Sen. Raj Mukherji

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2947) allows School Development Authority (SDA) districts in New Jersey to receive state debt service aid for eligible costs of school facilities projects. Specifically, it expands existing aid to cover debt service payments (principal and interest on bonds) for approved school construction, renovation, or modernization projects in SDA districts. The aid would apply to projects meeting state facilities efficiency standards, with districts only responsible for "excess costs" beyond the state-covered amount. This directly affects high-need SDA districts by reducing their financial burden for critical school infrastructure improvements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) and South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) to create and maintain a user-friendly online payment system for toll fees and fines collected through New Jersey's E-ZPass system. The system must be easy to use, accessible to all users, minimize technical errors, and include a live chat feature for assistance. Both authorities must regularly update the system and ensure any contracted vendors comply with these standards, including conducting annual performance audits. The bill directly affects E-ZPass users in New Jersey by improving their ability to pay tolls online.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes mandatory minimum prison sentences for certain non-violent drug offenses in New Jersey, specifically targeting cases involving Schedule I/II drugs (like methamphetamine, heroin, or cocaine) where the offense is not violent. It directly affects individuals convicted of drug distribution or possession under amended sections of the criminal code (2C:35-3, 2C:35-4, 2C:35-5) who would have previously faced fixed minimum prison terms. The key provision gives judges sentencing discretion instead of requiring a minimum term of one-third to one-half of the sentence without parole eligibility. The bill applies only to non-violent drug crimes, preserving mandatory minimums for violent offenses or trafficking networks. (Introduced January 2026; pending in Senate Judiciary Committee.)

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a rebate program for residents and businesses purchasing zero-emission lawn equipment, such as electric mowers or leaf blowers. Rebates are calculated as 25% of the purchase price, capped at $50 for equipment under $250, $100 for $250-$500 models, and $150 for equipment over $500. The program will be funded using the societal benefits charge, and the BPU must advertise rebates similarly to existing clean energy incentives. The bill requires the BPU to consider environmental benefits of reducing gas-powered equipment use but does not mandate specific participation or outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 2889 ("The Desegregate New Jersey Act"), requires New Jersey municipalities to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - secondary living spaces on single-family lots - and mixed-use developments (combining residential and commercial spaces) in areas currently zoned only for single-family homes. It directly affects municipalities (by changing zoning rules) and homeowners (by allowing ADUs without triggering affordable housing quotas). Key provisions ban restrictions like mandatory passageways between units, parking fees for ADUs, or age requirements for occupants, and set a 65-day deadline for permit decisions. Municipalities failing to update zoning by June 2022 must follow these rules until compliance, removing barriers to denser, more diverse housing options.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies to make a good faith effort to use certified minority and women-owned businesses as direct contractors and subcontractors. It mandates agencies to set annual goals for increasing their use of these businesses across construction, professional services, and goods/services sectors, based on findings from a 2024 disparity study showing they received only 4% of construction contracts and 15% of professional services contracts. Agencies must develop goals consistent with a new statewide disparity study, to be completed by 2029, which will analyze participation gaps and inform future procurement policies. The law directly affects state agencies and certified minority/women-owned businesses by requiring proactive efforts to address historical underutilization in state contracting.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's electric public utilities to create and implement grid modernization plans within one year. The plans must address projects like improving storm resilience, integrating renewable energy, and meeting climate goals, with cost estimates and timelines. Utilities can recover implementation costs through rate adjustments, while a new $300 million Grid Modernization Ratepayer Relief Fund will provide financial assistance to customers facing rate increases. The Board of Public Utilities reviews and approves these plans, ensuring they align with state climate objectives and cost-effectiveness. The bill directly affects all electric utilities operating in New Jersey and their ratepayers.

Maddy summaryS 1203 requires New Jersey's Department of Education (DOE) and Department of Children and Families (DCF) to create online systems for schools and child care centers to electronically submit lead testing results for drinking water. Schools and child care centers already required to test for lead (since 2016 for schools, 2017 for child care) must submit their results via these systems within 90 days of the systems' launch, with all data made publicly searchable online. The bill also mandates that DOE and DCF jointly prepare a report within two years detailing lead contamination levels, remediation needs, and state assistance recommendations. This bill directly affects schools and child care centers that conduct lead testing, aiming to improve transparency and inform remediation efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1397) revises New Jersey's workers' compensation law to change how employer-provided board and lodging is valued when calculating benefits. Currently valued at a fixed $25 per week, the bill would instead require the market value of such housing to be used (unless a different amount was agreed upon at hiring), except during periods of total temporary disability when the value is excluded from calculations. It directly affects workers receiving compensation who receive housing from their employer. The bill was withdrawn after being incorporated into P.L.2025, c.212, meaning the changes are now part of state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes the "Virtual Currency Kiosk Consumer Protection Act" to regulate virtual currency kiosks in New Jersey. It requires kiosk operators to clearly disclose material risks to consumers - including that virtual currency isn’t legal tender, government-backed, or protected by federal insurance - before any transaction. The law also standardizes operator disclosures and safety requirements, aligning with federal laws like the Bank Secrecy Act. It affects both kiosk operators (who must comply with reporting and disclosure rules) and consumers using these services, though the bill remains pending in the Senate Commerce Committee.