Sen. Mike Testa

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the annual amount credited to New Jersey's Shore Protection Fund from $25 million to $50 million. The funding comes from the State portion of realty transfer fees collected when property deeds are recorded - specifically, the $1.25 per $500 of property value paid to the State. The change directly affects the Shore Protection Fund, which uses these funds for coastal protection projects. The bill amends existing law to adjust the credit amount without altering the fee structure or creating new taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey state agencies, counties, and municipalities from adopting rules or ordinances that ban fossil fuel-powered kitchen appliances (like natural gas stoves) in residential or commercial kitchens, as long as the appliances meet existing federal and state safety standards. It directly affects homeowners, businesses, and local governments by preventing new restrictions on gas appliances while allowing voluntary programs to incentivize electric appliance use. The key mechanism is a statewide ban on new prohibitions for fossil fuel appliances, without overriding existing rules or banning electric incentives. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 380) requires businesses, schools, and other entities that mandate COVID-19 vaccination proof for access to services, employment, or venues to accept a voluntary verbal confirmation of prior COVID-19 infection or protective immune response as an equivalent alternative. It ensures individuals who recovered from COVID-19 and developed natural immunity face the same employment terms and access rights as vaccinated people. The law applies to schools (including preschools and universities), workplaces, and public accommodations, but explicitly states it does not override federal requirements or create a vaccine passport system. Entities must treat this confirmation as valid as vaccination proof without requiring additional testing.

Maddy summaryThis bill upgrades burglary of an occupied residence to a second-degree crime in New Jersey, changing it from the current third-degree classification. It directly affects individuals convicted of entering or remaining in a dwelling (like a home) where someone was present during the offense. The key provision requires offenders to serve 85% of their prison sentence before becoming parole-eligible, as mandated by the "No Early Release Act" (NERA). This applies specifically when a person was present in the residence at the time of the burglary, increasing penalties compared to burglary of unoccupied dwellings or other burglary scenarios.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1752) authorizes New Jersey to issue special vehicle license plates for active U.S. Coast Guard members and former members honorably separated from service. Eligible individuals, including their spouses, parents, or business owners (if the member is the principal), may obtain plates displaying the Coast Guard seal and identifying their status. A $25 fee applies per plate (in addition to standard registration fees), with funds covering implementation costs. The program allows fee adjustments or discontinuation if annual plate costs exceed the fee for two consecutive years.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a program requiring gas utilities to gradually increase renewable natural gas (RNG) in their supply, starting at 5% by 2024 and reaching 30% by 2050. It allows utilities to recover costs for RNG infrastructure investments and procurement through customer rates, with safeguards like a 5% annual cost cap on total utility revenue. The program affects all gas public utilities in New Jersey and their ratepayers, who will see incremental cost recovery reflected in bills. Key provisions include standardized RNG definitions, phased target percentages, and a ratemaking mechanism ensuring cost recovery for approved investments.

Maddy summaryS 1353 establishes the "Trenton Makes Commission" within New Jersey's Economic Development Authority to develop strategies for supporting and growing the state's manufacturing sector. The commission will study other states' approaches, identify cost-effective ways to attract new manufacturing businesses to New Jersey, and strengthen existing manufacturing companies. It will consist of 13 members appointed by the Governor, legislative leaders, business associations, and education representatives, with a mandate to report findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within one year. This bill creates a research-focused body to inform future policy decisions about manufacturing incentives, without directly changing laws or funding.

Maddy summaryS 1666 removes criminal liability for New Jersey law enforcement officers who interact with underage individuals (under 21) regarding alcohol or cannabis possession, unless the officer intentionally discriminates based on race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics. The bill amends existing law to require that officers only face criminal charges for civil rights violations if they acted with discriminatory intent - previously, criminal liability could apply without proving such intent. This specifically affects officers during investigative encounters (like stops or searches) related to underage possession, while preserving protections against discriminatory enforcement. The change clarifies that routine enforcement actions without discriminatory motive won't trigger criminal penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1355) prevents future increases in unemployment tax rates for employers by freezing the wage base used to calculate contributions at the 2022 level. It directly affects businesses paying unemployment taxes in New Jersey, as their contribution rates will not rise if the wage base is adjusted downward. The bill also allocates $100 million in federal government assistance to the state’s unemployment compensation fund. This funding aims to bolster the fund’s reserves without requiring additional state tax increases. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Labor Committee (introduced January 9, 2024).

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a "Children's Vaccination Bill of Rights" for children in New Jersey, directly affecting parents and healthcare providers by changing vaccine policy requirements. Key provisions require independent safety testing of vaccines, mandate detailed informed consent about ingredients and risks before vaccination, and grant parents final authority over vaccination decisions based on scientific evidence. The bill also requires the state to be liable for vaccine injuries, provide clear legal recourse information, and apply protections equally regardless of race, religion, or economic status. It explicitly prohibits vaccine mandates as a condition for public school enrollment under the state constitution.