Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public and nonpublic schools to place at least one FDA-registered portable anti-choking device (using manual suction to clear airway blockages) in accessible locations like cafeterias, school nurse offices, and other similar areas during school hours and events. Schools must also develop policies requiring training for nurses and staff in airway management and device use, with annual educational opportunities provided by the state. The Department of Education will reimburse schools for device costs through a specified application process. The law takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts volunteer fire companies from paying registration fees required under New Jersey's Charitable Registration Act. It directly affects approximately 750 volunteer fire companies in New Jersey that currently pay fees based on fundraising totals (e.g., $150 for raising $100,000-$500,000 annually). The key provision removes the requirement for these organizations to register with the Attorney General or pay fees, even if they raise over $25,000 in contributions. This change applies to companies organized under state fire laws and actively engaged in protecting life and property.

Maddy summaryAJR 26 designates July 8 of each year as "New Jersey Revolutionary War Remembrance Day" to honor the state's pivotal role in the American Revolution. The resolution requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the day with appropriate activities. It specifically cites July 8, 1776 - the date the Declaration of Independence received its first public reading in New Jersey - as the designated date. This procedural resolution affects all New Jersey residents and officials by establishing an annual day of remembrance for the state's Revolutionary War history and those who served.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) and South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) to automatically provide a 10% toll discount to all seniors aged 65+ who have a New Jersey E-ZPass account for passenger vehicles. The discount applies automatically when an existing E-ZPass account holder turns 65 or when a senior applies for an E-ZPass account. It ensures seniors pay at least 10% less than the standard E-ZPass rate for all tolls, without needing to submit separate applications. The program would cover all tolls on NJTA and SJTA roads for eligible passenger vehicle accounts.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the time limit for prosecuting human trafficking crimes in New Jersey. It specifically eliminates the current 5-year statute of limitations for offenses listed under N.J.S.2C:11-3 (human trafficking) and similar statutes. As a result, prosecutors can bring charges for these crimes at any time, regardless of when the trafficking occurred. This directly affects human trafficking victims by enabling legal action even years after the crime, and it shifts the burden to prosecutors to pursue cases without time constraints. The change applies immediately to all unbarred human trafficking cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-1189) requires New Jersey to provide additional state school funding to reduce property tax burdens for residents. It directly affects school districts that experienced state aid reductions between 2018-2019 and 2022-2023, directing the state to pay them retroactive aid equal to their past funding losses. Key mechanisms include calculating base aid amounts based on historical funding formulas, mandating districts receiving increased state aid to lower property tax levies by the same amount, and requiring annual property tax reductions if state aid rises. The bill appropriates $2.9 billion to implement these changes, aiming to ensure school funding aligns with residents' ability to pay property taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits all New Jersey public and private schools, as well as state, county, and local government entities, from requiring influenza vaccinations or any other flu immunity procedure for individuals under 18 years old. It explicitly bans both direct and indirect requirements for flu shots or related medications for this age group. The law takes immediate effect upon passage and applies to all government employees, officials, and school settings. This policy change directly affects minors enrolled in schools or interacting with government services by removing mandatory flu vaccination requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds $10 million from the off-budget Universal Service Fund to the NJSHARES-S.M.A.R.T. Program for utility payment assistance in New Jersey's fiscal year 2026. It directly helps low-income homeowners and renters facing financial hardship by providing grants to cover past-due utility bills (arrearages) and ongoing payments. The program requires applicants not to receive duplicate benefits from private insurance or other existing aid programs. The funding supplements a prior $5 million General Fund appropriation for the same program, directing the Commissioner of Community Affairs to establish quick-processing guidelines for eligible residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to provide free, periodic cancer screenings every three years for volunteer firefighters, starting three years after they begin service. It covers 11 specific cancers (including colon, lung, breast, and prostate) and applies to all volunteer firefighters serving in fire districts, departments, or companies across the state. Physicians in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) must offer these screenings with no cost to firefighters, and the state will reimburse providers up to $1,250 per firefighter every three years. The bill extends existing paid firefighter benefits to unpaid volunteers, eliminating co-pays, deductibles, or out-of-pocket costs for screenings.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 105) urges Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs not to reduce federal funding that reimburses ambulance services for veterans. It directly affects 338,012 veterans in New Jersey who rely on free ambulance transport for medical emergencies, as proposed cuts could shift costs to veterans (with average bills of $400-$600) or lead to service reductions in rural areas. The resolution highlights that shifting this financial responsibility to states/local governments - without adequate resources - would create barriers to emergency care, especially where hospital closures are increasing. It is a non-binding request sent to federal officials, emphasizing the need to maintain current reimbursement levels.