Asm. Sterley Stanley

Maddy summaryThis bill increases New Jersey juror pay from $5 to $40 per day for all grand and petit jurors, effective immediately on the first day of service. It also adds travel reimbursement (based on mileage or actual fare) and toll reimbursement for jurors traveling to court, requiring proof of expenses. Private employers with 10+ employees must pay up to five days of salary during jury duty, cannot use paid time off to offset this, and may deduct the jury pay received from the employer's payment. The $20 million appropriation from the General Fund funds these changes, covering the pay increase and new benefits for jurors.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A294) establishes the "Commission on People with Disabilities" in New Jersey. The commission, consisting of 25 members (13 voting with disability representation requirements and 12 non-voting ex-officio state agency representatives), will advise the state government on policies affecting people with disabilities. Its key duties include suggesting legislation, serving as a government contact point for disability needs, coordinating with state agencies on service delivery, and preventing employment discrimination. The commission must submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature. (Note: This is a procedural bill creating a body, not a policy change.)

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's "Menstrual Hygiene Products Program" to provide free tampons and sanitary napkins to low-income residents through participating food pantries. The Department of Agriculture will award annual grants (up to $10,000 per pantry) to food pantries for purchasing these products, and must list participating pantries with operating hours on its website. The program requires coordination with pharmacies and health departments to improve product access, and includes funding for educational materials about menstrual hygiene. It appropriates $200,000 from the General Fund to support the initiative, which must be implemented within six months of the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts from motor vehicle registration fees certain vehicles owned by nonprofit organizations that provide essential community services in New Jersey. Specifically, it covers local Meals on Wheels programs for seniors (as Meals on Wheels America members) and nonprofits focused on social services like addiction treatment, mental health care, and support for individuals with developmental disabilities. The exemption applies only to vehicles not used for pleasure or commercial hire, and these vehicles must still be registered with special certificates or plates instead of standard fees. This change directly affects qualifying nonprofits by reducing their operational costs for necessary transportation services.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A2001 bill prohibits the sale, distribution, or manufacturing of crayon or chalk products containing lead that are intended for children under six years old. It requires immediate recalls by manufacturers/distributors if lead is detected, mandates retailers to remove recalled products within 48 hours, and requires return of inventory within 14 business days. Manufacturers must destroy recalled products within 60 days, with violations carrying penalties including fines up to $150,000 or imprisonment for repeat offenses. The law directly affects manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of children's art supplies sold in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill would enter New Jersey into the Counseling Compact, an agreement allowing licensed professional counselors from New Jersey to practice in other member states without obtaining multiple licenses. The compact establishes a national commission to manage the agreement, share disciplinary information between states, and ensure counselors follow the laws of the state where their client is located. It would particularly benefit military personnel and their spouses who relocate frequently between states, as well as improve access to counseling services across state lines. Currently, 16 states have joined this compact, and New Jersey's participation would allow its licensed counselors to provide services in those states through a single license.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) rail stations and bus/rail terminals to display historical markers about the surrounding area. NJT must identify and install plaques or tablets describing local historic sites, events, or figures that represent all eras and cultural aspects of New Jersey’s history, ensuring geographic diversity across the state. The markers must be designed, purchased, and maintained by NJT, with the option to collaborate with local historical groups or government entities. The bill does not change transit operations but mandates public historical education at transit hubs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires inmates in New Jersey state prisons or county correctional facilities to attend a Medicaid enrollment session at least 60 days before their release. During the session, trained county welfare workers or facility staff must help inmates complete and submit Medicaid applications, either in person or by phone. Inmates who choose not to participate must do so in writing, and staff must explain Medicaid benefits and how to apply later if they change their mind. The policy aims to improve post-release healthcare access by streamlining Medicaid enrollment for returning residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill caps the interest rate for redeeming property subject to a tax lien at 9% per year, reducing the current legal limit of 18%. It directly affects New Jersey property owners who have tax liens placed on their property and wish to redeem it before foreclosure. The key provision amends state law (R.S.54:5-32) to set the maximum redemption interest rate at 9%, ensuring property owners pay no more than this rate to regain their property. The change applies immediately upon enactment and applies to all tax lien redemptions under the current statute.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a pilot program in Union City, Trenton, and Camden to address open cockloft spaces between buildings through weatherization and energy efficiency improvements. It appropriates $30 million from American Rescue Plan Act funds ($10 million to each city) to cover the costs of installing fire-rated separations and other energy efficiency measures. Low- and moderate-income homeowners will receive these improvements at no cost, while other property owners may pay through a 10-year property tax special assessment. The program requires municipalities to conduct building inventories, implement safety measures, and report annually on the program's effectiveness to the legislature. The initiative aims to reduce energy costs, improve fire safety, and evaluate the feasibility of a broader statewide program.