Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-827) removes the requirement that disabled veterans' businesses must have a physical office in New Jersey to qualify for state contracts under the Set-Aside Act. It directly affects disabled veteran-owned businesses seeking state contracts, allowing them to qualify even if their principal place of business is outside New Jersey. The key change amends the law to eliminate the "principal place of business in the State" language from the definition of eligible businesses. This adjustment aims to expand the pool of eligible businesses, potentially helping state agencies meet their goal of awarding at least 3% of contracts to disabled veterans' businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 830) redirects the "nondedicated General Fund portion" of New Jersey's realty transfer fees - paid when property is bought or sold - to provide direct property tax relief for municipalities. Currently, these fees (collected at rates based on property value) contribute to the state's General Fund, but this bill would require that specific portion to instead fund local tax reductions. The key mechanism amends existing laws (P.L.1968, c.49; P.L.2004, c.66; P.L.1992, c.148) to change the allocation of these fees. It directly affects municipalities, which would receive these funds to lower property taxes for residents, and property owners who pay the transfer fees.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year pilot program in New Jersey public schools to provide assistive technology (like text-to-speech software and digital tools) to elementary and middle school students with dyslexia or related reading/writing challenges. It directly affects students identified with dyslexia who do not require formal special education classification, helping them access grade-level materials and complete assignments more effectively. The program will provide grants to seven selected school districts (chosen across urban, suburban, rural areas and different county sizes) to cover the cost of technology, related services, and teacher training. Districts must apply with student data and plans showing how the tools will improve academic outcomes, with the Commissioner of Education overseeing implementation.

Maddy summaryAR 22 is a non-binding Assembly Resolution urging New Jersey's K-12 schools and colleges to include veterans and active military members in discussions about military service, values, and leadership. It specifically encourages institutions to integrate these perspectives into educational programming, particularly during Veterans Month in November. The resolution does not mandate changes but recommends fostering student connections with service members to promote appreciation for military values like integrity and selfless service. It applies to all public educational institutions across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 848) requires all 11th grade students in public school districts to complete a civics course as part of their high school graduation requirements, starting with the 2021-2022 school year. The course must cover democracy principles, New Jersey's government structure (municipal, county, and state levels), citizenship types, and how the Electoral College differs from the popular vote. School districts must design the curriculum to prepare students to be informed citizens, voters, and community members. The State Board of Education must ensure this civics requirement is included in local graduation standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to count housing built before April 1, 1980, toward their state-mandated affordable housing requirements. To qualify for past obligations, the housing must have been reserved for low- or moderate-income residents for at least 20 consecutive years after 1975 and not previously counted. For future or current obligations, the housing must either be reserved for such residents under current rules or fully rehabilitated to meet state standards. This change helps municipalities meet housing goals by utilizing existing affordable units without requiring new construction.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 809) creates a grant program for New Jersey school districts to develop in-district special education programs, reducing the need to place students with disabilities out-of-district. It directly affects school districts and students requiring special education services by providing start-up funds for program development, including curriculum, staff training, and equipment. Districts must submit proposals detailing how their programs will lower costs associated with out-of-district placements, with grants awarded based on program quality and cost-reduction potential across regional areas. The program requires annual data collection on student outcomes and costs, with a statewide evaluation report due to the legislature within three years.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits schools and school buses from requiring students to wear face masks in any indoor or outdoor school area. It directly affects all public and nonpublic elementary and secondary school students in the state. The bill removes mandatory mask requirements but allows students to wear masks voluntarily if they choose. It takes immediate effect upon enactment and applies to all school buildings and grounds, as well as school buses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to teach cursive handwriting to students in grades three through five. It mandates that school districts incorporate specific curriculum activities to help students read cursive text and write legibly in cursive by the end of fifth grade. The law takes effect immediately for the first full school year after enactment, applying to all public school districts in the state. It directly affects elementary school students and educators responsible for implementing the curriculum.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill allows 12th graders who are enlisting or planning to enlist in the U.S. military or National Guard to miss school for required military activities without penalty. Absences for military enlistment activities - including testing, medical exams, interviews, or fingerprinting - must be recorded as excused and won’t appear on transcripts, job applications, or affect perfect attendance records. Schools may request documentation to verify the student’s military plans. The bill applies only to students in grade 12.