Maddy summaryThis bill requires pest inspections before demolishing buildings in New Jersey to prevent pests like rats and roaches from spreading to nearby properties. It mandates that a certified health officer or pesticide applicator inspect the site and issue a clearance certificate confirming no severe infestation exists, with the demolition applicant responsible for all associated costs. The inspection must occur at least two months before a demolition permit is issued, though it is waived if the building is structurally unsafe and poses an immediate collapse risk. Local officials retain the authority to reject a certification if they believe the initial inspection was insufficient, requiring further mitigation steps before work can proceed.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits businesses that provide services from charging extra fees to customers who pay with a debit card. It amends existing consumer protection laws to explicitly ban surcharges for debit transactions while maintaining rules that allow small fees for credit card use if clearly disclosed. Sellers must inform customers before payment that debit cards cannot be surcharged, and violations are treated as unlawful practices subject to fines and penalties. The law applies to all service providers in the state and takes effect immediately upon passage.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Secretary of State to launch a public awareness campaign explaining how federal postal rules define postmarks and how they could affect the validity of mail-in ballots. The campaign will inform voters that ballots postmarked after election day may not be counted, even if mailed earlier, and will educate them on options like requesting manual postmarks or using ballot drop boxes to avoid postmark issues. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of State to work with county election boards to assess the placement and usage of mail-in ballot drop boxes across the state and submit a report with recommendations for any needed changes. The legislation also appropriates $100,000 from the state's General Fund to support the development and implementation of the public awareness campaign.
Maddy summaryS 3451 requires New Jersey state agencies, the New York New Jersey 2026 World Cup Host Committee, and municipalities hosting World Cup venues (like stadiums or fan zones) to submit reports on human rights protections during the 2026 event. These reports must detail actions taken to implement human rights commitments made in the 2021 NY/NJ Human Rights Report, evaluate their effectiveness, and outline future plans. The initial report is due 30 days after the bill's enactment, and a final report is due 30 days after the World Cup final on July 19, 2026. All reports will be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature for review.
Maddy summaryThis bill would allow New Jersey residents to apply for special "250th Anniversary Revolutionary War" license plates for their vehicles. Owners would pay a $50 one-time application fee plus a $10 annual renewal fee, with all collected funds deposited into a dedicated "250th Anniversary Revolutionary War License Plate Fund." The fund would be used annually to support and preserve Revolutionary War sites across New Jersey, after covering administrative costs. The New Jersey Historical Commission would collaborate with the Motor Vehicle Commission on design and promotion.
Maddy summaryS 2959 requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services to reformat the MyNJHelps platform into a single online hub for all state public assistance programs within 365 days. It mandates a unified application system allowing low-income residents to access, apply for, and track status for benefits like food assistance (SNAP), healthcare (NJFamilyCare), housing, and cash aid through one portal. The bill maintains existing agency management of programs while requiring data-sharing agreements between agencies to enable eligibility checks and status updates through the centralized platform. This change aims to simplify access for applicants without altering how individual programs are administered.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1526) increases criminal penalties for identity theft when the victim is a senior citizen (62+) or veteran. It amends N.J.S.2C:21-17 to elevate offenses involving these groups: a first offense against a senior or veteran becomes a third-degree crime (previously fourth degree), and a second offense becomes a second-degree crime (previously third degree). The bill also increases penalties for cases involving multiple victims if any victim is a senior or veteran. These changes directly affect identity thieves targeting vulnerable groups, making their offenses more serious under state law.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in public places like restaurants, stores, and facilities to train staff about the legal rights of people with disabilities to bring service or guide dogs. Employers must provide training based on a state-created pamphlet explaining relevant state and federal laws (including the Americans with Disabilities Act), or use approved free training resources. Each employee must receive a printed copy of the pamphlet and sign an acknowledgment form confirming they reviewed it. The law takes effect immediately.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows public high school students in New Jersey who observe Ramadan to opt out of required physical education classes and sports participation during the holy month. Students may substitute PE with an instructional course or study hall (earning equivalent graduation credits) by submitting written notice to their principal before scheduling. Student-athletes may also be excused from sports or cheerleading programs by notifying their coach, with coaches prohibited from penalizing such absences. The policy specifically accommodates Muslim students' religious obligation to fast during Ramadan, without exempting them from other required health education courses.
Maddy summaryThe "Everyone Counts in New Jersey Act" creates a new state framework to ensure all residents are included in the federal decennial census. It establishes a temporary commission within the Department of State to develop outreach strategies, a permanent Office of the Census to coordinate state-wide efforts and publish data, and a trust fund with an annual $1 million appropriation to finance local and community counting initiatives. These new entities will work together to promote government-wide cooperation and provide resources aimed at increasing participation in future population counts.