Sen. Troy Singleton

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the statute of limitations for prosecuting human trafficking crimes in New Jersey. It amends state law (N.J.S.2C:1-6) to allow prosecutors to bring charges for human trafficking offenses at any time, removing the current 5-year deadline. The change directly affects victims of human trafficking and prosecutors, ensuring cases can be pursued regardless of how much time has passed since the crime occurred. This policy change specifically targets human trafficking crimes listed under N.J.S.2C:11-3 and N.J.S.2C:11-4, aligning them with other crimes like murder that already have no time limits for prosecution.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey towns and counties to require businesses receiving economic development funding over $50,000 to sign community benefits agreements. These legally binding contracts would obligate developers to provide specific community advantages, such as hiring local workers, paying fair wages, and purchasing goods from local businesses. The law defines economic development subsidies to include grants, loans, tax credits, and other financial incentives but excludes standard government purchasing contracts. By amending state statutes, the legislation gives local governments the authority to attach these conditions to financial aid intended to stimulate regional growth.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows retirees from the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund and the Public Employees' Retirement System in New Jersey to update their beneficiary names if their originally chosen recipient dies before them. It amends existing state laws to ensure that members can nominate a new person to receive survivor benefits, such as lump sums or annuities, after the initial designated beneficiary passes away. The change applies to various benefit options available to retirees, ensuring flexibility in designating who receives payments after the retiree's death.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey's Green Acres program from using state funds to purchase, install, or replace artificial turf fields. It directly affects municipalities, school districts, and state agencies that rely on Green Acres funding for recreational facilities. The bill cites health and environmental concerns, including harmful chemicals, microplastics, and PFAS "forever chemicals" in artificial turf, as reasons to redirect funding toward natural grass fields maintained with organic practices. The policy change requires entities using Green Acres funds to prioritize safer, natural grass alternatives instead. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2357 requires parties in civil or administrative lawsuits to disclose any third-party funding agreements upfront - when filing a complaint or when the agreement is made. It directly affects plaintiffs, their attorneys, and third-party funders who pay legal costs in exchange for a share of settlement money. The bill mandates that funders act in the client’s best interest (a fiduciary duty), caps their fees at 25% of settlement proceeds (with total fees for funders and attorneys limited to 50%), and bans funders from influencing case decisions or offering legal advice. Funders must also be jointly liable for court costs or sanctions related to the funded case.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SJR 43) formally celebrates Timbuctoo’s 200th anniversary as a historic African-American community in Westampton Township, New Jersey. It commemorates Timbuctoo’s founding in 1826 by formerly enslaved people, its role on the Underground Railroad, and the 1860 "Battle of Pine Swamp" where residents protected freedom seekers. The resolution directs copies to the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail Advisory Committee, Timbuctoo Advisory Committee, and Timbuctoo Historical Society, with immediate effect. It does not create new laws or alter policies but recognizes the community’s resilience and historical significance.

Maddy summaryS 1404 expands the types of information insurance companies and fraud detection organizations can legally share to prevent insurance fraud. It specifically allows sharing details about "adverse underwriting decisions" (like coverage denials, rate increases, or failed applications) between insurers, agents, and insurance-support organizations. The bill also provides legal protection (civil immunity) for entities that share this information in good faith. This directly affects insurers, agents, and insurance-support organizations involved in fraud investigations. The changes aim to improve fraud detection without exposing information sharers to lawsuits.

Maddy summaryS 2215 creates a three-year pilot program in New Jersey that allows commercial farms to claim tax credits for donating edible fruits and vegetables to qualified charities. Farms can receive a credit equal to 50% of the wholesale value of their donations (capped at $5,000 per donation period), provided they obtain written verification from the charity detailing the donation. The program is limited to $100,000 in total tax credits per fiscal year and requires farms to submit charity verification forms to the Department of Agriculture for approval. This directly affects commercial farm operators in New Jersey who donate surplus produce to eligible charities, offering a financial incentive to reduce food waste while supporting community food programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the New Jersey Department of Health to create an all-payer claims database that collects and stores health insurance data from various payers and providers. The database will include information on medical, prescription, dental, and vision claims, as well as provider details and enrollment data, while excluding specific plans like workers' compensation and Medicare supplements. Reporting entities such as insurance companies, pharmacies, and licensed health care providers must submit this data, but self-insured plans governed by federal law are exempt. The department is responsible for securely managing the data, verifying its accuracy through audits, and publishing certain information on a public dashboard.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a statewide framework to regulate the development of large data centers that consume significant amounts of electricity and water. It requires developers to submit a detailed impact statement to the State Planning Commission before seeking local approval, covering issues like energy demand, water usage, environmental effects, and traffic. The legislation specifically directs that these facilities be located on brownfields or in industrial corridors to protect sensitive lands and overburdened communities. Additionally, the impact statement must include plans for alternative energy generation, water recycling, and grid reliability measures.