Sen. Britnee Timberlake

Maddy summaryThis bill revises annual reporting requirements for New Jersey's public colleges and universities. It expands the required student body profile to include retention rates, applicant numbers, acceptance rates, and mandates that all student data (like graduation rates and demographic details) be broken down by race, ethnicity, gender, family income, and first-generation status where available. Institutions must also use this data to evaluate diversity, inform admissions policies, and guide resource allocation for equity initiatives. The changes apply to all public higher education institutions in New Jersey and take effect for the first full academic year after enactment.

Maddy summarySCR 43 proposes adding a constitutional amendment to New Jersey's Constitution that grants every resident a fundamental right to a clean and healthy environment, including pure water, clean air, a safe climate, and ecologically healthy habitats. It requires the state to act as trustee of public natural resources - such as air, water, public lands, and wildlife - and mandates that these resources be conserved and maintained for all people, both present and future. The amendment specifies that these rights are self-executing, meaning they can be directly enforced in court without requiring new legislation. If approved by voters, this would become a permanent part of New Jersey's Constitution.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 237, the "Clean Energy Act of 2024," requires all retail electricity sales in the state to come from clean sources by 2035. This affects electric utilities and power suppliers, who must meet the standard through a new certificate program tracking clean energy generation. The bill establishes "clean electricity certificate" (CEAC) credits for zero-emission sources like nuclear, solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. It replaces some existing renewable energy certificate systems and directs the Board of Public Utilities to implement the program, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting existing nuclear and offshore wind projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all seasonal and year-round swimming pools in New Jersey to offer deep water swimming tests to children 12 years old or younger upon request by the child or their guardian. To pass the test, children must swim 50 meters (two laps) and tread water for 30 seconds. Until a child successfully completes the test, they must be accompanied by an adult within arm's length while swimming - except for children on the pool's swim team. Pools must confirm test availability during health inspections and include it in the Department of Health's recreational bathing facility checklist.

Maddy summaryS 2944 prohibits New Jersey auto insurers from using a person's education level, occupation, or credit score to determine insurance rates. It also bans insurers from asking for this information during the application process. This bill directly affects all drivers in New Jersey who apply for or renew auto insurance, as insurers must now base rates on other factors like driving history. The law requires insurers to file their underwriting rules with the state commissioner for approval and public inspection.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to include age-appropriate instruction on menstrual health and hygiene for students in grades 4 through 12 as part of their health and physical education curriculum. The instruction must cover proper use of menstrual products (including Toxic Shock Syndrome risks), symptoms and effects of menstrual disorders, impacts of period poverty, and when to seek medical help. Schools must notify parents before teaching these topics, and the requirement applies starting the first full school year after the bill's enactment. The bill directly affects all New Jersey public school districts serving grades 4-12 and their students.

Maddy summaryS 2905 extends the grace period before landlords can charge late fees for tenants receiving public assistance payments. It requires the grace period to begin only after the tenant receives their monthly public assistance payment (e.g., Social Security, SSI, or Work First NJ), not from the rent due date. Landlords cannot impose late charges during the five-business-day period following the tenant's public assistance payment date. Leases must specify when tenants receive these payments each month. This applies to all qualified tenants (those receiving public assistance) under existing rental agreements entered into or renewed 90 days after the bill takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires landlords of residential buildings with six or more rental units to install internet-connected devices that measure indoor temperature hourly, record the data with date/time for 90 days, and make it accessible to both tenants and owners. The devices must operate annually from October 31 through May 31. Tenants may refuse installation, in which case landlords must notify the state department. The commissioner of Community Affairs will create implementation rules within five months of enactment, with the law taking effect 13 months after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Safe Remote Learning Program within New Jersey's Department of Education to help public schools set up remote instruction facilities for students. It directly affects school districts, charter schools, and renaissance schools offering virtual or remote learning due to the pandemic. Key provisions require facilities to have connected devices and internet access, meet health/safety standards, and be staffed appropriately, while prioritizing students eligible for free meals or with essential worker parents. The program reimburses schools for facility costs using federal pandemic funds, allowing them to repurpose existing space or partner with nonprofits without prior approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public high school students in grades 10-12 who participate in a school-sponsored sport during its athletic season to replace their required physical education class with a study hall. The student’s athletic participation counts toward their physical education graduation requirement, and they earn the same credits as if they had completed the PE course. To use this option, parents must provide written approval, and the sport’s coach must certify the student’s participation to the school district. The school district determines which activities qualify as "school-sponsored sports," and the bill does not change health and safety education requirements or apply to students not in sports.