Asm. Sterley Stanley

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-funded grant program to help local governments, nonprofits, and small businesses (under 50 employees) cover costs for workforce shuttle services. Grants can be used to purchase or lease shuttles, operate shuttle services in high-traffic areas, or partner with employers to provide employee transportation. Applicants must demonstrate employer funding commitments and show sufficient resources to cover operating costs. The program is funded by an annual $10 million state appropriation, with priority given to areas experiencing rapid population growth or traffic congestion.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2178) amends New Jersey's Commission on Human Trafficking to specifically require the commission to study human trafficking affecting women and children of color. The commission must identify risk factors making these groups vulnerable, develop prevention strategies, and recommend ways to improve support services for victims. The commission will continue its existing duties - like evaluating laws, reviewing victim programs, and promoting public awareness - but now with a focused mandate on racial disparities in trafficking. It will report annually to the Governor and Legislature on its findings and legislative recommendations related to this specific population.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 3339) revises disclosure rules for security breaches involving personal information. It requires businesses and public entities handling New Jersey residents' data to notify affected customers within five business days of discovering a breach - unless law enforcement needs a delay or further investigation is needed. The bill clarifies that businesses may skip notification only after a proper investigation and consultation with law enforcement, and specifies acceptable notification methods (written, electronic, or substitute notice for large-scale breaches). It also mandates notifying national credit bureaus if over 1,000 people are affected. The law directly affects any company or government entity maintaining computerized personal records in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a $15 fee for special license plates designated for firefighters and first aid/rescue squad members in New Jersey. Currently, these emergency service members pay an additional $15 fee on top of standard vehicle registration costs to obtain the plates. The bill would allow eligible volunteer, part-time, and paid members of fire departments or first aid/rescue squads to receive these plates at no extra cost (only standard registration fees would apply). It requires annual renewal with proof of continued membership and was withdrawn after being approved as P.L.2025, c.354.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases New Jersey's annual property tax deduction for eligible seniors (65+), persons with disabilities, and veterans from $250 to $500. It directly affects qualifying residents who own or occupy their primary residence, allowing them to reduce their property tax bill by the new higher amount each year. The deduction would take effect starting in 2024, but only after voters approve a constitutional amendment to formalize the change. The bill amends existing laws (P.L.1963, c.171 and c.172) to update the deduction amounts and includes specific provisions for veterans living in continuing care retirement communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill (NJ A2377) reduces clinical practice requirements for teacher candidates seeking a "certificate of eligibility with advanced standing" in New Jersey. Currently, candidates must complete 175 hours of field-based experience (including 100 hours in the semester before full-time practice) over two semesters. The bill requires the State Board of Education to lower these requirements, directing the Commissioner of Education to develop recommendations for reduction after consulting education stakeholders. The change aims to allow candidates to fulfill clinical practice requirements in a single semester instead of two, directly affecting teacher training programs and aspiring educators.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases annual payments from New Jersey's Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund to municipalities by $15 million (from $740 million to $755 million) over two years. It directly affects most municipalities (excluding those with a municipal purposes tax rate of $0.10 or less per $100) by requiring them to subtract this additional aid from their property tax levies. The bill also prohibits municipalities from anticipating certain revenue when creating annual budgets. These changes aim to provide more direct property tax relief to local governments through the existing fund, which receives energy-related tax revenues.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-1331) requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to conduct a full rate review before approving any electric rate increase requested by an electric public utility. It directly affects electric utilities seeking rate hikes and the ratepayers who pay those rates. The key provision mandates that the BPU cannot approve any increase to an electric rate component without completing this comprehensive review process. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 1341) requires children in home education programs and their parents or guardians to meet annually with a designated school district staff member (a counselor, nurse, or social worker). The meeting serves two specific purposes: allowing parents to request school district support for their home education, and enabling the staff member to conduct a general health and wellness check on the child. The bill applies to all home-educated children in New Jersey and takes effect in the first full school year after enactment. It does not change how home education is structured but adds an annual check-in with the local school district.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require public schools receiving state aid to begin regular high school instruction (grades 9-12) no earlier than 8:30 a.m. It directly affects school districts, charter schools, and specialized school districts that receive state funding. The requirement aligns with medical recommendations for adolescent sleep needs and applies starting the 2024-2025 school year. Exceptions exist for students with individualized education plans under federal law.