Sen. Britnee Timberlake

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 459 prohibits installing, planting, or placing nonfunctional turf (like decorative grass requiring frequent mowing) or invasive plant species (such as Japanese barberry or English ivy) on commercial, institutional, industrial, or government-owned properties during new construction or major redevelopment projects requiring landscaping permits. The law applies to properties including streets, parking lots, and public spaces but excludes residential areas and functional turf used for recreation (e.g., sports fields, parks, or water-quality treatment areas). It takes effect January 1, 2026, allowing maintenance of existing installations before that date and permitting municipalities to adopt stricter rules. The bill defines "invasive species" and requires annual updates to a statewide list of regulated plants.

Maddy summaryS 2694 requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services to establish a Haitian Migrant Assistance Program for undocumented Haitian migrants who have resided in the state for at least two years. The program will provide time-limited cash assistance, job training (including English and literacy instruction), legal referrals to Haitian-focused organizations, Haitian Creole language translation services, and community orientation on local resources and civic systems. It allows the state to partner with community, faith-based, and nonprofit organizations to deliver these services. The bill directly affects undocumented Haitian migrants facing barriers to housing, employment, and social services due to their immigration status.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill establishes the "Homeless Bill of Rights," prohibiting discrimination against homeless individuals in public spaces, services, and employment. It guarantees specific rights including free movement in public areas (sidewalks, parks, transit), equal treatment by government agencies, protection from employment discrimination due to lacking a permanent address, access to emergency medical care and voting without housing status bias, and privacy for shelter records. The bill also ensures homeless individuals can use service dogs in shelters and allows legal action for violations, with remedies including damages and attorney fees. It directly affects all homeless residents interacting with public services or spaces across New Jersey. The bill is pending in the Senate Health Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to create special license plates honoring Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Vehicle owners who apply pay a one-time $50 fee and an annual $10 fee, with these funds deposited into a dedicated "Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta License Plate Fund." The fund supports the mission and programs of both organizations through annual appropriations, after covering administrative costs. The license plate design is selected in consultation with the organizations' leadership, and the program requires no state funds for initial implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey colleges and universities from giving preferential treatment to applicants based on "legacy status" (having a parent or relative who attended the school) or familial ties to donors. It directly affects prospective students applying to higher education institutions in New Jersey, ensuring admissions decisions are not influenced by these factors. The law requires institutions to stop considering such connections during admissions, applying immediately upon enactment. The bill defines legacy status specifically as a familial relationship to an institution alumnus, banning any preferential consideration for this reason.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Police Superintendent to start recruit training at least once every six months and set annual recruitment goals based on funding and projected staff turnover. It mandates a diversity-focused recruitment program with specific targets for hiring women and minorities, using strategies like outreach in low-income communities, partnerships with local organizations, and social media advertising. The program must be evaluated annually to ensure progress toward diversity goals. The bill directly affects State Police recruitment efforts and aims to better reflect the communities they serve.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires large employers (250+ global employees) in covered sectors like restaurants, hotels, and retail chains to provide employees with advance notice of work schedules. It mandates 14 days' notice for schedule changes and prohibits last-minute shifts without a valid business reason (such as staffing shortages or legal requirements). Employees can request schedule adjustments through a good-faith discussion with their employer, and employers must provide written notice of schedule changes. The law applies to establishments including chains with 30+ restaurants worldwide or 250+ total employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a 30% surtax on electric public utilities in New Jersey that report "windfall income" - defined as taxable net income exceeding 20% above their five-year average. The surtax applies in addition to the utility’s regular corporate business tax and cannot be offset by credits (except for specific payment-related adjustments). All revenue collected from the surtax (excluding funds constitutionally reserved for open space/farmland) must be returned to ratepayers (utility customers) through the Board of Public Utilities, distributed proportionally to all customers of the affected utility. The bill targets utilities with unusually high profits relative to historical performance, aiming to redirect excess revenue back to consumers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires landlords in New Jersey to notify tenants about potential damage or hazards from construction or work on adjacent properties. Landlords must provide tenants with written notices received from neighbors (like contractors or government entities) within five business days, or before starting work that could create hazards. The notice can be delivered by mail, posting, or email, and landlords who fail to comply face penalties of up to $200 per offense. It applies to most residential rentals (excluding small owner-occupied properties and hotels) but does not cover seasonal rentals under 125 days.

Maddy summaryS 2714 requires New Jersey electric power suppliers and gas suppliers to charge residential customers rates equal to or lower than the established "basic generation service" or "basic gas supply service" rates under existing law (P.L.1999, c.23). This bill directly affects residential utility customers by capping their electricity and gas supply charges at the current basic service rate level. The key mechanism prohibits suppliers from charging more than these baseline rates for residential service, regardless of market conditions. The bill does not alter the basic service rates themselves but prevents rate increases above them for residential customers. It is currently pending in the Senate Economic Growth Committee.