Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

Maddy summaryThis bill provides additional state school aid to New Jersey districts that experienced funding reductions during the pandemic years (2019-2020 through 2023-2024), reimbursing them for the total amount of those past cuts. Funds must be used exclusively for pandemic-related academic recovery, including tutoring, mental health services, evidence-based learning programs, and hiring staff for new educational initiatives. Districts cannot use the funds for school facility repairs, general salary increases, or capital projects. The bill requires districts to report how they spend the aid to the Education Commissioner, with penalties including withheld state aid if funds are misused.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A1034 revises the definition of child abuse or neglect to include acts committed by non-parental caregivers (such as teachers, staff, or volunteers in institutions), not just parents or legal guardians. It requires the Division of Child Protection and Permanency to refer children under 18 who engage in problematic sexual behaviors (defined as committing or facilitating sexual abuse against others) to treatment centers or behavioral health providers. Services are voluntary unless the division determines a high risk of future behavior and the child or parent refuses care, in which case they become mandatory. The bill mandates detailed documentation of service types, reasons for referral, acceptance status, timing, and outcomes in each child's case plan.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to develop a management plan for two artificial reefs within the state's waters (within three nautical miles of the coast) within one year of the law taking effect. The plan must consider historical fishing activity and how both commercial and recreational fishermen use these sites. The DEP will also establish specific rules about the number of fish and lobster pots allowed on these reefs. The bill directly affects the two reefs in state waters - currently the only ones requiring a DEP permit alongside a federal permit - and gives the DEP the option to seek similar management rules for 15 reefs in federal waters.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to create two key plans: an IT stress test to identify vulnerabilities in its technology systems and an emergency telework program for employees. The IT stress test must analyze systems using methods recommended by the state's Chief Technology Officer, focusing on issues exposed during the pandemic, with solutions proposed within five years after the pandemic emergency ends. DOLWD must also establish a consistent telework program that considers employee requests for remote work based on agency needs. The department must conduct the IT test initially and every 15 years thereafter, reporting findings and costs to the Governor and Legislature within six months.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds postpartum depression services to New Jersey's existing 9-8-8 behavioral health crisis hotline system. It requires the state to contract with crisis hotline centers that specifically provide services for postpartum depression, including coordinating referrals to Children's System of Care when callers have children. The law mandates that hotline centers follow federal standards for the 9-8-8 system while ensuring specialized support for postpartum depression cases. These changes directly affect New Jersey residents experiencing postpartum depression and require coordination between crisis hotlines, mental health providers, and child welfare agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill classifies xylazine (a sedative used in veterinary medicine) as a Schedule III controlled substance under New Jersey law, except when legally used by veterinarians. It directly affects individuals who illegally manufacture, distribute, possess, or use xylazine, including those mixing it with street drugs like opioids. The bill adds xylazine and specific chemical variants to Schedule III, subjecting violations to existing criminal penalties: third-degree crimes punishable by 3-5 years in prison and fines up to $25,000 (or $35,000 for possession). This change addresses xylazine’s increasing presence in illicit drug markets, where it enhances opioid effects but does not respond to naloxone, contributing to overdose risks.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3158) requires New Jersey's Office of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman to submit an annual report to the oversight boards of each veterans' facility. The report must summarize the ombudsman's work related to veterans' facilities, document significant care system issues, analyze trends, and include recommendations to improve care quality and protect residents' rights. It mirrors the existing annual report the ombudsman submits to the Governor and Legislature but specifically targets veterans' facilities. The bill applies to all facilities designated as "veterans' facilities" under state law (P.L.1989, c.162). The report must be submitted by September 30 each year and made publicly available.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 28) urges the federal government to approve oil and natural gas pipelines within the U.S., including those previously denied or shut down (like the Keystone XL Pipeline, revoked by President Biden in 2021). It argues that approving such pipelines would enhance U.S. energy independence, reduce reliance on foreign energy sources (e.g., from Russia or Venezuela), and lower fuel costs while creating jobs. The resolution directs copies to federal leaders but does not create new law or directly affect residents. It focuses on advocating for pipeline approvals as a policy action, not on implementing specific regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the New Jersey State Treasurer's authority to annually adjust the state's gasoline and diesel tax rates. Currently, the Treasurer adjusts rates yearly to meet a revenue cap based on historical fuel sales data. Under this bill, only the New Jersey Legislature can change the tax rate through new legislation, ending the Treasurer's automatic adjustment process. The change affects fuel companies (which pay the tax) and state budget planning, as tax rates will no longer adjust automatically to meet revenue targets.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires school districts to update their anti-bullying policies to explicitly cover school board members, employees, contractors, students, and volunteers (including athletic staff like coaches and trainers). The policies must include specific components such as clear definitions of harassment/intimidation/bullying, anonymous reporting procedures (without allowing discipline based solely on anonymous reports), investigation timelines (10 school days), and escalating consequences for repeat offenses (counseling for first offenses, intervention plans for third offenses). School districts must post policies on their websites, annually review them, and distribute them to parents. The bill also mandates listing anti-bullying coordinators on websites and specifies reporting procedures for incidents to school principals within specific timeframes.