Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to create a program providing one-time grants of up to $10,000 to qualified veterans purchasing franchises in the state. It directly affects veterans who are approved by the EDA and operating or planning to operate a franchise at a New Jersey location. Key provisions include the EDA establishing application procedures, prioritizing veterans who apply within six months of the bill's effective date, and requiring grantees to report how they used the funds within one year. The program aims to support veteran entrepreneurs by reducing startup costs for franchise ownership.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2850) requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to restart the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation program using leftover funds, to help homeowners still needing financial assistance after Superstorm Sandy. It directly affects Sandy-impacted homeowners who have unmet recovery and rebuilding needs, as defined by prior law. The key mechanism is the DCA accepting new grant applications to provide funding for these unmet needs, using only uncommitted state appropriations. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryACR 97 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring New Jersey's Legislature to create a $200 property tax credit for the primary residence of volunteer firefighters or first aid/rescue squad members. It directly affects volunteer emergency responders who serve as active members of qualifying fire companies or squads incorporated under state law. The key mechanism mandates that any statute enacted under this amendment must require the state to annually reimburse municipalities for the full cost of these tax credits. This policy change would provide a fixed tax benefit to eligible homeowners without increasing local tax burdens.

Maddy summaryBill A 395 requires the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) to conduct criminal history checks on all prospective and current officials (e.g., referees, umpires) for school athletic events it sanctions. Officials must submit their fingerprints and pay for the check, which will be processed by the State Bureau of Identification and cross-referenced with the FBI. Those convicted of specific crimes listed in C.18A:6-7.1 are disqualified from officiating, and officials with pending charges must be reported to NJSIAA. The requirement applies immediately to new officials and within 60 days to current officials.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 17-member commission to study the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on K-12 students in New Jersey. The commission will assess existing mental health resources in schools, identify which student groups and school districts were most affected, and evaluate how pandemic disruptions impacted available services. It must produce a final report within one year, including recommendations for improving access to mental health programs and staffing needs. The commission includes state agency leaders, school representatives, mental health professionals, and appointed public members with relevant expertise. The report will be submitted to the Governor, Legislature, and all school districts.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May each year as "Skin Cancer Awareness Month" in New Jersey. It requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and residents to observe the month through activities promoting skin cancer prevention and early detection. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but focuses on raising public awareness about skin cancer risks and protective measures like sun protection and regular skin exams.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state agencies - including departments, boards, and commissions - to annually develop and submit an information technology (IT) strategic plan to the Chief Technology Officer. The plan must evaluate current IT infrastructure, include cost analyses for projects, outline public access to services, and align with statewide IT goals. Agencies must submit these plans within one year of enactment and annually thereafter, making them publicly available on agency websites. The legislation aims to standardize and improve efficiency in how state agencies manage their technology resources.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 303) allows high school students aged 16-18 to earn graduation credits in health, safety, and physical education by completing a county fire academy course. To qualify, students must pass a junior firefighter exam and commit to volunteering at their local fire department for two years. The credits apply only to specific graduation requirements (N.J.A.C.6A:8-5.1) and do not count toward membership in the Junior Firefighter’s Auxiliary. The bill takes effect immediately for the next full school year after enactment. It directly affects students seeking alternative pathways to meet graduation requirements through fire safety training.

Maddy summaryBill A883 establishes a grant program within New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to connect disabled veterans with service dogs. The program provides funding to accredited nonprofit organizations (meeting IRS 501(c)(3) requirements) to cover the cost of service dogs and related training for eligible veterans. Key provisions include prohibiting nonprofits from charging veterans for service dogs, requiring DMVA to provide ongoing veterinary insurance for the dogs, and mandating annual reports on program effectiveness. This directly affects disabled veterans (honorably discharged with service-connected disabilities) and qualifying nonprofits that train and provide service dogs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Firefighter Critical Mental Health Assistance Grant Program within New Jersey's Department of Human Services, appropriating $1 million to fund confidential mental health services. It directly affects full-time firefighters and their immediate family members (spouses, domestic partners, children, or parents living in the same household) who are experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts. The program awards grants to licensed mental health providers, requiring the Commissioner of Human Services to develop application processes, prioritize providers within one hour of travel distance for patients, and maintain an online list of approved providers. The grant funding aims to overcome barriers preventing firefighters from seeking help due to fears of professional repercussions.