Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 346) requires New Jersey school districts to adopt policies prohibiting harassment, intimidation, or bullying that include specific minimum components. The policies must define prohibited behavior using existing state standards, outline expected student conduct, detail tiered consequences (starting with counseling for first offenses and requiring individual intervention plans for third offenses), and establish clear reporting procedures allowing anonymous reports but prohibiting disciplinary action based solely on anonymous tips. School districts must investigate incidents within 10 school days and follow strict timelines for reporting to principals and superintendents. The bill directly affects all public school districts, students, and school staff by mandating standardized approaches to addressing bullying behavior.

Maddy summaryAR 37 is a non-binding resolution urging all New Jersey institutions of higher education to protect freedom of expression and open debate on campus. It directly addresses colleges and universities, encouraging them to foster environments where students, faculty, and speakers can engage in robust dialogue without fear of censorship or punishment. The resolution recommends that institutions prioritize open debate to support students' educational development and preparation for democratic citizenship, referencing concerns about self-censorship and campus speech restrictions. It does not create new legal requirements but directs copies to the Governor, Higher Education Secretary, and campus governing boards for consideration.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 820) requires New Jersey’s Director of the Division of Taxation to study how state business income taxes affect businesses leaving the state, starting new businesses, and hiring workers. The study will analyze tax return data from eight years before and after the bill’s effective date (covering 2026-2034). It mandates two reports: a retrospective analysis of pre-effective-date data by January 2028, and annual reports for eight years afterward, all submitted to the Governor and Legislature by January 15 each year. The goal is to assess whether tax policies should be adjusted to improve New Jersey’s business climate and reduce tax burdens on businesses operating in the state.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A1571) requires health insurance companies to cover diagnosis and treatment for autism and certain developmental disabilities. It directly affects health insurers operating in New Jersey and individuals with these conditions, mandating coverage for screening, diagnosis, and therapies like speech, occupational, and physical therapy without denying benefits based on "non-restorative" treatment. The bill sets annual benefit limits ($36,000 in 2011, adjusted yearly after 2012 for inflation) and requires treatment plans specifying therapies, frequency, and goals. It clarifies that coverage doesn’t replace school-based services but ensures insurance pays for related costs.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A 711 requires public colleges and universities to create and maintain cyber security plans to protect student and staff data. The plans must cover monitoring for threats, assessing risks, preventing breaches, and responding to incidents. Institutions must regularly update these plans and consult with the state’s Cybersecurity Center for best practices. The bill defines a "cyber attack" as unauthorized access to personal information (like Social Security numbers or financial data) without proper security, but excludes phishing attempts and legitimate employee data use. It also mandates reporting actual cyber attacks to the state office while clarifying what does not count as an attack.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-414) lowers the minimum age from 15 to 14 for when New Jersey family court may waive jurisdiction over certain juvenile delinquency cases and refer them to adult court without the youth's consent. It applies to juveniles 14 or older accused of specific serious offenses, including homicide, sexual assault, firearm crimes, or drug trafficking. Prosecutors must file a motion with detailed reasons, and courts must review factors like the juvenile's age, prior record, mental health, and victim input before granting a waiver. The change aims to streamline referrals for the most severe cases while maintaining judicial oversight of the process.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits prosecutors from offering negotiated plea agreements that reduce prison time or fines for burglary convictions when a firearm was involved. It directly affects defendants charged with burglary who used a firearm during the crime, requiring them to face the full second-degree penalty rather than a reduced sentence through plea bargaining. The law amends New Jersey's burglary statute to specify that such plea agreements are ineligible if the defendant was "armed with or displays what appears to be explosives or a deadly weapon" during the offense. The bill defines "firearm" broadly to include handguns, rifles, shotguns, and certain air guns, but does not change the underlying burglary charges or penalties.

Maddy summaryAJR 89 establishes the "Autism and Developmental Disabilities Study Commission" to examine how hospitals, law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts train staff to interact with people with autism, Down syndrome, and other developmental disabilities. The commission, composed of seven members (including two state agency heads and appointments from legislative leaders and the governor), must study current training practices and submit a report within one year of its formation. It will not make policy changes but will recommend potential improvements to state agencies and lawmakers. The commission dissolves 30 days after submitting its final report to the Governor and Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A825) amends New Jersey's municipal budget law to exempt payments to volunteer first aid and rescue squads from the 2.5% annual budget growth cap. Specifically, it adds these contributions to the list of exceptions in the budget cap law, meaning municipalities can fund these services without counting toward the standard spending limit. The change directly affects local governments that contract with or support volunteer emergency response teams. The bill would allow these payments to be made without triggering the budget cap, providing flexibility for municipalities to cover essential emergency service costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey shore municipalities to offer free or reduced beach access fees to the spouse and dependent children (over age 12) of veterans who were honorably discharged after at least 90 days of active duty or due to a service-connected injury/disability. It amends existing law, which already permits fee waivers for active military personnel, National Guard members, seniors, and others, by adding veterans to the eligible group. Municipalities are not required to adopt this policy but may choose to do so via local ordinance. Veterans can verify eligibility using standard documents like a DD-214 form or state veteran ID.