Sen. Benjie Wimberly

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits using lithium-ion batteries made from parts of old batteries in powered mobility devices (like wheelchairs, scooters, and electric bikes for people with disabilities). It bans assembling, selling, or using such reconditioned batteries and restricts charging/storing these devices in specific areas, such as basements, attics, or commercial building exits. Starting one year after the bill takes effect, violations receive a warning for the first offense and up to $2,000 in fines for repeat violations. Enforcement includes mandatory fire inspections for compliance and a public complaint process managed by the Department of Environmental Protection.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits paid to eligible retired members of New Jersey's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). It requires the PFRS board of trustees to restore these COLAs to their previous statutory level without requiring additional contributions from retirees, provided actuarial certification confirms the change won't increase employer costs or jeopardize the system's long-term financial health. The policy directly affects retired police officers and firefighters who receive benefits under the PFRS. The change reverses a prior reduction to these automatic inflation adjustments for this specific retirement system.

Maddy summaryThis bill regulates "earned income access services," which allow workers in New Jersey to access wages earned but not yet paid by their employer before the regular payday. It directly affects workers seeking early access to their wages, employers (as "obligors"), and companies providing these services (referred to as "providers"). Key provisions require providers to verify income, deliver funds before the scheduled payday (with the amount deducted from the next paycheck), prohibit interest charges (though fees are allowed), and mandate licensing through the Department of Banking and Insurance. The bill explicitly states these services are not loans, avoiding usury laws, and imposes penalties for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends a three-year pilot program for barber licensure in New Jersey for an additional three years. It allows barbers who previously provided services in another state or country without issuing barbering licenses to obtain a temporary 120-day permit (extendable) to work under supervision while applying for full licensure in four designated cities: Elizabeth, Passaic, Paterson, and Perth Amboy. The permit exempts them from violating licensing laws if they actively apply for a license and work under a licensed New Jersey barber. The program applies only to applicants from jurisdictions without barbering licenses, not to those with existing licenses from other states.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 671) requires most full-service restaurants (with 10+ seats) to stop providing single-use utensils or condiments to dine-in customers, instead offering reusable options that customers must return after use. Casual dining establishments may only provide these items if customers specifically request them, and online orders must default to "no utensils" unless requested. Exemptions include schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, and food courts (for two years), while pre-packaged items with attached utensils are also exempt. The bill also mandates the Environmental Protection Department to run an education campaign about reducing single-use items and imposes fines ($1,000 for second offense) for violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how interest is calculated for property owners when the government takes land through eminent domain in New Jersey. Currently, a fixed interest rate applies to compensation; this bill replaces that with an interest rate tied to the final just compensation award. It directly affects property owners whose land is condemned by government authorities. The key change modifies Section 9 of New Jersey's eminent domain law to base interest payments on the actual final compensation amount determined in court, rather than a set rate. This aims to align interest payments more closely with the property's true value.

Maddy summaryS 3115 allows noncitizen teachers holding special teaching certificates to become eligible for tenure in New Jersey public schools. Currently, noncitizens with these certificates can teach but cannot earn tenure, which protects teachers from dismissal without cause. The bill removes this citizenship barrier by amending law to let qualifying noncitizen teachers meet tenure requirements under existing rules (N.J.S.18A:28-5), including counting prior teaching service toward tenure eligibility. It also repeals two sections that previously blocked noncitizen tenure. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Police Superintendent to create a policy within six months that prioritizes recruiting women and minorities as civilian instructors and contractors at the State Police Academy. It directly affects State Police recruits by mandating more diverse instruction, as the policy aims to diversify the civilian staff delivering their training. Key provisions include annual policy reviews and updates, plus annual reports to the Attorney General and Legislature detailing the demographics (age, gender, race, ethnicity) of all civilian instructors/contractors and summaries of policy changes. The bill takes effect immediately, focusing on concrete reporting and recruitment requirements rather than outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Rent Control Enforcement Unit (RCEU) within New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs to enforce local rent control laws. It directly affects residential tenants in municipalities with rent restrictions (such as rent stabilization ordinances) and landlords who may face violations. Tenants can petition the RCEU to investigate and challenge rent increases they believe violate local rules, and the unit can order rent reductions, impose fines up to four months' rent, or allow lease termination. The RCEU will also operate a dedicated helpline and online portal for tenant reporting.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's Safe Haven Homeless Housing Program, which would provide low-interest loans to developers to convert underused buildings (like vacant malls, warehouses, or hotels) into housing for homeless individuals and families. The program targets "very low-income households" (earning ≤30% of area median income) and offers two housing types: transitional housing (up to 24 months with support services) and permanent supportive housing. It appropriates $30 million from federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to create a dedicated Safe Haven Homeless Housing Fund, administered by the state Housing Agency, with interest earnings also deposited into the fund. The bill requires the agency to develop implementing rules but does not change existing eligibility or housing standards.