Sen. Troy Singleton

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) in New Jersey's Office of Administrative Law to enroll in the Workers Compensation Judges Part of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), removing them from an existing exclusion. Currently, ALJs are excluded from this retirement system under state law, but the bill amends Section 2(a)(2) of P.L. 2007, c.92 to include them. The change directly affects ALJs who serve in the Office of Administrative Law within the Department of State. It does not alter retirement benefits or create new provisions - only updates their mandatory enrollment status in the existing PERS framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public utilities to charge qualifying nonprofit organizations the residential utility rate (not commercial) for services at their primary location if the residential rate is lower. It defines qualifying nonprofits as those meeting IRS 501(c)(3) standards or New Jersey nonprofit corporation rules. Utilities must establish a certification process, in consultation with the Board of Public Utilities, for nonprofits to prove eligibility for the residential rate. This directly affects nonprofits using utility services and public utilities providing those services.

Maddy summaryS 1982, the "Fentanyl and Xylazine Poisoning Awareness Act," requires New Jersey public school districts to include age-appropriate instruction on the dangers of fentanyl and xylazine in health and physical education curricula for students in grades 6-12. The bill mandates teaching about prevention, symptoms of poisoning, emergency response, and legal protections for seeking help, using resources from federal agencies like the CDC and DEA. School districts must provide this instruction as part of existing health standards, and the state education department must post related materials online for staff, students, and parents. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, after being approved as P.L.2025, c.278, and is no longer active.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an independent Office of the Child Advocate within New Jersey's Executive Branch (allocated under the Department of Children and Families but operating autonomously). It directly affects children at risk of abuse or neglect, as well as state agencies and private entities providing child welfare services. Key provisions include appointing a Governor-selected attorney to investigate child welfare cases, access records (with limitations) to monitor agency responses, operate a 24-hour hotline for public reports, and issue subpoenas for investigations. The office will evaluate agency performance, review facilities like juvenile detention centers, and make recommendations to improve child protection systems.

Maddy summaryS 803 creates a program for New Jersey to acquire development easements on privately-owned woodlands, permanently restricting future development to protect land for farming, forestry, and conservation. Woodlands must be at least 20 acres, used for agriculture or forestry production, and managed under approved stewardship plans to qualify. The program will use existing farmland preservation funds and coordinate with federal agencies to access additional support, such as the federal Forest Legacy Program. Landowners who sell these easements retain ownership but lose development rights, with restrictions recorded to last indefinitely.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2649) would have allowed municipalities, counties, school districts, and fire districts in New Jersey to use project labor agreements (PLAs) for public works projects costing less than $5 million. Currently, PLAs could only be required for projects meeting or exceeding this $5 million threshold under existing law (P.L.2002, c.44). The bill amended the law to permit local entities to voluntarily adopt PLAs for smaller projects, expanding their flexibility in labor negotiations. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as the policy change was already enacted through another bill (P.L.2025, c.327).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey county colleges to partner with county social services boards to help low-income students access essential support programs like food assistance (SNAP), childcare subsidies, and cash aid (TANF). It mandates colleges and social services agencies to collaborate on streamlining application processes, providing direct student assistance, and identifying gaps in meeting basic needs. The bill also directs colleges and workforce boards to form partnerships connecting unemployed residents with career-focused college programs. These provisions aim to increase enrollment in social services and improve access to educational pathways for low-income students.

Maddy summarySJR 42 designates June of each year as "Gun Violence Awareness Month" in New Jersey. The bill requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials, organizations, and citizens to observe the month with awareness activities. It is a symbolic resolution with no new funding, regulations, or policy changes - merely commemorating the issue through designated observance. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 13, 2026, and referred to committee.

Maddy summarySCR 65 is a symbolic resolution passed by New Jersey's Senate condemning Hinduphobia - defined as prejudice or hatred against Hinduism and Hindus - and anti-Hindu bigotry. It declares New Jersey a welcoming state for Hindu Americans, recognizing their contributions to U.S. society and citing documented hate crimes against the community. The resolution has no binding legal effect but directs copies to the governor, New Jersey's congressional delegation, and the Hindu American Foundation. It serves as a formal statement of support, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a program to help New Jersey state agencies, local governments, and school districts finance energy efficiency upgrades in their buildings. It authorizes the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to provide loans and financial assistance for projects like solar panels, improved insulation, and efficient HVAC systems, using up to $20 million annually from societal benefits charge revenues. Projects must demonstrate that total costs will be offset by energy savings within 10 years or the equipment's useful life. The program requires applicants to complete an energy assessment showing cost-effectiveness before receiving funding.