Sen. Raj Mukherji

Maddy summaryS 2916 updates eligibility rules for New Jersey's Aspire Program, which provides tax credits to support economic development. It specifically affects developers of large commercial projects (100,000+ square feet) in designated areas, including "distressed" or "enhanced" municipalities. The bill requires such projects to undergo a "net neutral benefits test" if they incur sustainability or resiliency costs (e.g., for green buildings), ensuring these expenses don't reduce overall community benefits like affordable housing or local hiring. This test must verify that project costs don't diminish the net positive impact on the community compared to a non-sustainable approach.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 2948) requires insurers to provide clear timelines and options for annuity owners when requesting to surrender funds or convert a matured annuity into guaranteed income payments. Specifically, it mandates that insurers must disburse funds within 10 business days of a surrender request, and give owners 90 calendar days from an annuity’s maturity date to request annuitization (conversion to income payments) if the annuity automatically renews. The bill also requires insurers to offer electronic fund disbursement and allow requests with bank-verified signatures. These requirements apply to most annuities sold to New Jersey residents, with limited exceptions, and ensure interest continues accruing during processing.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 190) establishes safety requirements for railroads transporting hazardous materials in New Jersey. It directly affects railroad companies operating "dangerous hazardous trains" - defined as trains carrying large volumes of petroleum (200,000+ gallons) or hazardous substances (20,000+ gallons), including specific chemicals like anhydrous ammonia or flammable liquids. Key provisions require a minimum of two crew members on these trains (with limited exceptions for maintenance or tourist operations), and prohibit trains exceeding 8,500 feet in length on main or branch rail lines. The bill was introduced in 2026 but withdrawn after being enacted as part of P.L.2025, c.300, meaning these safety rules are now law.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1447 establishes a state heat stress safety standard and prevention program for workers. It requires employers across all industries (including agriculture, construction, and indoor settings without climate control) to implement written heat safety plans by June 1, 2025. Key provisions include providing potable water under 59°F, mandatory rest breaks in shaded/cool areas, heat exposure monitoring, emergency response protocols, and heat alert systems for forecasted heatwaves. The law mandates employer-developed plans to prevent heat-related illness, requiring worker input and language accessibility for non-English speakers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies to provide small employers with at least 90 days' written notice before canceling or refusing to renew their stop loss insurance policies. Stop loss insurance protects small employers from unexpectedly high medical costs in self-funded health plans for their employees. The notice must be in a specific format set by the state insurance regulator, and the rule applies to policies issued or renewed 90 days after the bill becomes law. It directly affects small employers using self-funded health plans and their insurance providers in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 1656, provides New Jersey employers with a tax credit for hiring individuals with disabilities. Employers can claim a 15% credit on wages paid to qualifying employees (meeting ADA standards, working ≥35 hours/week at ≥$15/hour), capped at $2,000 per employee annually for both corporation business tax and gross income tax. To qualify, employers must apply for certification through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, which must approve applications within 90 days or the application is deemed approved. The credit directly affects New Jersey businesses that hire eligible workers with disabilities, reducing their state tax liability while promoting inclusive employment.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill S 2355 expands eligibility for Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO) payments to victims of motor vehicle crashes resulting in death or requiring ambulance removal from the scene. It adds these crashes to the list of qualifying incidents under the existing "Criminal Injuries Compensation Act," allowing victims to access compensation for medical bills, counseling, lost wages, and funeral costs. The bill also establishes a "Traffic Crash Victim’s Bill of Rights," granting victims free access to crash reports and evidence, notification of court proceedings, employer leave for related hearings, protection from intimidation by the other driver, and clear information about their rights and compensation options. These changes apply directly to crash victims and their families, not to the drivers involved in the accidents. The bill is pending in the Senate Transportation Committee after its January 2026 introduction.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires businesses in New Jersey's financial, essential infrastructure (like utilities), and healthcare sectors to create cybersecurity plans and report certain incidents. Specifically, "sensitive businesses" must develop programs following industry standards (such as NIST frameworks), identify a cybersecurity lead, conduct risk assessments, and submit annual compliance certifications. They must also report incidents affecting billing systems, data privacy, or industrial control systems (e.g., power grid operations) to the New Jersey Cybersecurity Cell. The bill applies only to covered businesses operating in New Jersey and does not create new penalties for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a statewide mobile crisis response system for adults with disabilities experiencing behavioral health emergencies. It requires mobile teams of mental health professionals to provide 72-hour in-home crisis response, including temporary stabilization at short-term centers if needed, followed by up to eight weeks of ongoing support through personalized stabilization plans. The law directly affects adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities or mental illness in crisis, ensuring 24/7 access to emergency stabilization services without requiring hospitalization. Key provisions include mandating certified mobile teams, defining crisis response timelines, and creating individualized crisis stabilization plans to address immediate dangers and prevent future crises.

Maddy summaryS 2931 establishes rules for on-demand micro transit programs in New Jersey, which are technology-enabled shared rides (via app or phone) that pick up and drop off users at selected locations. It directly affects NJ Transit, county transit agencies, and other operators by requiring them to: pay drivers fairly (matching existing wages/benefits), serve transit deserts without replacing existing routes, provide non-smartphone access, ensure disability accessibility, and report monthly data (cost per ride, wait times, etc.) for publicly funded programs. The bill creates a Micro Transit Oversight Committee to certify programs meet these standards before operation. Key mechanisms include mandatory driver licensing, prohibitions on replacing existing transit, and data transparency requirements for public funding.