Sen. John Burzichelli

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2333) requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to install and maintain highway exit signs that direct motorists to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. It directly affects EV drivers traveling on designated highways, including Interstates and limited-access roads. The signs must follow federal design standards for traffic control devices, ensuring clear, consistent placement and sizing. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a public awareness campaign and call center to help New Jersey residents access property tax relief programs. It directly affects eligible homeowners and tenants who qualify for six specific programs, including the Stay NJ Credit, ANCHOR, Homestead, and senior/disabled tax deductions. The campaign will explain eligibility, application steps, and required documents through media and online channels, while the call center provides real-time assistance in English and three other common languages. The bill also requires the Stay NJ Task Force to submit an annual report on program administration.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 724, limits annual electricity rate increases for low- and middle-income residential households in New Jersey. It prohibits electric utilities from raising rates for these households by more than the annual inflation rate (based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index). Eligible households are defined as those with annual incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (low-income) or 400% (middle-income). Utilities must report program participation and financial impact to the Board of Public Utilities annually, and non-compliance results in fines determined by the Board. The bill applies to all residential electricity customers meeting the income thresholds, not to commercial or other utility customers.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 732) requires New Jersey's Division of Housing and Community Resources (DCA) to create a single, user-friendly online application for all state residential utility assistance programs. It directs the DCA to work with state agencies and nonprofit energy assistance organizations to consolidate multiple separate applications into one website-based form. The bill affects residential customers seeking help with utility bills or energy efficiency programs, as well as state agencies and nonprofits administering these programs. The consolidated application must integrate both permanent and temporary assistance programs, streamlining access for residents. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was approved as P.L.2025, c.265, meaning it is now law.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to adopt rules implementing California's current low-emission vehicle program (specifically its "Advanced Clean Cars II" phase) by 2026. It requires the DEP to adopt regulations that align with California's standards but explicitly prohibits increasing the required percentage of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) beyond the level in effect in New Jersey as of November 1, 2023. The bill allows the DEP to include incentives or market mechanisms to encourage more ZEV adoption, while clarifying that "California Low Emission Vehicle program" refers to the entire program, not just its second phase. This directly affects vehicle manufacturers required to meet ZEV sales targets in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryS 754 establishes a two-year pilot program allowing eligible New Jersey counties and municipalities to use a streamlined hiring process for certain civil service positions, aiming to reduce the time between vacancy requests and hiring. Participating jurisdictions must apply to the Civil Service Commission, detailing their hiring needs (like position numbers and turnover rates), and will be selected to ensure geographic and community diversity across the state. Under the program, counties and municipalities can post vacancies and administer exams (with Commission approval), but the Commission creates exams and handles certification; after certification, they hire candidates using a waiver and require a working test period for civil service status. The pilot ensures hired candidates cannot be replaced by later eligible lists, and the Commission must report on the program's effectiveness after two years.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 713) expands an existing exemption for apartment complexes operating swimming pools. It allows apartment complexes that restrict pool access to tenants and their invited guests to be exempt from state requirements for lifeguards and first aid personnel. The exemption applies only if the complex posts a specific sign at the pool entrance stating: "No lifeguard on duty. Persons under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No swimming alone." This change modifies existing law (P.L.1991, c.135) to include apartment complexes under the definition of "specially exempt facility" for pool safety rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to create special "U.S. Navy Retired" license plates for eligible veterans. To qualify, applicants must provide proof of honorable discharge (via DD-214 form) and pay a $50 one-time application fee plus a $10 annual renewal fee. The collected fees fund a dedicated "United States Navy Veteran License Plate Fund," which supports programs benefiting Navy veterans through the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs. The plates require design approval from the Adjutant General and will be issued by the Motor Vehicle Commission after administrative costs are covered.

Maddy summaryS 699, designated as Claudia's Law, requires healthcare providers to include a specific notification in patient chest x-ray reports when an abnormality is detected. This applies directly to patients receiving chest x-rays with abnormalities and their healthcare providers. The notification must state: "Your chest x-ray shows an abnormality that may be associated with a risk factor for various illnesses. Use this information to talk to your health care provider about risks... ask if more screening tests might be useful." The Commissioner of Health must adopt implementing rules under the Administrative Procedure Act. The bill aims to ensure patients are informed about abnormal results to discuss with their providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes new annual registration fees for electric vehicles in New Jersey starting July 2025: $300 for passenger EVs and $450 for commercial EVs (defined as vehicles used for hire, compensation, or property transport). It simultaneously reduces highway fuel taxes - lowering gasoline tax from 10.5¢ to 7¢ per gallon and diesel tax from 13.5¢ to 9¢ per gallon. All fees and reduced fuel tax revenues will fund the Transportation Trust Fund. The bill also directs the Department of Transportation to conduct a feasibility study on alternative transportation revenue sources.