Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's public colleges and universities to readmit undergraduate students who left school due to military service, including active duty in the Armed Forces, National Guard, or Reserve. Schools must reinstate these students with the same academic standing they held before their service interruption and grant readmission for the next available semester upon written request. The bill prohibits institutions from charging application or other fees for these readmission requests. It takes effect immediately, applying to the first full academic year after enactment.

Maddy summaryAJR 213 establishes a New Jersey Delegation on Government Efficiency (DOGE) to examine state government operations and identify ways to save taxpayer money and improve efficiency. The DOGE will consist of the State Auditor (as chair) and up to 20 public members appointed by a bipartisan committee including the Governor, Senate President, Assembly Speaker, and minority leaders. Members must have relevant audit experience and disclose conflicts of interest, and vacancies are filled through the same appointment process. The DOGE must issue a public report within 20 months detailing its findings and recommendations for cost savings and operational improvements, directly affecting all state agencies and departments.

Maddy summarySJR 76 designates the second Friday in December each year as "PSRPs in Our Schools Day" in New Jersey to recognize paraprofessionals and school-related personnel (PSRPs). This resolution honors PSRPs, including instructional aides, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and custodial staff, who support students through tutoring, classroom assistance, meal preparation, facility maintenance, and student transportation. The resolution does not create new programs or funding but calls for the Governor, Legislature, and citizens to observe and acknowledge these staff members' contributions. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey telecom, cable, and internet providers to let customers pause or cancel service contracts without early termination fees when they move into a qualifying long-term care facility. It directly affects residents admitted to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, dementia care homes, or residential health care facilities for at least 90 days, as verified by a physician’s order or care plan. Providers must pause billing for a minimum 90 days upon admission, then cancel the contract if the resident remains in the facility beyond that period. The law mandates no fees for this pause/cancellation, though customers must provide physician documentation and typically give 45 days’ notice (or 48 hours in urgent cases).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) to consult with the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) when a court finds an individual with a developmental disability abused or neglected a child. It mandates DCPP to work with DDD to create a tailored services plan for that individual, considering their specific disability. The key mechanism ensures therapeutic services (like counseling or support programs) are designed around the person's disability needs, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. This directly affects individuals with developmental disabilities who are found to have abused or neglected a child and are eligible for DDD services.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to issue special "U.S. Navy Retired" license plates for veterans who were honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy, as verified by their DD-214 form. Applicants pay a $50 one-time fee and a $10 annual fee, with proceeds funding a dedicated "U.S. Navy Veteran License Plate Fund" that supports programs for Navy veterans. The plates require design approval from the Motor Vehicle Commission and the Adjutant General, and implementation depends on securing at least 500 applications and $25,000 in private funding to cover initial costs. The program remains inactive until these conditions are met, with a 12-month deadline for implementation after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A5216) prohibits health insurance companies and other covered entities (like HMOs) from limiting coverage based on how long anesthesia services are used before, during, or after medical or surgical procedures. It directly affects patients requiring anesthesia and insurers authorized to sell health plans in New Jersey. The law defines "anesthesia services" using standard medical coding from the American Medical Association, ensuring coverage isn't restricted by time limits. The bill takes effect 90 days after enactment for new or renewed insurance policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to create a loan program helping beginning farmers purchase essential farming capital like land, farm buildings, and equipment. Beginning farmers are defined as New Jersey residents with low or moderate net worth who are actively farming or planning to start farming. To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria including New Jersey residency, property location within the state, relevant farming experience, and plans for active farm operation. Loans would be issued by NJEDA with terms and interest rates set by the agency, and borrowers may need to provide financial statements to ensure business viability.

Maddy summaryACR 138 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the 40th anniversary of New Jersey's Jersey Fresh program, a state-sponsored initiative established in 1984 to promote locally grown produce. The resolution recognizes the program's role in supporting New Jersey farms, increasing consumer awareness of seasonal produce, and serving as a national model for agricultural branding. It does not create new laws or policies but formally commends the program's success in connecting consumers with locally harvested fruits and vegetables across all 21 counties. The resolution directs copies to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and the State Board of Agriculture for their records.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits of certain retired police and firefighters in New Jersey's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). It applies specifically to members who have been retired and receiving benefits for at least 10 years, excluding those hired after the bill's effective date, those in deferred retirement, and those with 20-24 years of service. The COLAs are tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners, with benefits up to $75,000 receiving full adjustment, while higher benefits are capped at a 1% annual increase. The $75,000 threshold will adjust annually based on inflation, and the bill requires the Legislature to appropriate funds to cover both state and local costs for these adjustments.