionally, it establishes specific criteria for confirming bias incidents and requires law enforcement agencies to develop written policies, provide officer training, and update investigation protocols for bias-related incidents.

Maddy summaryS 2961 requires contractors working on New Jersey public works projects (funded by public money) to certify that each employee meets one of three minimum qualifications: a high school diploma or GED, enrollment in an equivalent apprenticeship program, or four years of documented trade work experience verified by tax filings. Contractors must submit this certification as part of their registration with the state, alongside other required documentation like business details and insurance proof. Non-compliance could lead to denial, suspension, or revocation of the contractor’s public works registration. The bill directly affects contractors bidding on public projects and the workers they employ on those projects.

Maddy summaryS 4219 amends New Jersey's local payroll tax law to clarify reporting requirements for employers in municipalities that impose such taxes. It requires employers to submit quarterly payroll reports by specific deadlines (April, July, October, January), maintain confidentiality of employee tax information, and pay interest on overdue taxes (capped at 8% for the first $1,500 and 18% above that). The bill also prevents double taxation by exempting New Jersey payroll tax for employees whose services are performed out-of-state and subject to another state’s tax, requiring employers to submit documentation to verify this. These changes directly affect employers operating in New Jersey municipalities with local payroll taxes and ensure consistent administration of tax collection.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to restart the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation (REEM) program using remaining uncommitted funds. It directly affects homeowners still recovering from Superstorm Sandy who have unmet rebuilding needs, as defined under existing law (P.L.2015, c.102). The key mechanism allows the DCA to accept new grant applications to provide financial assistance for recovery and rebuilding, leveraging funds that were previously allocated but not yet distributed. The bill mandates this action only if sufficient uncommitted funds remain, ensuring no new appropriations are required. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to establish and regularly update guidelines for investigating bias incidents (such as hate crimes based on race, religion, or sexual orientation). It mandates that local police and prosecutors report confirmed or suspected bias incidents to the state within 24 hours, notify the Attorney General for serious cases (like homicides or organized hate groups), and follow specific investigation procedures. The guidelines also require law enforcement training on identifying bias incidents, ensure victims receive referrals to civil rights offices, and set standards for notifying state agencies like the Division of Criminal Justice. The bill directly affects county/municipal law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and state offices handling bias incident investigations.