Sen. Raj Mukherji

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3014 requires qualifying public golf courses (defined as 18-hole courses open to the public, excluding 9-hole or miniature courses) to maintain an automated external defibrillator (AED). Owners must acquire and store an AED in an accessible location, ensure it is tested and maintained, notify emergency services of its location, and train at least one employee on-site during business hours with current AED/CPR certification. Violations incur civil penalties starting at $250 for the first offense, with the course owner liable for costs. The law aims to improve emergency response at these facilities while providing immunity for properly maintained AEDs.

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 New Jersey county welfare agencies to provide free financial planning services to clients upon request during business hours, delivered by qualified staff. If staff isn't available, agencies must direct clients to the state's free online platform (NJ FinLit) or a successor platform. Agencies must also promote both in-person services and the online platform on their websites and in physical offices. The bill appropriates funds from the General Fund to cover implementation costs and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryS 1370 requires that all new flooring installed in schools (K-12 public or private) and licensed child care centers must be certified by the manufacturer as mercury-free before a construction permit can be issued. This applies to any new construction, repair, or upgrade of flooring in these facilities. Manufacturers falsely claiming mercury-free flooring face civil penalties of $10,000 for a first offense and $25,000 for repeat violations. The bill takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill mandates that all health insurance plans cover the cost of genetic testing for individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The law applies to hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health service corporations, and individual policies issued or renewed in the state after the effective date. Under the new rule, insurers must treat these genetic tests the same as any other medical condition, ensuring they are covered without additional restrictions. The legislation defines genetic testing broadly to include tests that analyze DNA, RNA, chromosomes, or proteins to identify mutations that guide treatment and monitoring.

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 allows employees of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to take paid leave when performing military duties or attending required military training. It covers all types of workers, including full-time, part-time, temporary, and probationary staff, ensuring they do not lose seniority, vacation time, or promotion opportunities while on leave. Employees will receive their regular pay for up to 30 days or 22 working days in a calendar year for active duty, with additional provisions for those serving in combat zones to access healthcare services. The legislation also ensures that pension contributions continue during military leave, with options for employees to make up any shortfall in payments.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits businesses from advertising discounts based on fake previous prices under the state's consumer fraud laws. It defines a price as fictitious if it cannot be proven through sales records from the last 60 days, consistent offering over at least 28 of the previous 90 days, or by showing the price does not exceed the supplier's cost plus standard markup. The law allows consumers who are misled by such false pricing to sue for damages, which must include the price difference and be at least $500 or three times the actual loss, along with court fees.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires the Department of Human Services to create a system that stops funding for substance use disorder treatment and housing once a General Assistance recipient leaves the service. The law authorizes officials to contact providers and beneficiaries to verify when services ended and to demand repayment from any provider who received funds for a client who is no longer receiving care. By mandating immediate cessation of payments upon discharge, the measure aims to prevent the state from paying for services that are no longer being delivered.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that New Jersey's School Ethics Act does not prevent school board members from speaking about matters of public concern, including school-related issues. Specifically, it ensures that board members can express their views through various channels, such as social media, without violating ethical codes. The legislation directly affects members of local school boards by explicitly protecting their right to speak on public topics. It amends existing statutes to remove any ambiguity regarding these speech protections and takes effect immediately upon passage.