Asm. Don Guardian

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a special exception that allowed political subdivision employees (like local government workers in cities, towns, or counties) to have a shorter 3-month working test period. Currently, most civil service employees face a 4-month test period (extendable to 6 months), but political subdivision employees had a 3-month exception. The bill eliminates that exception, requiring all such employees to serve the standard 4-month working test period (with possible extension to 6 months). This change affects all political subdivision employees in New Jersey who are subject to civil service rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows chiropractic medicine students in their final year or two semesters to complete supervised clinical training under a New Jersey-licensed chiropractor, known as a preceptorship. Students must apply for a non-renewable limited license through the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, providing proof of good academic standing and paying a fee. The student's chiropractic school must also be approved by the board. The goal is to support New Jersey chiropractic program graduates in transitioning to licensure and practicing within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires water suppliers to immediately notify specific entities when drinking water quality standards are violated. Affected groups include municipalities, school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools within the affected area. Suppliers must provide detailed information via phone and email, including contaminant names, test dates, locations, exceedance levels, and suggested remedies. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates tiered retirement benefits in New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), moving all current non-retired members to the "Tier 1" benefit level previously available to members who joined before July 1, 2007. It requires public employers to enroll eligible employees (earning above minimum salary but not meeting hour requirements) into PERS within 60 days, and automatically transfers service credit from the Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP) to PERS for DCRP participants - without transferring their contributions - unless they opt out within six months. Disability recipients under long-term insurance become eligible for disability retirement benefits if they apply within two years. Changes apply only to retirement applications processed after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Agriculture to include aquaculture products (fish and shellfish raised through farming in the state or state waters) in the existing Jersey Fresh Program, which currently promotes locally grown produce. It mandates the department to develop a specific quality grading system for these aquaculture products and allocate $100,000 annually from the General Fund for advertising and promotion. The funding supports marketing efforts to help New Jersey aquaculture producers compete in the marketplace, with the program expanding the Jersey Fresh Program's scope beyond traditional agricultural commodities. The bill directly affects state aquaculture businesses by creating a dedicated marketing channel for their products.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the minimum age requirement for municipal police officers in New Jersey from 21 to 18 years old, directly affecting individuals seeking appointment to local police departments. It amends N.J.S.40A:14-127 to align the statute with a 1974 New Jersey Supreme Court ruling that determined the age of majority (18) supersedes the previous minimum age. The provision ensures applicants meeting the age requirement at the time of a civil service exam are eligible, while preserving existing employment for officers hired before the law's adoption. The bill implements a court-ordered correction to state law, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a proportional property tax exemption for New Jersey veterans who are honorably discharged and have a service-connected permanent disability rated at 10% or higher. It directly affects qualifying veterans (and their surviving spouses) by reducing their property taxes in line with their disability rating, with a $10,000 cap for exemptions below 100% disability. Veterans deemed unemployable due to service-connected disability receive a full 100% exemption, matching current benefits for those with 100% disability ratings. The bill also requires the state to reimburse municipalities 102% of the tax costs for these exemptions, including administrative expenses, through annual reporting by local tax authorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises how New Jersey allocates state funds for public highway projects to municipalities and counties. It changes the formula to consider weighted county population (average population over the previous year), road mileage, evacuation route mileage, and road mileage in 100-year flood plains. The new formula aims to more accurately reflect unique challenges faced by different municipalities and counties, such as flood risks and evacuation needs. The bill also establishes specific funds for infrastructure, freight impacts, and bridge repairs, each with set percentages of the total highway funding appropriation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A6023) requires owners of venues hosting large public gatherings (1,000+ capacity, like stadiums, theaters, and arenas) and youth sports organizations (e.g., Little Leagues) to maintain an automatic external defibrillator (AED) on-site at events. It mandates that AEDs be accessible 24/7, properly maintained, and staff trained in their use, with specific protocols for cardiac emergencies. Venues must display clear signage, notify emergency services, and ensure certified personnel are present during events. Non-compliance carries civil penalties ($250-$1,000 per violation), while proper AED use provides legal immunity for venues and staff. The bill excludes church halls and similar religious spaces from coverage.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "South Jersey Community Resilience Center" in Atlantic City, funded with $500,000 from the General Fund. It directly serves approximately 200,000 LGBTQIA+ residents across South Jersey's eight counties, addressing the lack of dedicated community spaces in the region. The center will provide LGBTQIA+-specific resources, mental health workshops, peer discussion groups, educational seminars on healthcare, and a safe space for community collaboration. Administered by the Department of Human Services in partnership with health organizations, it aims to reduce barriers to essential services and foster a sense of belonging.