Sen. Paul Moriarty

Maddy summaryS 739, the "New Jersey Loves New Jersey Farmers Act," provides tax credits to New Jersey commercial farm operators who grow crops for human consumption (like fruits and vegetables) but not livestock feed. It allows these farms to claim credits against corporation business tax or gross income tax equal to certified "price loss" (revenue loss from falling crop prices), verified by the State Agriculture Secretary. The credits are limited to 50% of tax liability per year and can be carried forward for up to seven years if not fully used. This directly benefits farm businesses experiencing price declines, offering financial relief tied to verified market losses.

Maddy summaryS 2115 requires health insurance plans in New Jersey to cover annual physical examinations for student athletes and camp participants as part of pre-participation clearance. This applies to all health insurance contracts (including individual, group, employer-sponsored, and state health benefit plans) issued, renewed, or approved in the state after the effective date, with coverage provided at the same level as other preventive health services. The bill directly affects health insurance providers by expanding their coverage requirements and ensures student athletes and camp participants can access these exams without additional cost barriers. The mandate takes effect 120 days after enactment for new or renewed policies.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 524 requires public schools with 5% or more students qualifying for federal free/reduced-price meals to offer a school breakfast program, lowering the current threshold from 20%. This applies to all schools meeting the 5% eligibility rate, including those serving pre-K through 6th grade (requiring implementation by September 1, 2023) and other grades (by September 1, 2024). School districts must submit implementation plans to the Department of Agriculture by specific deadlines, with waivers available for schools lacking resources to comply. The bill aligns breakfast program requirements with existing lunch program rules, aiming to expand access to school breakfasts for more students.

Maddy summaryS 2122 establishes a program requiring New Jersey fire stations to serve as safe havens for victims of sex trafficking and domestic violence. Firefighters would receive specific training to refer victims to emergency shelters, legal aid, victim advocacy services, and community resources, while ensuring services are provided without discrimination based on citizenship status. The bill appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to the Human Trafficking Survivor’s Assistance Fund to implement this program, including firefighter training requirements and victim referral protocols. It directly affects victims of these crimes and firefighters who will facilitate access to critical support services.

Maddy summaryS 2123 requires New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs to collect specific data on processing new professional and occupational license applications, including processing times, incomplete applications, and call volume, and submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within six months. The bill mandates the Attorney General to develop profession-specific training for new employees handling license applications and review outsourcing phone call support to assist applicants. It directly affects the state agency managing license processing, applicants seeking licenses (e.g., for healthcare, construction, or other regulated professions), and new employees in the division. The report must cover funding for staff, technology, and efforts to improve processing efficiency, with the requirement expiring after the report is submitted.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 264) requires lenders to provide reverse mortgage borrowers with pre-loan counseling and a 7-day cancellation period before finalizing loans. It directly affects borrowers aged 60+ who apply for or receive reverse mortgages (home loans converting home equity into cash) and lenders originating these loans. Key provisions include: (1) lenders must give borrowers a written checklist covering financial impacts of early moves, alternatives to reverse mortgages, and tax/estate effects; (2) borrowers must get in-person counseling from approved agencies and provide certification; (3) lenders face a $1,000 penalty for non-compliance or voided loans if counseling isn’t completed. The bill aims to ensure borrowers understand reverse mortgage risks and options before committing.

Maddy summaryS 2075 prohibits the sale, distribution, import, or manufacture of children’s products (like toys or play equipment) intended for children under age six that contain lead, mercury, or cadmium. It requires manufacturers, distributors, or importers to issue immediate recalls if such products are discovered, and mandates retailers to remove recalled items from sales within 48 hours and return inventory within 14 business days. Manufacturers must destroy recalled products within 60 days to prevent public access. Violations carry penalties: $10,000-$20,000 fines for sales or recall failures, or criminal charges (up to 10 years imprisonment) for repeated noncompliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public colleges and universities in New Jersey to create campus food waste reduction programs. The programs must redirect unused food from dining halls, events, and facilities to local food security programs like soup kitchens and pantries, while following all food safety standards. Institutions must also submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing their contributions and post these reports online. The law aims to reduce food waste while supporting community food assistance efforts.

Maddy summaryS 2151 requires public utilities in New Jersey to notify affected customers about proposed rate increases through bill inserts or local newspaper ads. The notice must include a summary of the filing, the reason for it, and its impact on customers. After the Board of Public Utilities makes a final decision, utilities must send a plain-language summary of that decision to customers 30 days before new rates take effect (if approved) or within 14 days (if denied). The bill also mandates that the Board respond in writing to public questions submitted during rate hearing within 14 days. This bill directly affects utilities and their customers by increasing transparency around rate change processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2147) expands New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act to include sales of real estate by homeowners, not just professional or commercial sellers. It makes deceptive practices - such as false statements, concealment of material facts, or misleading advertisements - in connection with home sales unlawful, whether or not a buyer is harmed. Homeowners selling their property directly would now face the same legal consequences as businesses, including monetary penalties (up to $10,000 for first offenses), cease-and-desist orders, and potential triple damages for victims. The change applies immediately upon enactment, as stated in the bill’s effective date clause.