Sen. Jim Beach

Maddy summaryS 1225 requires cable, satellite, and streaming television companies in New Jersey to advertise the complete price consumers will pay for service, including all fees like programming, equipment rentals, and administrative charges. It applies directly to companies advertising TV service prices to New Jersey residents, mandating that the displayed price reflects the total billable amount (excluding federal/state taxes that may be itemized separately). Companies must disclose that additional taxes or fees may apply but are not required to include those in the advertised price. Violations could result in fines up to $20,000 per offense or legal action under New Jersey's consumer fraud law.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates tax credits for businesses and property owners who construct or retrofit buildings meeting specific green building standards. Taxpayers receive a credit equal to 4% of eligible construction costs plus an additional 0.5% to 2.0% based on the building's LEED certification level (Certified to Platinum). Eligible costs include construction, materials, and professional fees, but exclude computers, solar panels, and exceed $280 per square foot. The credit applies against several New Jersey business taxes and requires certification through the LEED system or similar standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1251) amends New Jersey's open records law to specifically exempt health information disclosed in 9-1-1 calls from being classified as a "government record." It directly affects individuals who call 9-1-1 for medical emergencies, ensuring details like medical conditions, treatments, diagnoses, or health insurance information shared during those calls cannot be accessed under public records requests. The key provision adds a new exclusion to the definition of "government record," explicitly stating that "any part of a 9-1-1 audio recording or transcript" disclosing health status or related information shall not be considered a public record. This change prevents such sensitive health details from being routinely disclosed to the public through freedom of information requests. The bill is currently pending in the Senate State Government Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires nonpublic schools and charter schools receiving state/federal funds to conduct criminal background checks every four years for employees with regular student contact, including bus drivers, aides, teachers, and security staff. It also prohibits tampering with school bus monitoring devices, making it a crime to disable or damage cameras or recording equipment. The law applies to positions involving direct student interaction and mandates schools to suspend or terminate staff if convicted of certain crimes. Background checks must verify no disqualifying criminal history, with bus drivers able to use license renewal checks as an alternative. The bill aims to enhance safety through regular screening and protection of monitoring systems.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill S 1591 requires the Department of Education to create and maintain a searchable website listing all special education resources for students with disabilities. The website must include information on approved schools (both in-state and out-of-state), specialized programs, assistive technologies, and support organizations, all organized for easy public access. It must be searchable by disability type, location, and keyword, updated annually, and developed with input from the State Special Education Advisory Council. The bill, introduced in January 2024, directly affects special education students and families by centralizing hard-to-find resource information in one accessible location.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to explicitly include virtual currency (like Bitcoin) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) within the legal definition of "gift" for public officials. It directly affects state employees and officials (excluding legislators) who are prohibited from accepting these digital assets as gifts under existing ethics rules. The key mechanism is a straightforward definition change in the statute, ensuring these new forms of digital assets are treated the same as traditional gifts under state ethics laws.

Maddy summaryS 329 establishes a three-year "Food Innovation District Pilot Program" in New Jersey to support small and mid-sized farms and food businesses. The program allows municipalities to apply for designation of specific areas as food innovation districts - geographic zones concentrating food businesses, processing facilities, and community activities - through a structured application process. Key requirements include demonstrating access to transportation, mixed-use zoning, and existing food business clusters, with the Department of Agriculture providing technical assistance and measuring success through metrics like business growth and job creation. The program aims to strengthen local food systems, increase access to regional food, and encourage sustainable packaging alternatives, with a final report due before the pilot ends.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates two tax credits for New Jersey residents and employers related to student loan payments. Individuals who earned an associate's, bachelor's, or graduate degree from an accredited school and worked in New Jersey during the tax year can claim a credit equal to a portion of their qualifying student loan payments (capped by a standard benchmark amount). Employers can also claim a credit for paying employees' qualifying student loans, with part-time employees counting at 50% of the credit. Unused credits can be carried forward for up to seven years, and STEM degree holders who pay no tax may receive a refund for excess credit.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's state purchasing director to review all pharmaceutical contracts and create an annual list prioritizing drugs for bulk purchasing based on cost, availability of similar alternatives, and the 25 highest-cost drugs used by state programs. The director must coordinate with health, human services, corrections, and other state agencies to develop bulk purchasing agreements for these priority drugs, aiming to reduce costs for state programs. The bill also mandates outreach to counties, local governments, and private buyers (including small businesses and health plans) to help them access these bulk purchasing arrangements. State agencies must report annually on the program's implementation, cost impacts, and effects on drug availability for both covered and non-covered products.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits businesses from including in consumer contracts any term requiring customers to give up their right to report complaints to government agencies or to use protections under New Jersey's consumer laws. It specifically invalidates clauses that waive rights under the Consumer Fraud Act, the Used Car Lemon Law, or other consumer protection laws, as well as the right to contact law enforcement or consumer agencies to file complaints. Any such contract term would be considered unenforceable. The law applies to all consumer contracts, including arbitration agreements, and takes effect immediately.