Sen. Raj Mukherji

Maddy summaryS 2959 requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services to reformat the MyNJHelps platform into a single online hub for all state public assistance programs within 365 days. It mandates a unified application system allowing low-income residents to access, apply for, and track status for benefits like food assistance (SNAP), healthcare (NJFamilyCare), housing, and cash aid through one portal. The bill maintains existing agency management of programs while requiring data-sharing agreements between agencies to enable eligibility checks and status updates through the centralized platform. This change aims to simplify access for applicants without altering how individual programs are administered.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to include voter education in the 12th-grade social studies curriculum as part of the state's Student Learning Standards. It mandates teaching students about voting importance, eligibility and registration processes, and how to locate polling places or request absentee ballots. School districts must incorporate this content directly into their existing curriculum, with optional collaboration between schools and local election officials to develop materials or provide registration forms. The law applies to all public high schools and takes effect immediately upon enactment for the first full school year after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows municipalities to approve converting vacant or underused office parks and retail centers into mixed-use developments (combining housing, shops, and services) without requiring special zoning variances. It applies to properties meeting specific criteria: at least 50,000 sq ft for office parks or 15,000 sq ft for retail centers with 25%+ vacancy for 18+ months, plus evidence of active marketing efforts. Key requirements include dedicating at least 20% of new housing units to affordable tiers (with 50% low-income and 13% very-low income), ensuring multiple non-industrial uses, and complying with existing mixed-use zoning standards. The bill directly affects developers, property owners, and local planning boards by streamlining approvals for repurposing declining commercial properties.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates June of each year as "LGBTQIA+ Pride Month" in New Jersey to recognize all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, including those identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and nonbinary. It requires the Governor to annually issue a proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the month with activities and programs. The bill takes immediate effect and does not create new regulations or funding, serving as a symbolic recognition of the community's contributions and commitment to inclusion.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes statewide rent control in New Jersey, directly affecting landlords and tenants of residential rental units. It limits rent increases to a maximum of two percent in a single year or four percent over a five-year period for current tenants, while allowing a one-time increase of up to ten percent for new tenancies. The law includes specific exceptions for properties already under existing affordability programs and provides a mechanism for landlords to request waivers if they can prove an undue hardship, such as rising taxes or maintenance costs. Violations of these limits would result in penalties paid to the tenant, and the act takes effect immediately but remains inactive until the seventh month following its enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires large artificial intelligence developers with users in New Jersey to submit annual safety reports to the state Attorney General. Specifically, companies that use massive computing power to train advanced AI models and generate over $100 million in revenue must disclose their protocols for preventing catastrophic harm, such as the creation of illegal weapons or the loss of control over the system. The legislation defines "catastrophic harm" as incidents causing significant injury, death, or property damage, and mandates that developers implement specific technical and organizational measures to assess and reduce these risks. By enforcing these disclosure requirements, the bill aims to increase transparency regarding how major AI providers manage safety and potential dangers within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey laws to clarify how telehealth and telemedicine can be used for prescribing certain Schedule II drugs to treat adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It allows licensed healthcare providers to remotely prescribe these medications if they have established a proper relationship with the patient and can meet the same standard of care as an in-person visit. The legislation also ensures patients are informed about whether their provider is a physician, receive clear contact information, and have their medical records properly updated and shared with other doctors. Additionally, it requires providers to assist patients in finding in-person care or primary care providers when necessary.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill increases the state gross income tax deduction for veterans from $6,000 to $9,000. To qualify, individuals must have been honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances from active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, reserve components, or the New Jersey National Guard. The legislation also mandates that the $9,000 deduction amount be adjusted annually for inflation starting in tax year 2027 based on the Chained Consumer Price Index. These changes apply to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThe Hotel Franchisee Fairness and Market Access Act aims to protect hotel franchisees in New Jersey from restrictive practices imposed by brand owners. It prohibits franchisors from forcing franchisees to buy non-essential goods, mandates transparency regarding vendor rebates, and requires compensation for stays booked through loyalty programs. The bill also restricts the opening of competing hotels within a franchisee's protected territory and limits unilateral changes to contracts unless they relate to health or safety. These provisions are designed to ensure fairer business conditions while maintaining necessary brand standards for guest safety and quality.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies that run public advertising bids to reserve at least 30% of their advertising budget for eligible local news organizations. The legislation defines eligible news outlets as those that produce original local content, maintain editorial independence, and meet specific operational standards such as staffing levels and financial transparency. By setting aside a portion of advertising revenue, the bill aims to support local journalism while preserving the editorial freedom of news organizations. The measure applies to all state departments and agencies that currently advertise bid solicitations under existing procurement laws.