Sen. Benjie Wimberly

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as Michelle Sous' Law, requires law enforcement to obtain a blood sample from any driver involved in a motor vehicle accident that results in a death. The law directly affects drivers who are involved in fatal crashes, ensuring that their blood alcohol concentration or drug presence is documented. This provision amends existing New Jersey statutes to make blood testing mandatory in fatal accident cases, rather than relying solely on driver consent. The measure aims to improve evidence collection for impaired driving investigations by removing the need for voluntary consent when a fatality is involved.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3081 requires the Department of Education to create a program supporting school districts in developing "grow-your-own" teacher programs for hiring teachers of students with disabilities. School districts applying for funding must detail how they will train current non-certified staff (like paraprofessionals), cover certification costs, provide mentorship, and address local teacher shortages. The program prioritizes districts with the greatest shortages and ensures geographic diversity in funding across northern, central, and southern regions. The bill does not change existing teacher certification requirements under state law.

Maddy summaryS 1816 requires New Jersey's Division of Purchase and Property to create an annual report on state-owned properties that are underutilized (not fully used for their current purpose). The Division must inventory all such state-owned land - including property owned by agencies or authorities - and analyze its potential for redevelopment, including uses like affordable housing, homeless services, or health services for low/moderate-income residents. This report must be submitted to the Governor and Legislature within 13 months of the bill's effective date, then updated annually, with the report posted online. The bill directly affects the Division of Purchase and Property and state agencies managing property, but does not mandate specific actions - only requires the annual analysis and reporting.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3052, the Equitable Disclosure Act of 2025) adds definitions to New Jersey’s Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) to clarify terms like "development," "development potential," and "development transfer." It does not change how development applications are processed or how objectors participate in the review process. The definitions aim to improve clarity in existing land use regulations but do not alter substantive requirements for developers or municipalities. The bill focuses solely on standardizing terminology within the MLUL framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires residential buildings (used by up to two households) to install window-based exit systems ("fire escape mechanisms") on every level with living space above ground, to allow safe egress during fires when ground-floor exits are blocked. It directly affects residential property owners, landlords, and sellers/lessors who must comply before selling, leasing, or permitting occupancy. The bill mandates these mechanisms - defined as systems like anchor plates, hooks, and ropes - and sets penalties of up to $1,000 for non-compliance with this specific requirement. Existing smoke alarm and fire extinguisher rules remain unchanged, with this bill adding the new exit system mandate. Enforcement occurs through municipal inspections or fire code officials upon occupancy changes.

Maddy summaryS 3071 prohibits law enforcement from executing "no-knock" warrants at residences in New Jersey. It requires officers to knock, clearly announce their identity and purpose, and wait at least 30 seconds (or longer if reasonable) before entering, unless exigent circumstances exist. This applies to all arrest warrants and search warrants targeting residential properties. The bill directly affects police officers executing warrants at homes by mandating this notification process before entry.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public colleges and universities in New Jersey to create campus food waste reduction programs. The programs must redirect unused food from dining halls, events, and facilities to local food security programs like soup kitchens and pantries, while following all food safety standards. Institutions must also submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing their contributions and post these reports online. The law aims to reduce food waste while supporting community food assistance efforts.

Maddy summaryS 2151 requires public utilities in New Jersey to notify affected customers about proposed rate increases through bill inserts or local newspaper ads. The notice must include a summary of the filing, the reason for it, and its impact on customers. After the Board of Public Utilities makes a final decision, utilities must send a plain-language summary of that decision to customers 30 days before new rates take effect (if approved) or within 14 days (if denied). The bill also mandates that the Board respond in writing to public questions submitted during rate hearing within 14 days. This bill directly affects utilities and their customers by increasing transparency around rate change processes.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 3035) regulates how law enforcement agencies use automated license plate readers (ALPRs). It requires agencies to conduct annual audits of ALPR use, submit detailed annual reports to the Attorney General (including data on readings, storage, and data requests), and retain collected data for exactly two years before deleting it - unless they get special permission for cost reasons. The bill also penalizes unauthorized access to ALPR data with fines or jail time. These rules directly affect all New Jersey law enforcement agencies using ALPR technology.

Maddy summaryS 3046 creates a faster court process for foreclosing on residential properties that are verified as vacant and abandoned, directly affecting lenders and property owners in such cases. It requires lenders to prove abandonment through specific evidence (like disconnected utilities or neighbor reports) and skips the standard "notice to cure" requirement. The bill allows summary judgment if the court confirms abandonment and there are no objections (uncontested cases), with strict service rules for property notices. This applies only to residential properties, not timeshares, and doesn’t change other foreclosure rules. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.