Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill allows high school juniors and seniors (grades 11-12) to miss up to three school days per year for college visits, tours of technical schools, or military recruitment activities without penalty. Absences for military enlistment prep - like testing, medical evaluations, or interviews - are specifically designated as excused. Schools cannot list these absences on student transcripts, job applications, or attendance records, and they won’t affect a student’s perfect attendance status. The policy aims to support college and career pathway exploration while ensuring no academic or administrative disadvantage for participating students.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2202) establishes a three-year pilot program in New Jersey to provide Medicaid coverage for remote maternal health services to eligible pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries. It would cover specific remote services including remote monitoring of health data (like blood pressure or glucose levels), remote non-stress tests, and tele-ultrasound, all delivered securely via digital technology. Eligibility includes beneficiaries with high-risk pregnancy factors (such as pre-existing conditions, age, or lifestyle factors) or those facing access barriers like lack of local providers, transportation, or childcare, but participation requires a provider referral and remains voluntary. The program depends on federal reimbursement and must comply with HIPAA and FDA regulations for data security and device approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a 50% sales tax exemption for small retail businesses operating in municipalities affected by ongoing public highway projects. It applies to businesses with a fixed location offering goods or services (like retail stores or charter boat services) during the "relief period" - the time between when a highway project starts and ends. Businesses must apply to the Tax Division Director for approval, verifying their location within an impacted area. The exemption automatically ends 30 days after the Transportation Commissioner notifies the Tax Division that the highway project is complete.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $2.25 million grant program through New Jersey's Department of Education to support STEM education for low-income students in grades 6-8. It requires selected school districts (with existing STEM programs meeting specific criteria) to provide hands-on project-based learning, offer accelerated options for students behind grade level (allowing them to complete two years of material in one year), and include staff training and classroom resources. The program targets at-risk pupils defined as those from households earning at or below 1.85 times the federal poverty level. Funds will be administered by the Department of Education in partnership with the nonprofit Engaged Learning Strategies to expand existing STEM initiatives, not create new ones.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to establish a five-year grant program administered by the NJ Racing Commission. It provides $100,000 annually to accredited nonprofits caring for retired Standardbred horses and $100,000 to those caring for retired Thoroughbreds, totaling $200,000 per year. To qualify, organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits accredited by specific horse welfare groups (Standardbred Transition Alliance, Standardbred Retirement Foundation, or Second Call Thoroughbred) and demonstrate financial stability, proper horse care practices, and commitment to using funds only for New Jersey-bred horses or their offspring. The program requires annual applications and ends after five years, with unused funds returning to the General Fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) to create a Veterans Outdoor Recovery Task Force. The task force, led by DVA and Environmental Protection commissioners, will identify barriers to using public outdoor spaces for veteran mental health treatment and develop recommendations to improve access. It must hold public hearings statewide, coordinate with land agencies, and submit findings to the legislature and governor within 18 months. The policy directly affects veterans - particularly those with PTSD, as cited by the bill - by aiming to expand outdoor therapy options as part of their recovery.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to remove conservation restrictions from property when the owner needs the land for expanding a special needs school, provided they also establish a new conservation restriction on a parcel at least twice as large within 20 miles. It applies specifically to properties with restrictions tied to Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA) permits. The new restriction must protect land similarly to the original. This creates a trade-off between development for education and expanded conservation coverage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all source plasma donation centers in New Jersey to obtain a state license to operate, directly affecting center operators and their staff. It mandates annual licensing with a $25 fee for existing centers (higher fees for new applicants), requires safety rules based on federal standards, and allows health department inspections. Centers must display licenses visibly and follow guidelines for donor screening and staff practices. Violations could lead to license suspension or revocation, enforced through administrative hearings.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the "Justice Center for the Protection of Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities" to handle abuse, neglect, and exploitation complaints in state-licensed residential and day habilitation facilities. It directly affects people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) living in these settings, as well as state-funded caregivers (excluding immediate family members). The key mechanism establishes a centralized, independent office to investigate complaints - replacing current systems managed by the Department of Human Services and Department of Children and Families - and creates a Medical Review Board to address related deaths. The bill aims to improve safety and accountability by implementing a model inspired by New York's oversight system.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Highway Accident Property Tax Relief Fund to reimburse municipalities for emergency services (police, fire, or rescue) provided on state and federal highways after accidents. Municipalities can claim up to $1,500 per incident or $20,000 annually for costs related to emergency vehicle use and personnel, including volunteer organizations. The fund, supported by state appropriations and by transferring municipalities' right to seek payment from involved parties or insurers, will reimburse approved claims within one year of submission. Municipalities must submit claims using a commissioner-approved cost schedule, and the commissioner must report annual claim data to the legislature.