Sen. Troy Singleton

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1806 modifies pretrial release procedures for defendants charged with firearm offenses. It allows courts to extend the standard 48-hour decision timeline by up to seven additional days when a prosecutor requests more time for firearms ballistic analysis. This provision applies only to cases involving the use or possession of a firearm and does not change release standards. The bill aims to ensure courts have complete firearms evidence before deciding pretrial release.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes clear standards for rent-to-own agreements in New Jersey, directly protecting tenant-buyers who pay rent with the option to purchase a home later. It requires written agreements disclosing all key terms (total price, lease duration, option fees, rent credits), mandates property inspections before signing, and ensures landlords provide full financial disclosures. The bill prohibits unfair practices like non-refundable fees without cause, requires 30 days to cure defaults, and prevents landlords from waiving tenant rights. It also ensures tenant-buyers' interests remain protected if the property is sold to a third party or if insurance/eminent domain payments are involved.

Maddy summaryS 1804, "Moose's Law," prohibits individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses in New Jersey from owning animals or working/volunteering at animal-related businesses (like shelters, vets, pet shops, or breeding operations) for a period set by the court. The law requires courts to order offenders to forfeit owned animals (transferring them to shelters or co-owners) and bans future animal ownership or employment in animal enterprises for at least two years, or longer based on offense severity. It also creates a presumption against granting pretrial intervention (a diversion program) for people accused of certain animal cruelty offenses, meaning they typically cannot avoid trial through this program. The law directly affects convicted animal cruelty offenders, restricting their ability to interact with animals in personal or professional settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1931) increases penalties for reckless vehicular homicide when the driver was intoxicated. It elevates the offense to a first-degree crime if the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating a vehicle near schools or school zones, including: within 1,000 feet of school property, through designated school crossings, near school crossings with juveniles present (even if unmarked), or in highway construction zones. Convictions under these circumstances require a minimum prison term of one-third to one-half of the sentence or three years (whichever is greater), with no parole eligibility during that period, plus a license suspension of 5 years to life. The law applies directly to drivers convicted of causing death while driving intoxicated in these specific locations.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 409 allows counties and municipalities to reduce water, sewer, and stormwater fees for low-income households. It requires local authorities to establish income-based eligibility (at or below federal poverty guidelines) and verify household composition, ownership, and income through documented applications. Authorities must ensure budget stability by setting aside sufficient revenue or obtaining approval to cover reduced fees without raising rates for others. The bill applies to both sewer and water systems, mandating clear advertising of the program in billing materials and setting annual application deadlines.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1795) requires that only licensed architects or professional engineers (referred to as "registered design professionals") or employees of certified fire escape contractors may install, service, repair, inspect, or maintain fire escapes in New Jersey. It defines "fire escape contractor" as requiring certification from the state commissioner and specifies that only certified individuals or licensed professionals can legally perform these tasks. The bill directly affects fire escape contractors, building owners requiring fire escape work, and property managers responsible for maintenance. It aims to standardize qualifications for fire escape work to ensure safety through professional oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey property owners to deduct the capital gain from selling land to qualified conservation organizations on their state gross income tax return. It applies to both full-market-value sales and "bargain sales" (where land is sold below market value but with conservation restrictions). The deduction equals the gain calculated under federal tax rules, covering sales to groups like Green Acres, farmland preservation programs, or wildlife conservation initiatives. This directly benefits landowners who sell environmentally valuable property to these conservation entities.

Maddy summaryS 635 establishes a three-year "Sustainable Tiny Home Pilot Program" through New Jersey's Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA), appropriating $5 million to fund construction of tiny homes (under 300 sq ft) in three regions of the state. The program awards annual grants totaling $1.65 million to builders who construct tiny home developments meeting green building standards, with requirements to report recycled construction waste and energy-efficient features. It directly affects builders, selected municipalities (chosen based on zoning flexibility and community interest), and future residents seeking affordable, low-emission housing. The bill aims to reduce carbon emissions (tiny homes emit ~2,000 lbs CO2 annually vs. 28,000 lbs for standard homes) and construction waste, aligning with climate goals.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Department of Veterans Affairs to partner with qualified law firms to provide free legal help to eligible disabled veterans facing denied disability claims at the federal level. It specifically covers veterans with service-connected disabilities and a net worth under $2 million, who need representation before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims after losing at the VA Board of Appeals. Law firms must specialize in veteran benefits, have 10+ years of experience, maintain a New Jersey office, and meet strict case-quantity requirements. The program requires no fees for veterans and will begin July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on "service in the Armed Forces of the United States or liability for service" (covering active duty, veterans, and National Guard/reserve members) in employment, housing, and public accommodations. It directly affects military service members, veterans, and their families by adding these categories to the list of protected characteristics under the law. The key mechanism is updating existing definitions and prohibitions in the statute to include military service status as a protected class, ensuring equal treatment in employment, housing, and public spaces. This change aligns with New Jersey's existing anti-discrimination framework without creating new enforcement mechanisms.