Asm. Sterley Stanley

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public school districts, charter schools, and other eligible entities (including county vocational and special services schools) that receive New Jersey state aid to begin regular high school instruction no earlier than 8:30 a.m. local time. It applies to all schools serving grades 9 through 12 and is based on medical findings that adolescents need 8-10 hours of sleep, which early start times often prevent. The requirement takes effect for the 2024-2025 school year and does not affect individualized education plans under federal disability law. The law aims to align school schedules with adolescent sleep needs, as recommended by medical organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1208) requires New Jersey’s Department of Transportation (DOT) to review existing park-and-ride facilities near major warehouse facilities (defined as buildings over 100,000 sq. ft used for storing goods for sale) and prioritize establishing new ones if no existing options exist to reduce traffic congestion on local roads connecting warehouses to transit hubs. The DOT must conduct this review, establish new park-and-ride lots where needed, and submit biennial reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing availability and new facilities. It directly affects warehouse workers who commute by car and local communities dealing with traffic near large distribution centers. The policy change mandates specific DOT actions to improve transit access without altering existing traffic laws or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A2374 establishes the New Jersey State Parks and Open Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization separate from state government. The foundation will raise tax-deductible funds to support specific improvements and programming in state, county, and municipal parks and open spaces - including park renovations, accessibility enhancements, and educational activities - beyond routine operations. Governed by a 12-member board (including state officials and public members with environmental expertise), it must direct all funds to projects that expand recreational access, conservation, and equitable use of park resources. All funds raised supplement, but do not replace, existing state and federal park funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Department of Education to study the academic impact on high school students who serve as primary caregivers at home. The study must examine specific issues these students face, their absenteeism rates, and their high school graduation and college enrollment outcomes. Within one year, the Department must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature with findings and any recommendations for potential support programs. The bill does not create new programs but mandates this research to inform future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey courts to provide certain defendants with referrals for mental health and substance abuse evaluations when ordering pretrial release. It directly affects defendants who are released before trial but not those already mandated to receive treatment. The key mechanism mandates that courts give these referrals upon release decisions, and the evaluation providers must notify the court if the defendant completes the assessment. The requirement does not apply when the court already orders the defendant to undergo such treatment and remain in a specified facility.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public school students in grades 6-12 to have one excused absence per school year to attend a civic event, such as a community meeting about environmental issues or public safety. The absence won’t appear on the student’s attendance record, and parents must provide at least five days’ notice with documentation proving the event meets the bill’s definition of a civic event (sponsored by government, community, or local nonprofits addressing public concerns). The state education commissioner will create rules, including a list of mandatory civic events requiring excused absences, while school districts may grant additional absences beyond the one allowed. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A573) creates a Loan Redemption Program for agricultural education teachers through New Jersey's Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA). It provides up to $10,000 annually in loan repayment assistance (capped at $50,000 total) for certified New Jersey agriculture teachers who commit to five years of full-time employment in approved high school programs. To qualify, applicants must be NJ residents, hold a relevant teaching endorsement, have recent college degrees in approved programs, and carry eligible student loans without default. The program limits participants to ten per year and requires a written service contract with HESAA.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey public colleges and universities from raising tuition for in-state undergraduate students during their first four consecutive academic years of enrollment. It directly affects resident undergraduate students who begin at a public institution, ensuring their tuition rate remains fixed for the duration of their standard four-year program. The freeze applies immediately after a student's initial enrollment, covering all academic years (fall and spring semesters) until graduation for typical four-year degrees. The policy takes effect for students enrolling in the academic year following the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates October 27th of every year as "Tree of Life Remembrance Day" in New Jersey. It requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and residents to observe the day through appropriate activities. The designation commemorates the 2018 mass shooting at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue, which resulted in 11 deaths and 6 injuries, honoring the victims' memories. The bill has no funding requirements or regulatory changes - it is purely a symbolic observance.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to transfer inactive alcoholic beverage retail licenses (typically held by closed bars or restaurants) to other municipalities for use in designated redevelopment or revitalization areas. The transferred licenses must be used in specific zones like urban enterprise zones, downtown business improvement areas, or transit-oriented developments, and must primarily support food sales (at least 60% of total annual sales). Municipalities must follow specific procedures including public sale processes, 90-day notice requirements, and establishing transfer fees, with licenses expiring if not actively used within two years. Transferred licenses will not count toward a municipality's population-based license limit, and license holders must certify food sales will be the primary business.