Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a two-year pilot program to address staffing shortages at New Jersey's three veterans memorial homes (Menlo Park, Paramus, and Vineland). It appropriates $370,000 to fund two key mechanisms: (1) scholarships covering education costs for current staff pursuing nursing credentials, requiring a two-year work commitment post-graduation, and (2) recruitment bonuses of up to $6,000 per new registered or licensed practical nurse, payable over two years. The program also mandates specialized training in areas like geriatric care and PTSD management for veterans' staff. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs must report annually on participation and effectiveness to the Governor and Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the "Bring Veterans to New Jersey Program" within New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs. It helps employers recruit veterans by reimbursing them up to $5,000 for relocation costs, provided veterans accept jobs with participating employers and stay employed for at least 12 months. The program is administered by a contracted nonprofit, which vets veterans and matches them to employer positions. Veterans who leave before 12 months must repay the employer (and subsequently the state), but exceptions exist for involuntary separations like layoffs or family emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 296) increases penalties for human trafficking involving children under 18 in New Jersey. It expands the definition of human trafficking to cover all forms of child exploitation (both sexual and labor), not just sexual activity. Offenders face mandatory life imprisonment without parole, a $25,000 fine (funded to a victim assistance program), and restitution based on the victim’s labor value. The law directly affects individuals convicted of trafficking children, replacing current penalties that allowed parole eligibility after 20 years. This change applies to all child trafficking offenses, regardless of whether the perpetrator mistakenly believed the child was 18 or older.

Maddy summaryBill A 636 exempts qualified veterans from paying certain fees when applying for handgun permits or firearm purchaser identification cards in New Jersey. It directly affects veterans who meet eligibility criteria under the bill, removing the fee requirement currently imposed on applicants under N.J.S.2C:58-3. The key provision amends statutes to eliminate the fee that retail dealers may charge for processing firearm permit or identification card transactions. This is a concrete policy change, not a procedural measure, as it modifies the fee structure for veterans seeking firearm-related permits. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for motor vehicle theft and carjacking in New Jersey. For repeat offenses, it raises fines to $1,000 (third or subsequent offenses) and allows courts to suspend driving privileges for up to 10 years. It also creates a presumption of pretrial detention for defendants charged with carjacking who commit related crimes within a short timeframe, requiring courts to hold hearings before releasing them. The fines collected will fund auto theft law enforcement efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to review the electricity rates and revenues of electric utilities that use smart meters for billing. The BPU must compare these rates and revenues before and after a utility installs smart meters. Within six months of the bill's enactment, the BPU must submit a written report of its findings to the Governor and Legislature. The bill applies to all electric public utilities in New Jersey using smart meter technology for customer billing.

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 Navy discharge (via DD-214 form) and pay a $50 application fee plus a $10 annual renewal fee. All fees collected fund the "U.S. Navy Veteran License Plate Fund," which the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs uses to support programs for Navy veterans. The plates must display "U.S. Navy Retired" and Navy insignia, with design finalized in consultation with the Adjutant General. The bill does not create new programs but establishes a funding mechanism through license plate fees.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A475) expands eligibility for accidental disability retirement benefits and survivor benefits under New Jersey's Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS), State Police Retirement System (SPRS), and Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). It extends the filing deadline for accidental disability claims from 5 years to allow for delayed disability manifestations (e.g., from 9/11 exposure), and adds new qualifying health conditions like PTSD, respiratory illnesses, and cancer linked to work exposure. Public safety workers who participated in World Trade Center rescue/cleanup operations (or sustained injuries during those efforts) can now have disabilities presumed work-related without proving negligence, using alternate medical documentation if standard proof isn’t available. This directly affects first responders and public employees with qualifying conditions tied to their duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal process for submitting proposed changes to the Governor's annual budget recommendations in New Jersey. It requires legislators and the State Treasurer to file budget resolutions (proposing additions, deletions, or changes to revenue or spending) by June 1 each year, with all resolutions published publicly online through the Legislative Budget Office by that date. The bill also mandates that sponsors disclose if they or close family members have business ties to entities benefiting from proposed funding increases. These changes directly affect legislators, the State Treasurer, and the public, ensuring transparency about budget proposals before the annual appropriations bill is finalized.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school boards to verify the work authorization of teaching staff and school employees using the federal E-Verify program. It applies to all new hires starting the first full school year after enactment and mandates annual verification for all current staff. The law directs the state education commissioner to provide schools with guidance on E-Verify requirements and federal rules. It does not prevent schools from hiring noncitizen teachers holding valid limited certificates under existing state law. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.