Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits any person or entity - including private companies, public agencies, or federal operations - from releasing hazardous chemicals or physical agents into the atmosphere for geoengineering, defined as intentional environmental manipulation to alter weather, cloud formation, or atmospheric conditions (e.g., cloud seeding, aerosol injection, or chaff dispersal). It requires the state Environmental Protection Commissioner to notify federal authorities if they conduct such activities in New Jersey and establishes a public reporting program for suspected violations, allowing citizens to submit evidence like photos or data. Violators face civil penalties up to $50,000 per offense, with enforcement handled by the Department of Environmental Protection. The bill directly affects entities conducting geoengineering activities within New Jersey, including federal agencies operating in the state.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1383) requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to prioritize funding for two types of projects: 1) land acquisition for recreation and conservation, and 2) environmental infrastructure projects that include flood mitigation. It directs the DEP to use specific criteria - such as protecting floodplains, wetlands, and flood-prone areas - to rank projects for funding under existing Green Acres programs. The bill amends current law to ensure projects addressing flood risk receive priority when allocating constitutionally dedicated funds. This affects local governments and nonprofits applying for DEP grants to acquire or develop land for public recreation or conservation uses.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1160) requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development to allow unemployment claimants to schedule appointments at One Stop Career Centers by phone or internet, not just online. It directly affects individuals applying for or receiving unemployment benefits who need to meet with career center staff. The key provision expands current scheduling options - currently only internet appointments are permitted - to include telephone scheduling, defined as meetings related to unemployment benefits. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment and is procedural in nature, focusing on improving access to appointment systems.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1418 authorizes the Department of Agriculture to regulate the sale and distribution of hemp-derived consumable products (like edibles, beverages, and inhaled products) that contain no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC. The bill sets strict requirements: products must undergo independent lab testing for THC levels, use child-resistant "exit packages" at point of sale, and comply with defined manufacturing and labeling standards. It directly affects hemp producers, distributors, retailers, and manufacturers by establishing a regulatory framework for these products under state law. The bill clarifies that hemp-derived products with compliant THC levels are treated as agricultural commodities, not controlled substances, while excluding topical products and certain seed-based items.
Maddy summaryBill S 1161 allows New Jersey's State Board of Social Work Examiners to permit applicants to seek licensure as a clinical social worker, social worker, or certified social worker without taking an exam. It directly affects individuals seeking social work licenses who can demonstrate equivalent education and work experience through documented records. The bill requires applicants to submit educational and experiential records, and the board must determine if their background meets competency standards for the specific license. This creates an alternative pathway to traditional exam-based licensure under the Social Workers’ Licensing Act of 1991.
Maddy summaryThis bill, S 1368, changes how state funds for nursing services in nonpublic schools are distributed. It allows school districts to pay licensed nurses directly - rather than keeping the funds - when nonpublic schools provide required proof: the nurse’s valid license, documented service hours, and a signed agreement accepting liability if the nurse’s credentials are later disputed. The policy applies only to new or renewed agreements starting in the 2021-2022 school year or later, not to existing 2020-2021 agreements. It ensures reimbursement flows directly to nurses while requiring nonpublic schools to verify credentials and assume potential liability.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1414) would have required pool and spa service businesses to obtain a permit from a new advisory committee before operating as general contractors for pool/spa construction and maintenance work. It would have mandated that these businesses employ at least one licensed employee (either as a pool builder/installer or service contractor) and pay required fees. The permit would allow such businesses to coordinate all aspects of pool/spa projects, including hiring subcontractors who perform specialized work (like plumbing or electrical) under licensed supervision. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was superseded by an approved law (P.L.2025, c.381).
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to cancel classes on election days when a school building serves as a polling place. School boards may instead use the time for staff training or professional development. The law aims to improve student safety by preventing large crowds of voters from entering school grounds during class hours. It takes effect immediately and applies first to the November 2021 general election.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 394) prohibits public utilities in New Jersey from disconnecting electricity, gas, water, or sewer service to residential customers for nonpayment for 180 days after the coronavirus public health emergency ends. It requires utilities to offer residential customers who fall behind on bills a payment plan allowing them to pay over at least 48 months, rather than cutting off service. The law applies specifically to residential customers (not businesses) and covers all four utility services listed. Utilities cannot disconnect service as long as customers follow their agreed payment plan terms. This applies after the March 9, 2020, state emergency declaration ends.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 52) urges major generative AI companies (like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google) to voluntarily adopt specific protections for employees who report safety risks. It requests companies commit to: not retaliating against employees for raising concerns, creating anonymous channels for reporting to boards/regulators, and providing legal/technical safe harbor to protect researchers testing AI systems for flaws without fear of account bans or lawsuits. The resolution does not create new laws but asks companies to adopt these practices to improve accountability, as current whistleblower protections are inadequate for AI safety concerns. It directly affects AI companies and their employees who might disclose risk-related information.