Sen. Brian Stack

Maddy summaryThis proposed New Jersey bill would allow residents to create legally valid wills using electronic means, such as online platforms or digital signatures. It requires electronic wills to be signed with clear intent, witnessed by two people (in person or via video call), or notarized, and must follow specific formatting rules. The law would treat electronic wills as fully equivalent to paper wills for inheritance purposes, ensuring they hold up in court. It directly affects New Jersey residents making estate plans, modernizing will execution while maintaining legal safeguards.

Maddy summaryS 405 creates a two-year pilot program in New Jersey's courts to appoint advocates for animals in specific criminal cases involving animal welfare, such as cruelty or dog fighting prosecutions. Courts may appoint a volunteer advocate from a list maintained by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to monitor cases, access animal-related records, and recommend the animal's best interests - including placement - to the court. The program targets cases under statutes governing animal cruelty (R.S. 4:22-17) or dog fighting (P.L. 2015, c.85), with advocates selected from qualified attorneys or law students familiar with animal welfare law. The program expires after two years, requiring a report on implementation and whether it should continue.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 49) urges Congress to pass H.R.3339, which would establish a national infrastructure bank to address significant funding gaps for large-scale infrastructure projects. The proposed bank would generate capital by selling U.S. Treasury bonds to private investors, then lend funds to state and local governments for projects like roads, bridges, broadband, and energy systems. It directly affects states and municipalities by providing a dedicated, long-term funding source for infrastructure modernization, which the resolution cites as critical due to aging systems and climate-related strain (e.g., New Jersey’s 29% of roads in poor condition). The resolution emphasizes that current funding mechanisms are insufficient, and the bank model is used by other nations and historically by the U.S. for major economic investments.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to place a lien on insurance proceeds from fire-damaged property to cover costs of restoring, repairing, or demolishing the building. It applies to residential properties (like homes) and other designated properties through a municipal ordinance, but only for building coverage (not personal belongings or temporary housing). The lien takes priority over most other claims except a mortgage, and insurance companies must withhold proceeds until the lien is satisfied. Municipalities must adopt an ordinance to implement this provision, which is intended to ensure property restoration after fire damage.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the early voting period for New Jersey primary elections and May municipal elections. It changes the start date from the 4th, 6th, or 10th calendar day before an election to the 11th calendar day before, ending on the second day before the election. Registered voters in all counties can vote at designated early voting sites (3-10 locations per county based on population) using electronic poll books and paper ballots, with municipalities optionally adding early voting for May elections. The bill directly affects all registered voters in New Jersey participating in these specific elections.

Maddy summaryS 410 requires hotels and multiple dwelling units (like apartment buildings) to install carbon monoxide detectors meeting safety standards (such as UL 2034). If a building already has a monitored fire alarm system (which automatically alerts fire departments), it must also install a monitored carbon monoxide system that notifies emergency services when a hazard is detected. The law applies to all units where carbon monoxide risks might exist, excluding only those certified as hazard-free by officials. This amends existing safety requirements to enhance emergency response for carbon monoxide threats.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends New Jersey's 2021 law (P.L.2021, c.324) that requires child care subsidy payments to licensed centers and family day care providers to be based on the number of enrolled eligible children - not actual attendance - through June 30, 2025. It directly affects child care providers receiving state subsidies by mandating they base staff wages and hours on enrollment numbers, not daily attendance. The law also requires the Division of Family Development to study enrollment-based versus attendance-based payment models and submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within three years. This extension ensures stable funding for providers during the study period while maintaining consistent payment structures for eligible child care services.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 524 requires public schools with 5% or more students qualifying for federal free/reduced-price meals to offer a school breakfast program, lowering the current threshold from 20%. This applies to all schools meeting the 5% eligibility rate, including those serving pre-K through 6th grade (requiring implementation by September 1, 2023) and other grades (by September 1, 2024). School districts must submit implementation plans to the Department of Agriculture by specific deadlines, with waivers available for schools lacking resources to comply. The bill aligns breakfast program requirements with existing lunch program rules, aiming to expand access to school breakfasts for more students.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets a minimum $300 payment rate per basic life support emergency ambulance transport under New Jersey's Medicaid program, increasing from the current $58 rate. It also establishes a minimum $8.94 per loaded mile reimbursement for ground ambulance mileage, with annual adjustments tied to the Medicare rate. The changes apply to all Medicaid-covered emergency transports starting July 1, 2024, affecting ambulance providers serving Medicaid patients. The law requires the state to update Medicaid rules and seek federal approval for these reimbursement changes.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 595 bans sellers from charging credit card surcharges (extra fees for using credit cards) and requires clear notices about minimum credit card transaction amounts and cash/debit discounts. It applies to all retailers and restaurants in the state, mandating visible signs at entrances, checkout points, or online checkout pages to disclose these terms. Gas stations (motor fuel dealers) are exempt from the notice requirements for cash discounts but remain subject to the surcharge ban. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.