Sen. Brian Stack

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) agencies to remain open during public health emergencies, specifically in counties with populations over 350,000 (defined as "populous counties"). It mandates the Department of Community Affairs to fund at least one HPP agency per populous county to manage homelessness services continuously during emergencies, with state funds covering gaps if federal pandemic funding falls short. The bill also authorizes the Commissioner to request state budget allocations to maintain these services when needed. It directly affects homeless prevention non-profits in populous counties and the residents they serve.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a property tax exemption for New Jersey veterans with service-connected disabilities, calculated proportionally to their disability rating (e.g., 50% disability = 50% exemption). It directly affects veterans declared by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to have a service-connected disability of at least 30% (or deemed unemployable due to such disability), and their surviving spouses under specific conditions. The state will reimburse municipalities 102% of the tax revenue lost from these exemptions, with a $10,000 cap for partial exemptions (below 100% disability).

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a $100,000 limit on sales tax exemptions for businesses in New Jersey's Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) program. It directly affects certified UEZ businesses (those with UZ-4 certification) by allowing them to claim full tax exemptions on all costs for property improvements, such as building repairs or renovations, without the previous $100,000 cap. The exemption applies retroactively to all qualifying property improvements made on or after January 1, 2022. This change simplifies access to tax savings for businesses seeking to upgrade their facilities within designated UEZ areas.

Maddy summaryS 450 would make it a fourth-degree crime in New Jersey to use signal jammers that block cell phone signals, GPS, or emergency communications. The bill expands existing state law to specifically prohibit interfering with radio communications licensed under federal law (such as cell networks) and using scanning receivers designed to intercept cellular transmissions. This aligns New Jersey's penalties with federal prohibitions (47 U.S.C. §§ 301 and 333), which already ban signal jamming. The law targets devices that disrupt authorized communications, including those used to block emergency services or prevent calls/texts.

Maddy summaryS 454 requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to consider whether proposed electricity rate increases are affordable for customers before approving them. This directly affects electric utilities seeking rate hikes and the households and businesses that pay their bills. The bill adds "affordability to ratepayers" as a mandatory factor the BPU must evaluate, alongside existing considerations like utility costs and return on investment. It applies to all future rate cases submitted after the bill takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 414) expands the requirement for landlords to provide written receipts for cash rent payments. It broadens the definition of "landlord" to include anyone renting dwelling units for at least one month (except hotels, motels, or transient properties), removing previous exceptions for small owner-occupied properties. Landlords must now provide receipts detailing the payment amount, purpose, date, and names of both parties for every cash rent payment. Violations carry escalating penalties ($100 for first offense, increasing for repeat violations), and tenants can use a landlord's failure to provide receipts as a defense in eviction cases for nonpayment.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 409 allows counties and municipalities to reduce water, sewer, and stormwater fees for low-income households. It requires local authorities to establish income-based eligibility (at or below federal poverty guidelines) and verify household composition, ownership, and income through documented applications. Authorities must ensure budget stability by setting aside sufficient revenue or obtaining approval to cover reduced fees without raising rates for others. The bill applies to both sewer and water systems, mandating clear advertising of the program in billing materials and setting annual application deadlines.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey counties with significant greenhead fly problems to use Rutgers-developed fly box traps to reduce populations. County commissioners can authorize their mosquito extermination commissions to implement these trap programs in affected areas. The bill appropriates $50,000 from the state General Fund as grants to cover the costs of these county-level fly control efforts. It directly affects coastal and affected counties where greenhead flies have become a pest nuisance, providing a specific, funded mechanism for local pest management.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1795) requires that only licensed architects or professional engineers (referred to as "registered design professionals") or employees of certified fire escape contractors may install, service, repair, inspect, or maintain fire escapes in New Jersey. It defines "fire escape contractor" as requiring certification from the state commissioner and specifies that only certified individuals or licensed professionals can legally perform these tasks. The bill directly affects fire escape contractors, building owners requiring fire escape work, and property managers responsible for maintenance. It aims to standardize qualifications for fire escape work to ensure safety through professional oversight.

Maddy summaryS 2599 requires companies, research facilities, and institutions using cats, dogs, or ferrets for product testing, research, or educational purposes in New Jersey to assess each animal for adoption suitability after testing ends and offer it to rescue organizations or private individuals if suitable. These entities must register with the state health department, report animal details (like type, number, and adoption status), and document efforts to place animals for adoption. Noncompliance results in civil penalties of up to $50,000 for repeated violations, with a third offense potentially leading to a court-ordered ban on animal testing. The bill establishes clear reporting procedures and enforcement mechanisms to ensure animals used in testing have adoption opportunities.