Sen. Raj Mukherji

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the list of transportation infrastructure projects eligible to receive loans from New Jersey's Infrastructure Bank for Fiscal Year 2025. It adjusts which projects qualify, changes their priority order, and modifies the allowable loan amounts for specific projects. The bill authorizes the bank to expend up to $61.4 million (an increase from $53.8 million) for these projects, which include bridge repairs, road improvements, pedestrian bridges, and trail projects across various municipalities. Local government units, including cities, counties, and townships, would be directly affected as they apply for these loans to finance transportation infrastructure projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for New Jersey's homestead property tax reimbursement program to include disabled individuals receiving disability payments under the federal Railroad Retirement Act. Previously, only those receiving disability payments under the Social Security Act qualified. The amendment adds Railroad Retirement Act recipients to the definition of "disabled person" in the law, allowing them to claim the reimbursement if they meet other standard requirements like income limits and residency. This change directly affects disabled railroad workers who previously could not access this property tax relief.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 121 urges major generative artificial intelligence companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google to voluntarily adopt policies protecting employees who report safety risks. It calls for companies to stop using confidentiality agreements that block criticism of risk-related concerns, create anonymous reporting channels for employees to contact leadership or regulators, and provide protection from legal action or account suspension during safety testing. The resolution is non-binding, meaning it does not require companies to comply but seeks to encourage adoption of these practices to improve transparency. This aims to empower workers to raise safety concerns without fear of retaliation, addressing gaps in current whistleblower protections for AI employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale of cosmetic and personal care products (like shampoos, soaps, and bath gels) containing 1,4-dioxane above specific trace levels in New Jersey, effective one year after enactment. It sets a maximum limit of 10 parts per million for cosmetics and initially 2 parts per million for personal care products (dropping to 1 part per million after two years), with the state environmental agency establishing and reviewing these limits. Manufacturers may apply for temporary one-year waivers (up to two years total) if they are actively reducing 1,4-dioxane but cannot meet the standards immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "New Jersey Target Zero Commission" within the Department of Transportation, consisting of 13 state agency representatives (including Transportation, Health, and Public Safety officials). The commission’s primary duty is to develop a statewide action plan by 2040 aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries through engineering, education, and enforcement strategies focused on equitable road safety for all users. Key mechanisms include creating a public data portal for crash statistics, requiring annual public hearings and reports to the Governor and Legislature, and advising on policy changes to support safer transportation infrastructure. The commission must adopt its action plan within 12 months of the bill’s effective date and host public feedback sessions before finalizing it. This is a procedural bill creating a study body, not a direct policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "New Jersey Target Zero Commission" within the Department of Transportation to develop strategies for eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2040. The 13-member commission - including agency heads from transportation, public safety, health, and environmental departments - will create a statewide action plan, promote data transparency through a public safety portal, and advise state and local governments on equitable road safety improvements. It requires annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature on progress, including traffic crash data and demographic information. The commission focuses on "safe system approach" strategies like roadway design, speed management, and expanding accessible transportation options for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and people with disabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the list of transportation infrastructure projects eligible for loans from the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for Fiscal Year 2025. It adds new projects, removes some existing ones, and adjusts the priority and estimated loan amounts for various transportation projects across New Jersey municipalities, including bridge replacements, road improvements, and pedestrian trail projects. The bill increases the total funding authorization for these projects from $53,883,706 to $61,400,000. Local government units seeking loans for transportation infrastructure construction will be affected by these changes to the eligibility list and funding amounts. The New Jersey Infrastructure Bank will now have updated parameters for issuing loans under the Transportation Infrastructure Financing Program.

Maddy summaryS 1981 (New Jersey Senate Bill) expands who can administer flu and COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies. It permits pharmacists, pharmacy interns, externs, and technicians to give these vaccines to patients aged 5 and older (with parental consent for those under 18), under specific conditions. Key provisions require staff to be properly trained, work under a licensed pharmacist's direct supervision, and report all vaccinations to the state immunization system. This bill directly affects pharmacy staff and patients seeking convenient vaccine access without a separate doctor’s appointment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a New Jersey tax credit for eligible residents to offset costs of medical insurance premiums and deductibles. It applies to individuals earning under $65,000 annually (or couples under $130,000 filing jointly), with the credit amount calculated as total medical costs minus 8.5% of their gross income. Taxpayers cannot claim this credit for expenses already deducted under existing tax rules. The state must also advertise this credit to encourage regular medical visits.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 3986) requires building owners with cooling towers to register them with the Department of Health, conduct quarterly inspections and microbial testing, and clean/disinfect towers per specific timelines. It directly affects owners of buildings containing cooling towers (used in HVAC or industrial systems), mandating registration within 30 days for existing towers, annual certification by November 1, and immediate action for high-risk microbial levels (within 24-48 hours). Key provisions include maintaining 3-year records, using qualified personnel for maintenance, and facing civil penalties up to $10,000 for violations that cause harm. The bill aims to prevent Legionnaires' disease outbreaks by ensuring cooling towers are properly maintained to reduce microbial contamination risks.