Sen. Raj Mukherji

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces the maximum amount that New Jersey municipalities and counties can divert from stormwater, water, and sewer utility funds to general budgets, lowering the limit from 5% to 3% of the utility's annual operating costs. It applies to funds collected by utilities (like stormwater systems) and unspent funds held by water/sewer authorities. The bill also requires local governments to provide written notice to the Division of Local Government Services whenever they transfer or appropriate these funds. This changes existing law by tightening restrictions on fund diversions while adding a notification requirement.

Maddy summaryS 1163 would authorize Hoboken City to establish a new urban enterprise zone. Businesses operating within this zone could qualify for tax incentives, including reduced sales tax collection, to stimulate economic development. To qualify, businesses must meet criteria like hiring local residents or meeting low-income employment targets, and maintain current tax obligations. This designation aims to boost job growth and business investment in Hoboken's designated area through targeted economic development programs.

Maddy summaryS 1150, "Chloe's Pet Access Law," allows dogs in restaurant outdoor dining areas under specific conditions, directly affecting restaurant owners (who must opt-in) and dog owners. It requires separate pet entrances, prohibits dogs from touching furniture, mandates disposable food/water containers, and requires cleaning after contamination. The bill formalizes existing rules for animals in food establishments (like service animals in indoor areas) while adding new outdoor dining requirements. Key provisions include employee handwashing after accidental dog contact and strict sanitation protocols for outdoor spaces.

Maddy summaryS 1149 requires New Jersey municipalities, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Department of Transportation (DOT), and Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to give priority consideration to permit applications for qualifying green building projects. To qualify, projects must meet holistic sustainability standards (like LEED certification or ASHRAE/ANSI standards) covering site, water, energy, and resource efficiency, and must include a letter from a licensed architect or engineer verifying compliance. This applies to all permit reviews under the Municipal Land Use Law and agency-specific processes, but does not guarantee approval - only prioritized review where feasible. The bill directly affects developers seeking permits for certified green buildings and the agencies reviewing those applications.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey's licensing rules for craft distilleries. It increases their allowed production volume, removes the requirement for visitors to take a tour to consume alcohol on-site, and permits distilleries to sell snacks (like food items) at their facilities. These changes directly affect licensed craft distilleries operating under the current "limited brewery license" classification. The bill updates Section 33:1-10 of New Jersey law to reflect these specific policy adjustments to distillery operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities and school boards to adopt ranked-choice voting for local elections through a voter referendum or petition. It permits communities to choose this voting method for non-primary elections for mayor, municipal council, or school board positions, requiring a petition signed by at least 10% of voters from the last General Assembly election. The bill specifies two counting methods: instant runoff for single-winner races (like mayor) and single transferable vote for multi-winner races (like council seats). Implementation requires local governing bodies to submit the change for voter approval via ballot, with the state Division of Elections providing implementation guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey dental insurance carriers from including waiting periods in new or renewed dental plans. It directly affects dental insurance companies operating in New Jersey and the people enrolled in their plans, preventing delays in coverage for certain dental services. The key provision bans any plan provision that delays a covered person's eligibility to receive specific dental benefits. This policy change takes effect 30 days after enactment, applying to all dental plans issued or renewed after that date. The law ensures immediate access to covered dental services without initial waiting periods for new enrollees.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires websites that primarily distribute third-party music or video content (like streaming services or platforms hosting user-uploaded audiovisual works) to clearly display their business name, physical address, phone number, and email address in easily accessible locations (such as "About" or "Contact" pages) for New Jersey consumers. It mandates that these sites must make this information visible before users engage with the content. If a site fails to comply, copyright holders can file a lawsuit after giving the site 14 days to fix the issue, with the winning party entitled to legal fees. The law does not apply to hosting services or internet providers that merely transmit content, focusing solely on the websites directly distributing the works.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state parks, counties, and municipalities to annually inspect public park water bodies for duckweed (a small aquatic plant that appears as a solid surface but is dangerous to walk on) and post clear warning signs if detected. It mandates the Department of Environmental Protection to develop educational materials about duckweed identification and provide standardized warning signs to local governments. The law applies directly to all public parks managed by state agencies, counties, or municipalities across New Jersey. Key provisions include mandatory annual inspections, standardized signage, and centralized distribution of educational resources to prevent accidents.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1585 establishes ranked-choice voting for statewide and federal elections, including races for Governor, State Senate, General Assembly, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House, as well as presidential primaries and general elections. Voters would rank candidates in order of preference on ballots (with a minimum of six rankings allowed), and ballots would be counted in rounds: candidates needing 50%+1 votes win immediately in single-winner races, while multi-winner Assembly races use a 33%+1 threshold with vote transfers. The bill requires ballot design accommodating rankings and mandates implementation after voting machines are certified for ranked-choice use, with Governor elections requiring a separate constitutional amendment approved by voters. This directly affects all voters participating in these elections across New Jersey.