Sen. Gordon Johnson

Maddy summaryS 791 amends New Jersey law to allow convenience stores (which sell groceries, drugs, or other retail items) to sell alcoholic beverages, removing a previous prohibition on such sales in these locations. The amendment permits alcohol sales under specific conditions, such as when offered as an accommodation to customers or sold as part of gift item packages, while requiring compliance with state regulations. This change directly affects convenience stores and their customers by expanding where alcohol can be purchased without requiring a separate liquor store license. The bill does not alter existing fee structures for alcohol licenses or other regulatory requirements.

Maddy summaryS 85 establishes a new Division of Minority and Women Business Development within New Jersey’s Department of the Treasury, led by a State Chief Disparity Officer. This officer will monitor state contracting data to track how many and how much money in state contracts go to minority-owned and women-owned businesses, then report findings to the Governor and Legislature. The bill requires all state agencies to appoint a liaison officer to assist this effort and mandates full implementation of existing certification rules for these businesses (banning self-certification). It also specifies that small business set-aside contracts under $2,000 (the current threshold for public building projects) must be negotiated competitively without public bidding. The bill codifies an existing 2006 executive order, formalizing the division’s structure and duties.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill S 747 prohibits businesses receiving state economic development subsidies of $25,000 or more from making campaign contributions to political candidates, parties, or committees during the subsidy period. It directly affects recipient businesses (including key employees and affiliates) that get state funds for economic development, excluding subsidies for affordable housing, environmental programs, or nonprofit services. Violations can result in fines up to $500,000, loss of the subsidy, and a five-year ban from future state contracts. The bill does not restrict candidates from contributing to their own campaigns.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1592 establishes the first state definition of Islamophobia for use in civil and criminal cases. The bill defines Islamophobia as racism targeting Muslim identity or perceived Muslim identity, including specific examples like stereotyping, verbal abuse, discrimination in institutions, and false conspiracy claims about Muslims. State officials, law enforcement, and educational institutions must use this definition when investigating hate crimes or discrimination cases motivated by anti-Muslim bias under existing laws. The definition explicitly excludes criticism of Muslim-majority countries that would apply equally to other nations, and the bill clarifies it does not override First Amendment protections or existing anti-discrimination laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners or operators of high-hazard trains (those carrying 200,000+ gallons of petroleum or 20,000+ gallons of hazardous substances) to activate emergency response protocols within one hour of a spill. Specifically, they must identify an emergency coordinator to inform local emergency services within one hour and deploy trained personnel to assess the spill within three hours. The bill defines key terms like "high-hazard train," "discharge," and "emergency response coordinator" to clarify these requirements. It directly affects railroad companies transporting large volumes of hazardous materials or petroleum through New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $250,000 in supplemental funding to the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS) for pediatric services at the Tourette Syndrome Clinic of Rutgers University. The funds will directly support diagnostic assessments and counseling services for children with Tourette Syndrome, particularly for families with financial need who use the clinic's sliding-scale fees. The clinic offers psychological evaluations, social-emotional skills groups, and therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. This appropriation is a direct financial commitment to expand access to specialized care for pediatric patients in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey's State Board of Education from restricting how many professional education credits earned at regionally accredited two-year colleges can count toward teacher certification requirements. It specifically applies to credits accepted by state-approved college teacher preparation programs. The law prevents the Board from setting arbitrary limits on these credits, making it easier for aspiring teachers to use coursework from two-year colleges toward certification. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 978 establishes a state-funded internship program to connect students with government careers. It creates a program within the Department of Labor for undergraduate and graduate students (excluding law/PhD programs) at accredited colleges, prioritizing New Jersey residents or in-state students. Participants must complete 480 hours of work (240 hours per semester) with state agencies, working 20-40 hours weekly depending on class schedules, and receive a $2,500 stipend per 240 hours. Successful completers gain hiring preference for entry-level civil service jobs within two years of graduation, with veterans and disabled veterans receiving highest priority. The program is funded by a $750,000 appropriation from the State General Fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill shortens the deadline for medical providers to dispute unpaid fees in workers' compensation cases from six years to two years. It directly affects medical providers, employers, and workers' compensation insurers by requiring disputes to be filed within two years of receiving payment or a denial notice. The key change modifies Section 34:15-15 of New Jersey law to establish this two-year filing window for medical fee disputes. The policy shift aims to streamline resolution of billing disagreements within a shorter timeframe, replacing the current six-year standard.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a program requiring gas utilities to gradually increase renewable natural gas (RNG) in their supply, starting at 5% by 2024 and reaching 30% by 2050. It allows utilities to recover costs for RNG infrastructure investments and procurement through customer rates, with safeguards like a 5% annual cost cap on total utility revenue. The program affects all gas public utilities in New Jersey and their ratepayers, who will see incremental cost recovery reflected in bills. Key provisions include standardized RNG definitions, phased target percentages, and a ratemaking mechanism ensuring cost recovery for approved investments.