Sen. Latham Tiver

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and New Jersey's role in the American Revolution. It formally recognizes the state's historical contributions, including early adoption of the Declaration, key Revolutionary War battles, and the service of diverse citizens. The bill directs the Secretary of the Senate to send copies of the resolution to federal leaders and state historical officials, but it does not change laws or allocate funding.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 147 designates the month of May each year as "Mothers' Grief Awareness Month" in New Jersey to honor mothers who have lost children. The bill requests that the Governor issue an annual proclamation to encourage public officials and citizens to observe the month with awareness activities and programs. This symbolic designation aims to raise visibility about the mental health challenges associated with child loss and to promote support for grieving mothers.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows certain brewery license holders in New Jersey to sell and distribute alcoholic beverages made with at least 51 percent locally grown agricultural products, known as "Jersey Fresh." It amends existing laws to create new license categories that permit breweries to sell these specific products to consumers on or off their licensed premises and to offer samples. The legislation also establishes a graduated fee structure for these licenses based on the volume of beer brewed annually, ranging from $1,250 to $7,500. Additionally, the bill introduces a restricted brewery license for entities that already own a restaurant with dining facilities, allowing them to brew and sell beer directly to that location.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to create a program that supports the construction of new nuclear energy facilities within the state. It achieves this by amending existing laws to grant the Authority specific powers, such as the ability to acquire land, enter into contracts for project financing and construction, and accept federal or state grants. The legislation also allows the Authority to mortgage projects and collect fees to cover administrative and operational expenses related to these nuclear initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's distracted driving laws to strictly prohibit drivers from using hand-held wireless telephones or electronic communication devices while operating a vehicle on public roads. The only exceptions allow for hand-held use when a driver fears for their safety, needs to report emergencies such as accidents or crimes, or must address reckless driving by another motorist. Penalties for violations include escalating fines ranging from $200 to $800, and repeat offenders face potential license suspension and the addition of three points to their driving record. The legislation also clarifies definitions for terms like "hands-free," "livestreaming," and "two-way radio," while establishing that courts will collect and distribute the resulting fines.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill allows the Secretary of Agriculture to declare an agricultural emergency for up to six months when factors like rising fertilizer costs impact the state. During such an emergency, the sale of fertilizer would be temporarily exempt from state sales tax to help reduce costs for farmers and gardeners. The Secretary has the authority to set the specific criteria for declaring an emergency and can limit the tax break to certain areas if needed. Additionally, the bill directs the Division of Taxation to create rules for implementing this tax exemption while ensuring compliance with federal tax agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill empowers the New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture to declare an agricultural emergency for up to six months when factors like weather, disease, or supply chain disruptions threaten the state's farms. Once declared, the department must immediately post a notice on its website explaining the emergency and providing farmers with specific resources and funding options to protect their crops and livestock. Additionally, the bill mandates that the department conduct a study within six months to identify and report on available state, federal, and private funding sources that can help farmers during such crises.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows owners of preserved farmland in New Jersey to install renewable energy systems like solar, wind, or biomass facilities on their property to generate power or heat. The systems can supply energy to the farm itself or to an adjacent property if that property is the primary residence of the farm's owner or operator. Key provisions require that the energy facilities do not significantly interfere with farming activities, are owned by the landowner, and are limited in size to either 10% above the farm's previous year's energy demand or one percent of the total farm area. Landowners must obtain approval from a designated committee before construction, and the committee must consider input from development easement holders within a 30-day window. The bill also mandates that no fees be charged for the review process and requires the creation of regulations to set standards for impervious cover and other environmental considerations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the South Jersey Transportation Authority Act to formally include Burlington County as a represented county within the authority's jurisdiction. The legislation expands the authority's scope to cover Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties, ensuring Burlington County has a voice in regional transportation planning and decision-making. The bill defines the authority's powers to manage expressways, aviation facilities, and related economic development projects across the designated region. It clarifies that the authority's activities complement but do not replace existing state transportation funding and public transit services.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 3-year pilot program in New Jersey's public elementary schools to test the use of therapy dogs in wellness initiatives. Participating school districts must apply with details about their schools, student wellness programs, and their specific plans for incorporating therapy dogs. The Department of Education will select two districts from each of the state's three regions (southern, central, northern), ensuring representation across urban, suburban, and rural areas. The program requires the DOE to provide guidance on therapy dog activities, handler training, dog health monitoring, and insurance, and mandates a final report evaluating the program's impact on student academic performance and health outcomes by June 2029.