Sen. Gordon Johnson

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 783 (proposed) would require manufacturers and retailers to label non-flushable disposable wipes with a "Do Not Flush" symbol and notice. It specifically targets wipes marketed for bathroom use - like baby wipes, cleaning wipes, feminine hygiene products, and adult incontinence wipes - that contain petrochemical fibers. The label must cover at least 2% of the main packaging area with high-contrast text and a standardized symbol. The bill was introduced in January 2024 but was withdrawn before further action.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state government entities (like departments and agencies serving the public) to provide vital documents and translation services in the 15 most common non-English languages spoken by residents with limited English proficiency, based on Census data. It mandates phased implementation: translations for the top 5 languages within one year, next 5 within two years, and remaining 5 within three years of the law's effective date, with immediate translation for applications and forms. State agencies must also create language access plans detailing how they’ll provide interpretation services (in-person, phone, or video), track language needs, train staff, and post multilingual information posters. The bill specifically excludes automatic translation tools and defines "vital documents" as those affecting access to benefits, legal rights, or program eligibility.

Maddy summaryS 762 requires New Jersey homeowners' associations, condominiums, and cooperatives (defined as "planned real estate developments") to provide meeting minutes to members before the next open meeting. It authorizes the Commissioner of Community Affairs to impose a penalty of up to $2,000 per meeting if minutes are not made available to members as required under existing law (P.L.1993, c.30). This bill adds enforcement authority to an existing requirement that associations must share executive board meeting minutes with members. The penalty applies only when minutes are not provided to one or more members for a meeting that required disclosure. The bill does not change the underlying requirement for minute accessibility but creates a financial consequence for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Senate passed SR 36 urging Congress to support H.R.3339, a bill that would establish a national infrastructure bank to fund large-scale projects. The resolution cites a $6 trillion infrastructure funding gap identified by the American Society of Civil Engineers and notes New Jersey's deteriorating infrastructure, with only 29% of roads and 27% of bridges in good condition. It argues the bank - modeled after commercial banks and funded by trading U.S. Treasury bonds - would address current funding shortfalls for critical projects like transportation, energy, and broadband. The resolution specifically references pending federal legislation (H.R.3339) as the mechanism for creating this bank.

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers responsibility for operating, maintaining, and improving the Palisades Interstate Parkway within New Jersey from the Palisades Interstate Park Commission to the New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT would assume these duties specifically for the portions of the parkway located in New Jersey, ending the Commission's current management role. The bill allows the Commission and DOT to enter a contract where the Commission could still perform work if the DOT covers all associated costs. This change shifts parkway management to a state transportation agency while preserving potential collaboration through funding agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 768) eliminates the position of constable in New Jersey by removing all statutory references to constables from state law. It revises 11 specific legal provisions - covering property distraints, court procedures, arrests, and officer authority - to replace "constable" with "sheriff" or delete the reference entirely. The bill directly affects all state laws and court processes that previously authorized constables, transferring their duties to sheriffs or other designated officers. The bill was introduced in January 2024 but was withdrawn on the same day.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 772) clarifies that individuals in New Jersey can voluntarily surrender both firearms and ammunition to law enforcement without facing prosecution for prior unlawful possession, provided they give written notice to the local police chief or state police superintendent beforehand. It explicitly requires gun buyback programs authorized by the Attorney General or county prosecutors to accept surrendered ammunition alongside firearms and permits offering rewards for surrendered weapons. The bill ensures these programs operate under existing practices by confirming law enforcement may host anonymous, voluntary surrender events for firearms, ammunition, and weapons. It does not create new penalties or alter criminal liability beyond the specified surrender process.

Maddy summaryS 767 establishes a four-year "Rent for Credit Pilot Program" through New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs, designed to help low-income tenants renting subsidized housing build credit without taking on debt. The program allows participating landlords (who volunteer) to report tenants' rent payments - both timely and late - to credit bureaus, with landlords permitted to charge tenants a $10 monthly fee (or cost of reporting, whichever is lower) to cover this service. Tenants can voluntarily join or leave the program at any time (with a six-month waiting period to rejoin), and the program requires standardized enrollment forms explaining credit impacts and financial education resources. The Department will review the pilot after two years, tracking participation numbers, tenant demographics, and credit effects before recommending continuation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 784) revises New Jersey's alcoholic beverage licensing rules for breweries, primarily affecting businesses with "Limited brewery licenses." It allows these breweries to sell beer directly to customers on-site (with tour requirements) and off-site (up to 15.5 gallons per person), offer samples under specific limits, and host events with food vendors or food trucks. Additionally, the bill creates tax credits under corporate business tax and gross income tax for eligible retail licensees selling alcoholic beverages. These changes aim to provide operational flexibility for smaller breweries while offering financial incentives to qualifying retailers.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates and permanently preserves the 21.5-acre Caven Point Peninsula within Liberty State Park in Jersey City as natural habitat. It specifically protects the peninsula’s estuarine ecosystem, critical bird breeding grounds, and urban environmental education resource. The legislation overrides conflicting laws to ensure the area - identified on Hudson County tax maps - remains preserved for wildlife and public education. The bill directly affects this specific coastal habitat by prohibiting development or alteration that would disrupt its ecological function.