Maddy summaryS 395 creates the New Jersey Fusion Technology Industry Commission to advance fusion energy and technology development within the state. The commission, composed of 11 members including experts in fusion science, higher education leaders, and economic development officials, will oversee funding for research at public and private colleges, business incubation facilities, and technology transfer programs. It directly affects New Jersey's public and private universities (like Rutgers and NJIT), fusion technology startups, and the state's economic development efforts. The bill establishes the framework for the commission to develop policies, allocate grants, and ensure programs receive adequate funding, though it does not include specific funding amounts or immediate program details.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 75) adjusts relocation assistance payments for people and businesses displaced by public projects in New Jersey. It increases three key payment types - moving expenses, dislocation allowances, and fixed business payments - based on annual changes to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The current amounts start at $450 for moving expenses and $3,750 for business payments, with automatic annual increases tied to CPI after the 60th month. These adjustments ensure payments keep pace with inflation, directly benefiting displaced homeowners and small businesses affected by government property acquisitions.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 86) prevents contractors from winning new state contracts if they have an unresolved dispute or performance issue with an existing state contract. Specifically, a bidder becomes ineligible if they failed to perform under a current contract (as determined by the State Contract Manager), or if the current contract is on hold, incomplete, or in litigation regarding performance. The rule applies to all state procurement contracts and requires disputes to be resolved before a bidder can receive new work. The intent is to ensure contractors fulfill current obligations before being awarded additional state projects.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 66) creates an exception to New Jersey's standard 3-day home improvement contract cancellation period when a "bona fide emergency" exists. Homeowners can waive their right to cancel by signing an emergency authorization form provided by the contractor, which must include a written cost estimate for the necessary repairs. Contractors may also take immediate steps to address clear and immediate dangers (like electrical hazards or roof collapses) without the form, but must get further written approval if costs exceed the initial estimate. The bill defines "bona fide emergency" to include serious issues affecting heating, plumbing, electrical systems, roofs, or walls that make a home uninhabitable or pose safety risks.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 108 provides tax credits to encourage the purchase of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles and trucks. Businesses can claim credits of up to $3,500 for standard CNG vehicles or $25,000 for Class 8 trucks (in 2023), while individuals can claim up to $3,500 annually for personal CNG vehicles. To qualify, purchasers must obtain certification from the Environmental Protection Commissioner verifying the vehicle type and purchase details. The credits phase down over time (2023-2025) and are limited to 50% of tax liability, with unused credits potentially carried forward.
Maddy summaryThis bill redirects 75% of unclaimed electric and gas utility deposits held in the Unclaimed Utility Deposits Trust Fund to nonprofit energy assistance organizations designated by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU). The funds must be used exclusively to prevent utility service terminations or restore service for low-income households. The remaining 25% stays in the trust fund for state claims and expenses. It affects households struggling with utility bills and nonprofit organizations providing energy assistance, without creating new programs but redirecting existing unclaimed funds.
Maddy summaryThis bill, S 103, allows parents or legal guardians to place a security freeze on their minor child's credit report. It directly affects children under 18 (defined as "protected consumers") and their parents/guardians by giving them control over the child's credit information. The key provision requires parents/guardians to submit a written request (via certified mail or secure email) with proof of authority, and credit reporting agencies must act within 5 business days to freeze the report and provide a unique PIN for future access. This prevents unauthorized sharing of the child's credit data without the parent's or guardian's permission.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 110 requires the Department of Health to create safety standards for maternity care at general hospitals licensed to provide such services. These standards must focus on patient safety during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care, aiming to reduce adverse outcomes and health disparities. Hospitals must comply with these standards as a condition of their license, and the Department must update them based on national best practices from initiatives like the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health. The law takes effect 365 days after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's laws governing worker cooperatives, directly affecting businesses owned and operated by their employees. Key changes include requiring cooperatives to file registration documents with the Labor Commissioner (replacing previous requirements), mandating annual financial reports detailing capital, ownership, and debts, and establishing a 5% annual sinking fund from profits before distributions. The bill also clarifies rules for transferring ownership shares and dissolving cooperatives, specifying filings must go to the Labor Commissioner instead of the Secretary of State. These provisions aim to streamline formation, increase transparency, and ensure financial accountability for worker-owned businesses.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 122) requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to compensate local governments (like municipalities and counties) for delay damages on transportation projects funded by the Transportation Trust Fund, if those delays resulted from Executive Order No. 210 of 2016. It allows local governments to use their own funds to continue or complete projects halted by that executive order, without DOT or other agencies withholding or canceling state transportation aid. The bill prohibits state agencies from penalizing local governments for using their own funds to keep projects moving forward. It directly affects local governments managing transportation projects impacted by the 2016 shutdown order.