Maddy summaryS 431 would require safety certifications for low-speed electric bicycles, motorized bicycles, scooters, and their batteries sold in New Jersey, directly affecting businesses that sell or lease these devices. The bill bans selling lithium-ion batteries made from reconditioned cells (common in unsafe DIY modifications) and mandates that products meet specific safety standards (UL 2849 for bikes, UL 2272 for scooters, UL 2271 for batteries), with certification displayed on the product or packaging. It also requires commercial operators (like bike rental companies) to provide fire safety materials to employees operating these devices. The bill creates a fire risk awareness campaign but focuses on concrete safety requirements for manufacturers and sellers, not outcomes. (Bill S 431, introduced January 13, 2026)
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new licensing and operational standards for residential mental health treatment facilities in New Jersey. It requires these facilities to provide comprehensive 24/7 care consistent with medical guidelines, prohibits retrospective medical necessity reviews, and mandates licensing from the Commissioner of Health. The bill directly affects facilities offering residential mental health care (excluding hospital-based programs or substance use facilities) and the patients they serve. Key provisions include mandatory licensing, location restrictions (banning co-location with substance use facilities), and requiring the commissioner to adopt minimum care standards within 90 days.
Maddy summaryThis bill limits annual rent increases for senior tenants (62+ years old) living in rental housing funded by New Jersey's Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA). It caps rent hikes at the greater of 2% or the local cost-of-living adjustment (based on the Consumer Price Index), preventing increases that outpace fixed incomes. The law applies specifically to "covered dwelling units" (rental units in HMFA-funded properties rented to seniors as their primary residence) and exempts duplexes where landlords live in one unit and existing affordable housing agreements. Tenants can seek legal remedies if landlords violate the cap, including $500 for first offenses.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 604 prohibits state pension and annuity funds from investing in the 200 largest publicly traded fossil fuel companies, ranked by carbon content in their oil, gas, and coal reserves. It requires full divestment from these companies within one year (two years for coal companies), with exceptions allowing temporary reinvestment if fund values drop below 99.5% of their hypothetical value without divestment. The bill mandates annual reports tracking divestment progress and compliance to the Governor, Legislature, and Attorney General. This policy directly affects the state's $100+ billion pension funds and their investment decisions regarding fossil fuel holdings.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires newly constructed hotels and multiple dwellings (like apartment buildings) to install monitored carbon monoxide detectors in every unit. It specifically applies to buildings that already have a monitored fire alarm system (which alerts both occupants locally and the fire department). The bill mandates that these units must also have a "monitored carbon monoxide alarm system," meaning the device sounds a local alert and automatically notifies emergency services if carbon monoxide is detected. This requirement applies to new construction built after the bill's enactment date.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 385) sets new fire safety requirements for new residential buildings in New Jersey using light frame construction (like wood framing) that contain more than two dwelling units. It directly affects developers and contractors building such structures by mandating automatic sprinkler systems, requiring fire barriers (walls stopping fire spread) with at least a two-hour fire-resistance rating extending from foundation to attic, and specifying horizontal separations between units with similar fire-resistance standards. The bill also requires fire watch wardens (qualified firefighters or officials) to monitor construction during non-working hours until final sprinkler inspections are complete, or approved technology to provide equivalent monitoring. Additionally, it limits building height and stories based on whether structural framing is protected from fire.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 349) updates licensing rules for residential substance use treatment facilities. It requires applicants to submit independent financial audits (paid by the applicant) and criminal background checks for owners/principals (denial if fraud/dishonesty convictions are found). Facilities must undergo annual unannounced inspections and file detailed annual reports on incidents like injuries, outbreaks, or staff misconduct. The bill also mandates transparency for funding applications, requiring disclosure of financials, ownership, and staff details to the Department of Health. These changes directly affect facilities seeking or maintaining licenses to operate in New Jersey.
Maddy summaryS 458 establishes the New Jersey Forensic Science Planning Commission, a 23-member body to develop standards for forensic science in the state. The commission includes diverse members such as crime lab directors, judges, defense attorneys, forensic science experts, a statistician, and an individual exonerated of wrongful conviction. It will create plans to improve forensic laboratory practices, address issues like cognitive bias, and ensure quality standards for forensic analysis used in legal cases. This bill directly affects New Jersey’s crime laboratories, forensic analysts, and the criminal justice system by setting a framework for forensic science oversight. The commission is procedural in nature, focusing on planning rather than immediate policy changes.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Department of Early Childhood within New Jersey's Executive Branch to consolidate early childhood services. It transfers specific responsibilities from the Department of Education (covering preschool-through-kindergarten programs like teacher licensing and Title I services) and the Department of Human Services (covering pregnancy-to-age-eight services like child care programs and the First Steps Initiative) to this new department. The bill defines the Commissioner as the head of the department, appointed by the Governor, and outlines the department's authority to manage these transferred programs, develop regulations, and coordinate services. This creates a single state agency responsible for early childhood education and care, directly affecting children aged birth through eight and the agencies currently managing these services.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for drivers who flee the scene of a motor vehicle accident causing death or injury. It raises the fine range from $2,500-$5,000 to $5,000-$10,000 for first offenses, while maintaining the option of up to 180 days in jail and a one-year driving license suspension. The bill directly affects drivers convicted of leaving such accidents, with repeat offenses resulting in permanent loss of driving privileges. It does not alter the core requirements for stopping at accidents or providing information to victims or police, only strengthening financial and license penalties for violations.