Sen. Paul Moriarty

Maddy summaryS 4151 requires New Jersey public utilities (like electricity, gas, and water companies) to clearly inform customers about proposed rate increases. Utilities must send a plain-language notice via bill insert or local newspaper explaining the reason for the increase and its impact on customers before filing a petition with the Board of Public Utilities. After the Board issues a final decision, utilities must provide a written summary to affected customers 30 days before new rates take effect if approved, or within 14 days if the rate doesn’t change. The bill also mandates the Board of Public Utilities respond in writing to public questions asked during hearings within 14 days after the final hearing.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits electricity rate increases for low- and middle-income residential households in New Jersey. Specifically, electric utilities cannot raise rates for these households by more than the annual inflation rate (based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index). Eligible households are defined as those with annual incomes up to 400% of the federal poverty level (200% for "low-income" households). Utilities must report program participation and financial impacts to the Board of Public Utilities annually, and non-compliance may result in fines.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases tuition credit amounts for volunteer firefighters and first responders in New Jersey. It raises the annual credit from $600 to $1,250 per year (capping at $5,000 total over four years) for active members of volunteer fire companies or first aid squads, plus their dependent children and spouses. To qualify, participants must agree to serve for four years in exchange for the credit, with the credit applied toward tuition at county colleges or vocational schools. The change expands financial support for families of volunteers while maintaining the existing service commitment requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires packaging producers to reduce single-use packaging waste and improve recycling rates through specific targets: a 25% reduction by 2032 (with at least 10% from shifting to reusable options or eliminating plastic), all packaging must be compostable or recyclable by 2034, and a 65% recycling rate by 2036. Producers can join or form Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) to develop and implement stewardship plans that outline how they'll meet these goals, with fees paid to a new Packaging Reduction and Recycling Fund to improve recycling infrastructure. The bill exempts small producers (with less than $5 million revenue or under 1 metric ton of packaging) and establishes an Office of Plastics and Packaging Management within the Department of Environmental Protection to oversee implementation. Producers must also conduct public outreach and provide educational materials about proper packaging disposal.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4087) extends New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act to cover sales of real estate by individual homeowners, not just professional sellers. It makes deceptive practices - such as false promises, hiding material facts, or fraud - in connection with a home sale unlawful, whether the homeowner is selling their own property or advertising it. Homeowners who use such practices could face penalties of up to $10,000 for a first offense and $20,000 for repeat offenses, plus potential court-ordered damages. The law applies to all home sales where the seller is a homeowner, directly affecting individuals selling their personal residences.

Maddy summaryS 4088 establishes a licensing requirement for general contractors in New Jersey, affecting anyone who practices or offers to practice general contracting (defined as trades 006-009 under the Treasury Department). The bill creates a State Board of General Contractors to set standards, review applications, administer exams, issue licenses, and enforce rules. To be licensed, applicants must meet age, education/experience, or apprenticeship requirements and pass an exam held at least twice yearly. Existing contractors with 10+ years of experience prior to the law's effective date are exempt from education/exam requirements, and all license holders must display their license at job sites.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4090) raises the maximum age for residents in New Jersey's pediatric long-term care facilities from 19 to 26 years. It directly affects young adults aged 19-26 who currently cannot access these facilities due to the existing age limit. The key provision amends existing law to allow licensed pediatric long-term care facilities to admit and serve residents up to age 26. The change would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryS 4089 allows New Jersey veterans to qualify for the property tax deduction on a new home even if they purchased it after October 1 but before December 31 of the pretax year, provided they were previously eligible for the deduction on another property before that October 1. The bill amends existing law (P.L.1963, c.171) to remove the requirement that veterans must own property by October 1 to claim the deduction for the following tax year. This specifically helps veterans who move into a new home after October 1 but before year-end, preventing them from losing eligibility due to timing. The change applies only to veterans who were already qualified for the deduction on a prior property.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state-funded transportation projects needing geotechnical testing to hire a geotechnical engineer. The engineer must recommend testing types and frequency during design, and all recommended testing must be completed during construction unless exempted by the State transportation engineer. It also mandates groundwater testing and monitoring before construction begins, with ongoing monitoring if site conditions require it (capped at three years), and requires deformation monitoring if needed, with advanced tracking if limits are exceeded. The Department of Transportation must follow all internal standards without waiving them, except as authorized by the State transportation engineer.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes criminal penalties for creating or sharing deepfakes (fake audio or video content that falsely depicts someone doing something they didn't do) intended for illegal purposes like harassment, theft, or invasion of privacy. It also requires clear labeling of such content and allows victims to sue for at least $1,000 per violation, plus additional damages. News media are exempt from penalties unless they knowingly share unmarked deepfakes. The law directly affects individuals whose likeness is misused in deepfakes and those producing or distributing deceptive media for unlawful purposes.