Sen. Gordon Johnson

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires state agencies and projects funded by the state to install or replace outdoor lighting fixtures that reduce light pollution and conserve energy. It mandates fully shielded fixtures, limits color temperature to 2,700 Kelvin (with limited exceptions), requires motion sensors, and prohibits excessive upward light emission. Exceptions apply for emergencies, temporary work, safety needs, or high-security areas. The goal is to minimize glare, light trespass, and energy waste while preserving natural nighttime conditions.

Maddy summarySJR 12 designates July 30 of each year as "Brian Sicknick Day" in New Jersey to honor Officer Brian Sicknick, a U.S. Capitol Police officer who died protecting the Capitol during the January 6, 2021 attack. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation recognizing this day, commemorating Sicknick's 12-year service with the Capitol Police and his New Jersey roots. It does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it is a symbolic recognition of his sacrifice. The bill directly affects New Jersey residents by establishing an annual day of remembrance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Palisades Interstate Park Commission to set base salaries for its law enforcement officers equal to the average base salary paid to officers in neighboring municipalities with similar training, experience, and service years. It defines "base salary" to include salary guides, increments, longevity pay, and service-based raises. Any salary adjustments for these officers after the bill takes effect must be funded from the state General Fund. The bill directly affects Palisades Park law enforcement officers, ensuring their compensation aligns with comparable municipal roles. The bill is pending legislative action as of its January 2026 introduction.

Maddy summaryS 434 prohibits pet shops in New Jersey from selling cats, dogs, or rabbits, directly affecting pet shops and their customers. It repeals the previous "Pet Purchase Protection Act" and requires pet shops to collaborate with animal shelters, rescues, and pounds to facilitate adoptions instead of selling animals. The bill defines "pet shop" separately from breeders and pet dealers, ensuring the law does not restrict responsible breeders or other sellers, but bans pet shops from obtaining animals from breeders or brokers for sale. The legislation aims to reduce sales of animals from puppy mills and increase adoptions from shelters, which the bill cites as having "unadopted" animals available.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $615,000 in supplemental funding from the state General Fund to the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) for a grant to the NJ 2-1-1 Partnership. The funding supports the existing statewide 2-1-1 service, which connects New Jersey residents to social services, health resources, and emergency assistance through a single phone number (2-1-1). The NJ 2-1-1 Partnership has served as the designated administrator of the 2-1-1 service in New Jersey since 2002, following state and federal designations. The bill was introduced in January 2026 but was withdrawn the same day as it was already covered under another enacted law (P.L.2025, c.394).

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a program where New Jersey farmers can get reimbursed for costs related to developing business plans that improve their farm's long-term economic health. Specifically, it allows farmers to receive up to $7,500 (covering 75% of eligible costs) for creating or implementing plans focused on financial stability, diversification, expansion, or succession. Farmers must apply with receipts for costs paid within two years, prove they aren't double-reimbursing through other grants, and submit applications in order received. The program, funded by state appropriations, directly affects New Jersey commercial farmers who develop qualifying viability plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for accidental disability benefits under New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) to cover certain state employees. It directly affects workers employed at State psychiatric institutions or correctional facilities after January 2003 but before becoming PERS members, who sustained injuries or illnesses during those jobs. The key provision deems such injuries as occurring "during membership" if the employee later joins PERS without interruption in the same employment. This allows them to apply for benefits based on those pre-membership work-related injuries, rather than requiring membership at the time of injury. The change specifically applies to traumatic injuries sustained while performing duties related to patient care or security at these facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans surgical declawing (onychectomy) of cats and other animals unless a licensed veterinarian determines it is medically necessary for the animal's health, such as treating an infection or injury. It directly affects veterinarians who perform procedures, pet owners who seek declawing, and animal care facilities. Veterinarians must document medically necessary cases in writing, file a report with the Department of Health, and provide a copy to the pet owner. Violating the ban is a disorderly persons offense, while failure to document a necessary procedure could lead to disciplinary action against the veterinarian.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases Medicaid payment rates for specific behavioral health services provided to adults in New Jersey. It raises reimbursement rates for in-person partial care (20+ hours/week) and intensive outpatient services (9+ hours/week) by 35%, covering costs like counseling, psychiatric evaluations, and medical services. It also sets a minimum $10 reimbursement per one-way trip for transportation to these providers. The changes apply to adult Medicaid beneficiaries (21+) with severe mental illness or substance use disorders receiving these services, effective after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2751 establishes the permanent New Jersey Commission on Health Equity within the Department of Health. The 27-member commission includes legislative appointees and ex-officio representatives from key state departments like Health, Human Services, and Environmental Protection. Its primary role is to develop strategies addressing institutional racism in health outcomes, specifically targeting disparities affecting communities of color, working-class residents, and people with disabilities. The bill focuses on creating a coordinated state framework to improve health equity across sectors, rather than implementing new regulations or funding.