Asm. Erik Simonsen

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to provide both vehicle registration services (like license plates and ownership certificates) and driver licensing services (like driver's licenses and ID cards) in every county. Specifically, the MVC must operate either separate agencies for each service type in every county, or a single agency handling both services per county. The bill mandates this change to ensure all New Jersey residents can access these essential services locally, rather than traveling to centralized locations. It takes effect three months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2834) proposes a 1% annual cap on reductions to state school aid for New Jersey school districts. It directly affects all districts receiving state aid by limiting how much their funding can decrease each school year - no district may face a reduction exceeding 1% compared to the prior year's disbursement. Key provisions include this cap overriding previous laws and establishing detailed schedules for aid adjustments for districts with "positive aid differentials" (those receiving more aid than needed), while exempting certain districts meeting specific tax or spending criteria. The bill aims to stabilize school funding by preventing steep annual cuts, though it does not change overall funding levels.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires developers of new affordable housing projects (10+ units or 4+ stories) to meet LEED Silver or equivalent green building standards. It also mandates that these developers submit four impact studies to local municipalities before construction: traffic, school, storm water, and carbon (if clearing over one acre of land). The requirements apply to "inclusionary developments" as defined under existing law and do not affect projects with applications submitted before the bill's effective date. The bill directs the Commissioner of Community Affairs to adopt implementing rules within eight months of enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state employees whose jobs involve face-to-face public interaction (like in-person services at state offices) to return to in-person work during the ongoing pandemic emergency. State agencies must publish safety plans within 15 business days of the bill's enactment, detailing protective measures like PPE, cleaning protocols, social distancing, and accommodations for high-risk employees. If an office must temporarily close, agencies must provide public alternatives such as virtual services or mobile units. The bill expires when the state's declared public health emergency ends.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to add specific, age-appropriate instruction about cannabis and marijuana risks to health and physical education curricula for grades 3-12. It mandates teaching students about cannabis' effects on adolescent brains and bodies, THC's impact, addiction risks, driving under influence dangers, differences between medicinal and recreational use, and factors influencing usage decisions. The Department of Education must develop this content in consultation with the Division of Addiction Services. The policy takes effect 60 days after enactment, directly affecting all K-12 public school students and educators in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill shifts the cost of state-appointed school district monitors from local school districts to the State of New Jersey. When a district faces fiscal issues like audit failures, deficits, or repeated financial problems, the Commissioner of Education can appoint a State monitor to oversee finances, staffing, and operations. The bill requires the State to cover all costs - including the monitor's salary and related staff expenses - instead of forcing financially strained districts to pay these costs themselves. This change directly affects school districts in fiscal distress, preventing them from using limited funds to cover oversight costs while addressing budget crises.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for New Jersey employers who hire qualified individuals with disabilities. Employers can claim a 15% credit on wages paid to these employees (up to $2,000 per employee annually), provided the worker meets ADA criteria, works at least 35 hours weekly at $15+ per hour, and is not an independent contractor. To qualify, employers must apply for certification through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, which must approve applications within 90 days. The credit applies to both corporation business tax and gross income tax returns, with limits preventing credits from reducing tax liability below the statutory minimum.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey's State Board of Education from requiring teachers to use "student growth objectives" (SGOs) to measure student progress as part of teacher evaluations. Currently, SGOs account for 15-50% of a teacher's evaluation score. The bill directly affects all public school teachers by eliminating this specific evaluation component. The key provision bans the State Board from mandating SGOs or any substantially similar assessment for teacher evaluations, effective immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill, "Murphy's Law," nullifies any emergency order, rule, or regulation issued by New Jersey's Governor to address a declared emergency if the Governor themselves violates that same rule. It creates an affirmative defense in court for anyone prosecuted for violating the Governor's emergency order - if the Governor committed the identical violation (e.g., breaking their own rule), the person cannot be convicted for that specific violation. The law applies to all enforcement of emergency rules under the existing emergency management statute (P.L.1942, c.251) and takes effect immediately, covering both past and future prosecutions. It directly affects individuals prosecuted for emergency rule violations, shifting legal accountability when the Governor breaches their own orders.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires construction permit applicants in New Jersey to disclose the anticipated funding sources and amounts for their projects. It applies to most construction projects but excludes single-family homes, routine renovations or repairs of dwelling units, and small-scale alterations (like individual units in buildings with fewer than three units). Applicants must provide this funding information when applying for a permit, and before receiving a certificate of occupancy, they must certify the accuracy of that information or submit updated details. The Commissioner of Community Affairs will develop specific rules within 180 days to implement these requirements.