Sen. Jim Beach

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Senate Bill S 2328 requires the State to use energy-efficient outdoor lighting fixtures when installing, replacing, or maintaining such fixtures with state funds. Specifically, it mandates that fixtures exceeding 1,800 lumens must be "cutoff luminaires" (directing light downward to minimize waste), while ensuring only the minimum necessary illumination is used for safety and functionality. The law exempts temporary uses (like emergencies or special events), historic properties, and situations where alternatives like reflective road markers suffice. It applies only to state-owned facilities and infrastructure (e.g., state buildings, highways), not to local governments or private property.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all horseback riders on New Jersey's State-owned lands to wear ASTM-compliant protective headgear with proper harness securing. It affects anyone engaging in equestrian activity on these public lands, mandating helmets meeting specific safety standards (verified by ASTM or Safety Equipment Institute certification). Riders violating the rule face fines up to $50 for a first offense and $200 for repeat violations, with all collected funds directed to the New Jersey Brain Injury Research Fund for grants supporting brain injury research. Clear signage must be posted at all trail entrances to inform riders of the requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in public accommodations (like restaurants, stores, and hotels) to train employees about the rights of people with disabilities to bring service or guide dogs into those spaces. It mandates that employers provide training based on a state-produced pamphlet covering New Jersey and federal disability access laws (including the ADA), using free resources from the Division on Civil Rights or approved programs. Employers must distribute the pamphlet to all relevant employees and obtain signed acknowledgment forms confirming employees reviewed it, which they must retain for three years. The law aims to ensure consistent compliance with existing access rights for individuals using service animals.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2315 establishes a voluntary certification program for recovery residences (sober living homes) and their administrators. The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) must approve a nonprofit credentialing entity within 120 days to develop certification standards, conduct inspections, and issue certificates of compliance to facilities managed by certified administrators or peer-managed by residents. Healthcare providers must refer patients only to certified residences listed on the credentialing entity's public website or to residences owned by licensed treatment providers. Certified recovery residences are exempt from health care facility and rooming house regulations, while uncertified facilities remain subject to existing rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2300) expands eligibility for free or reduced-fee beach access in New Jersey shore municipalities to include **discharged New Jersey National Guard members who were honorably released** (not just active members who completed training). It amends existing law (P.L.1955, c.49) to add this group as a qualifying category, alongside active military members, veterans, and others. Municipalities may now offer these benefits to National Guard veterans (and their spouses/children over 12) without requiring additional fees. The change applies to all ocean, bay, and river beaches governed by shore municipalities that already provide similar discounts. This policy does not create new fees but modifies existing municipal discretion to extend access to a broader group of service members.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2320) prohibits home schooling for children under the care, custody, or supervision of New Jersey's Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP), including those placed in resource family homes or kinship care. It mandates that these children must attend a public or nonpublic school instead of being home-schooled. The law overrides any existing provisions that might permit home education for such children and takes effect immediately upon enactment. This directly affects children in state custody or foster care settings who would otherwise have home schooling options.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's guardianship laws to strengthen protections for people under guardianship (wards) and those who may be placed under guardianship (proposed wards). It requires legal counsel for all wards throughout guardianship proceedings, mandates regular reports from both guardians of the person and estate to courts (at least every six months), and clarifies that guardians must act in the ward's best interests while considering their preferences. The bill also makes guardians of estates liable for breaching fiduciary duties like trustees, requires courts to review reports annually, and expands who guardians must consider when making financial decisions. These changes aim to encourage ethical conduct by guardians and provide stronger protections for vulnerable individuals.

Maddy summaryS 2314 requires New Jersey county welfare agencies and other entities processing SNAP (food assistance) applications to provide applicants with a written receipt at the time of application. The receipt must include the application date, a checklist of required documents already received, and a list of missing documents with submission deadlines. This applies to all applicants, whether they apply in person or online. The bill ensures applicants receive immediate, clear information about their application status and required next steps.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 2304 (the "County Self-Help Infrastructure Act"), permits New Jersey counties to impose a county-wide fee for infrastructure projects after securing voter approval. Counties must hold a referendum requiring over 50% voter support, with the public question specifying the fee amount, duration, and projects (e.g., roads, bridges, water systems). Proceeds from the fee would be used exclusively by counties for infrastructure construction within their jurisdiction, not for general operations. It directly affects New Jersey counties and their residents, who decide through voting whether to fund local infrastructure improvements.

Maddy summaryS 2302, the "Zero Energy Construction Act," requires all new residential and commercial buildings in New Jersey to be constructed as "zero energy ready" starting January 1, 2025, directly affecting developers and prospective building owners. Developers must offer zero energy construction during sales negotiations, disclose associated costs, and inform buyers about environmental benefits, energy savings, and available incentives through a state website. The bill mandates that construction permits cannot be issued for new buildings unless they meet the zero energy ready standard, and requires the state to update building codes and provide online resources for buyers. It aims to reduce energy consumption and long-term costs by making new buildings capable of achieving net-zero energy use with renewable systems.