Asm. Mitchelle Drulis

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Inclusive Workplaces Program within New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to provide financial support for employers creating inclusive environments for neurodivergent employees. It offers grants of up to $25,000 per small business (employing fewer than 150 people) and tax credits (up to $25,000 or 50% of eligible investments) for large businesses (150+ employees), both requiring at least one or three neurodivergent employees respectively. Key provisions include funding for sensory-friendly workspace adjustments, adaptive equipment, and staff training programs, with a total annual appropriation of $2.5 million. The program requires employers to apply and demonstrate specific workplace investments before receiving support.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 619) creates a new criminal offense for "doxxing," defined as knowingly sharing someone's personal details (like address or phone number) online without consent to cause fear of harm, violence, or stalking. It specifically targets disclosures that create a serious risk of bodily injury, stalking, or severe emotional distress (mental anguish) to the person or their close relations - such as family, household members, or close associates. Exceptions apply for good-faith disclosures to the public about suspected unlawful conduct, to law enforcement, or during official investigations. Violations are a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months in jail or $10,000 fine), escalating to a third-degree crime if serious harm occurs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "State House Flag Program" under the State Capitol Joint Management Commission. It allows any New Jersey legislator to request a commemorative New Jersey State flag be flown over the State House, with the Building Management office providing a certificate detailing the date and recipient (individual, group, or organization), then mailing the flag to them. The program requires a one-time appropriation from the General Fund to cover implementation costs. This is a procedural measure creating a new administrative service, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to study and compare online versus in-person transactions for services like license renewals or registrations. The study must examine efficiency, processing speed ("operational throughput"), and cost differences between the two methods. The MVC must submit a detailed report of its findings to the Governor and Legislature within six months of the bill's effective date. The bill expires once the report is delivered, with no direct changes to services or fees for drivers.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a program where New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) awards grants to small businesses that closed for one month or more due to state or public infrastructure projects. To qualify, businesses must be independently owned with fewer than 10 employees, under $1.5 million in annual revenue, and prove economic loss from the closure. The EDA will determine grant amounts based on operating expenses during the closure, and the entity conducting the infrastructure project must contribute 0-5% of the project’s total cost to fund these grants. The EDA will manage applications, disburse funds, and establish reporting requirements for recipients.

Maddy summaryThis bill standardizes pension benefits for New Jersey teachers by moving all current non-retired members of the Teachers’ Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) into a single benefit tier (previously called "Tier 1"), granting them the same retirement benefits as members who joined before July 1, 2007. It requires public employers to enroll teachers earning above minimum salary but not meeting work-hour requirements into TAPF within 60 days of enactment. Teachers in the separate Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP) can automatically transfer their service credit to TAPF for retirement eligibility (but not pension amount calculations), with contributions staying in DCRP; they may opt out within six months of notification. The bill also allows TAPF members with long-term disability insurance to apply for disability retirement within two years of enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey's tax code to exclude certain retirement savings contributions from taxable gross income. It directly affects New Jersey residents who contribute to qualifying retirement plans, such as 401(k)s or IRAs, by reducing their taxable income for state tax purposes. The key provision amends the definition of "gross income" to specify that contributions to these plans are not counted toward taxable earnings. As a result, taxpayers would pay less state income tax on the amounts they save for retirement through these qualified plans. The bill is currently in the introduction stage (2026-01-13) and has not yet been voted on.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a requirement that county, municipal, or airport entities obtain written consent from private landowners within 2,000 feet of a designated deer management area before implementing deer control plans. It directly affects private landowners near these areas and the agencies (Fish and Game Council, Division of Fish and Wildlife) that manage deer control. The key change removes the need for landowner consent to access private property for specific deer management activities, such as retrieving darted deer or implementing sterilization programs. This simplifies the process for communities to manage deer populations without individual landowner approvals. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires each New Jersey county to establish at least one drive-up ballot drop box accessible by vehicle, designed with features like curb cuts and handicap parking. It mandates that all ballot drop boxes (including the drive-up type) be secured, visible, and placed at specific locations such as county government buildings, large municipalities, and colleges with over 5,000 students. The bill also requires counties to post clear information at drop box locations, prohibits political materials within 100 feet of boxes during elections, and ensures accessibility compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. These provisions apply to all mail-in ballots deposited by election closing time.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Bill A-1329 establishes the "New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative" to connect students, workers, and job seekers with training for high-demand careers. It creates Centers of Workforce Innovation at community colleges focused on 11 key fields like healthcare, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and manufacturing. These centers will develop public curricula, provide job-specific skills training, promote financial aid (including Community College Opportunity Grants), and expand apprenticeships. The bill was introduced in 2026 but withdrawn after being approved as P.L.2025, c.374.