Maddy summaryThis bill ensures courts cannot automatically consider a parent's or guardian's disability as a reason to remove a child, terminate parental rights, or deny custody. It requires the Division of Child Protection to prove, with clear and convincing evidence, that the disability directly causes harm to the child and that harm cannot be prevented through accommodations like adaptive equipment or supportive parenting services (e.g., specialized training, sign language interpreters). The law applies to all key child protective proceedings, including abuse/neglect determinations, removal orders, and guardianship decisions. Parents with disabilities must be offered these supportive services instead of facing automatic negative judgments based solely on their disability.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 769) expands New Jersey's existing incentive program for clean vehicles to include hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. It amends the current law to define "eligible vehicle" as both new plug-in electric vehicles (under $55,000 MSRP) and new hydrogen fuel cell vehicles purchased or leased in New Jersey. The key change is adding hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to the same financial incentive structure that currently supports plug-in electric vehicle buyers. This affects consumers purchasing or leasing new hydrogen-powered vehicles in New Jersey, making them eligible for the same state incentives previously available only to plug-in electric vehicle buyers. The bill does not alter the $55,000 price cap or other program details, solely extending eligibility.
Maddy summaryS 778, the "Restoring Safety Buffer Law," expands hunting restrictions around occupied buildings and school playgrounds in New Jersey. It increases the no-hunting buffer from 150 feet to 450 feet for bow hunting (nocked arrows), prohibits hunting within that zone without written authorization from the building owner, and requires property owners conducting hunting to provide written notice and obtain written confirmation from adjacent property owners at least 24 hours in advance. This directly affects private property owners who hunt and their neighbors. The bill aims to prevent incidents like the 2022 shooting of a dog mistaken for game, with penalties including fines up to $1,500 and license revocation for violations.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Senate resolution requests the President and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (DHS) to prioritize immigration applications for essential workers - such as healthcare personnel and others critical during the pandemic - seeking U.S. citizenship or green cards. It specifically urges expedited processing of existing applications already in the system, not new applications. As a formal request (not a binding law), it does not change immigration rules but asks federal agencies to fast-track cases for those serving in essential roles during the pandemic.
Maddy summaryS 2138 amends New Jersey's bribery statute (N.J.S.2C:27-2) to explicitly include candidates for public office and individuals elected but not yet in office as covered under bribery laws. It makes it illegal to offer, accept, or agree to accept a benefit as consideration for influencing a decision, vote, or official action - even if the recipient was not yet qualified to act (e.g., not yet in office). The law clarifies that the recipient's lack of qualification cannot be used as a defense in prosecution, and bribery is classified as a second-degree crime (or third-degree for benefits under $200). This change ensures attempts to influence candidates or newly elected officials before they assume office are prosecuted as criminal acts, while excluding lawful campaign activities like soliciting contributions under state law.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners and operators of "high hazard trains" (those carrying 200,000+ gallons of petroleum or 20,000+ gallons of other hazardous materials) to create and maintain discharge response, cleanup, and contingency plans for rail transport. It directly affects rail companies moving these materials through New Jersey. The key mechanism mandates these plans to address potential spills, while also requiring the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to request bridge inspection reports from the U.S. Department of Transportation. These provisions aim to improve safety planning and infrastructure oversight for hazardous material rail transport.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 757 transfers approximately 200 probation officers from the Judiciary to the State Parole Board's Bureau of Probation, directly affecting these employees who currently cannot enforce probation violations or carry firearms. The bill changes their agency affiliation to permit law enforcement powers and firearm use, addressing a 2001 court ruling that found similar efforts unconstitutional when attempted through the Judiciary. It maintains existing employee contracts, benefits, retirement status, and collective bargaining rights during the transition. All legal references to the Judiciary regarding probation will now point to the Parole Board's Bureau of Probation.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1419) establishes new structural inspection requirements for specific residential buildings in New Jersey. It applies to condominium and cooperative buildings with concrete, masonry, steel, or hybrid structural systems (excluding single-family homes, certain rental buildings, and frame constructions). Key provisions require initial inspections before occupancy for new buildings and mandatory 15-year inspections afterward to verify structural integrity, with costs borne by building owners. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 9, 2024, but was withdrawn the same day.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Palisades Interstate Park law enforcement officers' base salaries to match the average base salary paid to officers in nearby towns with similar training, experience, and service years. It defines "base salary" to include standard pay scales, increments, and longevity pay. Any salary adjustments needed to meet this standard after the bill's effective date must be funded from the state General Fund. The bill directly affects Park officers by mandating salary parity with contiguous municipal law enforcement.
Maddy summaryS 752 exempts the purchase of fuel cell devices, systems, and related equipment from New Jersey's sales and use tax. This applies to technology that generates electricity, heating, or cooling through a non-combustive electrochemical process. The bill directly affects businesses and consumers buying fuel cell equipment for residential, commercial, or industrial use, lowering their upfront costs. It amends existing tax laws (P.L.1980, c.105 and P.L.1997, c.162) to explicitly include fuel cell systems in the list of tax-exempt items, aligning with New Jersey's clean energy adoption goals. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Commerce Committee.