Sen. Nilsa Cruz-Perez

Maddy summaryThis bill requires scrap processing facilities that store or handle automotive shredder residue (ASR) to obtain a permit from New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). It amends state law to define ASR - nonrecyclable residue from shredding cars and metal scrap - as "hazardous waste," subjecting it to the same regulations as other hazardous materials. The DEP must establish permit limits on ASR storage volume, height, duration, and prohibit storage near homes or critical infrastructure. The law takes effect one year after enactment, applying to all facilities processing this residue.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires limited liability companies (LLCs) to disclose ownership details when purchasing residential rental properties with one to two units or multiple dwellings. Specifically, LLCs must submit an affidavit with the registered agent's contact information and each beneficial owner's full name, date of birth, business address, and a unique ID number (e.g., driver's license or passport number). The disclosure must accompany the property deed at the time of recording with county offices. This applies to both domestic and foreign LLCs buying such rental properties in New Jersey. The requirement aligns with federal standards for identifying beneficial ownership under 31 U.S.C. §5336(a)(3).

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded telephone support program for New Jersey seniors. It requires the Division of Aging Services to create a chat-line connecting adults aged 60+ (or their family/guardians) with matched volunteers for weekly phone calls. Seniors register with personal details and interests, while volunteers (18+) provide similar information to enable matching based on shared hobbies and location. The program mandates strict confidentiality for all participant information and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryS 1406 prohibits surgical declawing (onychectomy) of cats and other animals in New Jersey, except when a licensed veterinarian determines it is medically necessary for the animal's health. The bill requires veterinarians to document therapeutic justification (e.g., treating infection or injury) and submit a written statement to the Department of Health, while banning declawing for cosmetic or convenience reasons. Violations by individuals performing the procedure would be classified as disorderly persons offenses, and veterinarians failing to document properly face disciplinary action. This law directly affects veterinarians, pet owners, and animal care facilities by restricting declawing procedures to strict medical necessity.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits telecommunications, utility, and cable companies from charging customers early (before their regular billing due date) for services paid via credit card or automatic bank payments. Companies may only charge early if customers provide written consent or request it by phone or other approved method. It directly affects customers using automatic payment methods for electricity, gas, cable, or telecom services. The law requires companies to adjust billing practices to prevent pre-billing charges without explicit customer permission.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution designates May 18 of each year as "Six Triple Eight Day" in New Jersey to honor the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-African American, all-female U.S. Army unit that served during World War II. The resolution commemorates their historic achievement in delivering over 14 million pieces of backlogged mail to U.S. personnel in Europe under difficult conditions. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance of the day. The resolution specifically recognizes that 28 New Jersey women served in the unit, including those from Allentown, where one member was born on May 18.

Maddy summaryBill A4163 requires health insurers in New Jersey to cover biomarker testing for diagnosis, treatment, management, or ongoing monitoring of diseases when supported by medical evidence such as FDA approvals, drug labels, or clinical guidelines. The bill applies to all health insurance plans including individual, group, Medicaid, and health maintenance organization contracts. Insurers must provide coverage without causing unnecessary disruption (like multiple biopsies) and must make prior authorization decisions within 24 hours for urgent requests or 72 hours for non-urgent requests. This ensures patients can access precision medical testing that's clinically supported without excessive administrative barriers.

Maddy summaryAJR 166 is a New Jersey legislative resolution urging the U.S. Congress to advance the creation of a National Museum of the American Latino. Introduced by Assembly members Rodriguez, Collazos-Gill, and Quijano, it calls for Congress to reinstate a 2008 commission and establish the museum as part of the Smithsonian Institution on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., while directing copies to federal leaders and New Jersey's congressional delegation.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the time teachers can return to service under New Jersey's Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) after leaving their positions. Specifically, it increases the window from 10 to 15 years for teachers who were laid off or had 10 or more years of continuous service when they voluntarily terminated. The change applies to those who haven't withdrawn their retirement contributions and wish to resume membership. This adjustment allows eligible teachers more time to return to teaching roles without losing pension eligibility. The policy directly affects public school teachers in New Jersey who leave employment under these specific circumstances.

Maddy summarySJR 149 designates May 18 of each year as "Six Triple Eight Day" in New Jersey to commemorate the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-African American, all-female U.S. Army unit that served during World War II. The resolution honors the unit’s efforts in delivering 14 million pieces of backlogged military mail across Europe under challenging conditions, including racism and poor working environments. It specifically recognizes that 28 women from New Jersey served in the battalion, including members like Gladys Eva Debman-Blount and Marion VanOrkey. As a commemorative resolution, it requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging observance but contains no binding policy changes.