Asm. Michele Matsikoudis

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 4356, "Zero-Based Budget Act") requires New Jersey's State Treasurer to develop a zero-based budgeting process for the Governor's annual budget. It mandates that all state spending agencies (including departments, boards, and commissions) justify every funding request from scratch each year - detailing goals, cost breakdowns at current and minimum service levels, stakeholder impacts, and program prioritization - rather than basing requests on prior year spending. The process, to be implemented for fiscal years starting July 2020, aims to ensure every dollar allocated is evaluated for efficiency and necessity. This directly affects all state agencies submitting budget requests under existing law (P.L.1944, c.112).

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey to join the School Psychologist Interstate Licensure Compact, enabling licensed school psychologists from participating states to practice in New Jersey without repeating licensing exams or paperwork. It directly affects school psychologists seeking to work across state lines and schools facing staffing shortages by creating a streamlined pathway for license portability. Key provisions include requiring psychologists to follow each state's scope of practice laws, preserving states' authority to protect public safety through their own licensing standards, and facilitating mobility for military-connected families. The compact aims to improve access to school psychological services by reducing administrative barriers for qualified professionals.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows registered nurses holding a multistate nursing license (under New Jersey's 2019 Nurse Licensure Compact) to qualify for school nurse certification in New Jersey public schools. It amends existing rules to include multistate license holders as eligible for school nurse endorsements, substitute certificates, and non-instructional credentials. Previously, only nurses with New Jersey-specific licenses could obtain these certifications. The change directly affects out-of-state nurses seeking school nursing roles in New Jersey, streamlining their eligibility without altering clinical practice requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows out-of-state applicants seeking cosmetology or hairstyling licenses in New Jersey to count teaching experience toward the required three years of practical experience. Specifically, applicants who taught cosmetology in a licensed school (approved by the other jurisdiction) may use that experience if the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling determines it's equivalent to working in a licensed shop. The board has discretion to assess whether the teaching experience meets the state's standards. This change directly affects individuals licensed in other states or countries who want to work in New Jersey's cosmetology industry without retaking exams. The bill does not alter existing requirements for applicants without teaching experience.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 50% tax deduction for New Jersey residents who pay out-of-pocket for in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment for themselves, their spouse, or domestic partner. The deduction applies only to IVF costs not covered by health insurance plans (such as hospital, health maintenance organization, or state programs) and not already deductible under existing tax rules. It takes effect immediately for taxable years beginning after enactment, reducing taxable income by half the eligible IVF expenses paid during the year.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to count existing housing built before April 1, 1980, toward their affordable housing requirements under specific conditions. To qualify, the housing must have been reserved for low- or moderate-income residents for at least 20 consecutive years starting after March 24, 1975, and cannot have already been counted toward another obligation. Municipalities can apply this credit toward past, future, or current housing obligations - especially if the property is rehabilitated to meet affordability standards. The bill directly affects local governments and existing low/moderate-income housing units, easing compliance with state housing mandates without requiring new construction.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey from providing state aid to public colleges and universities that fail to address antisemitism. Specifically, it cuts funding if an institution authorizes antisemitic events, fails to enforce anti-harassment policies, or doesn't adequately punish perpetrators of antisemitism (including through expulsion or criminal referral). The bill defines "antisemitism" using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's 2016 working definition. It directly affects all public institutions of higher education receiving state funding in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) program to include eligible workforce training programs, directly affecting students seeking non-degree credentials in high-demand fields. To qualify, programs must require at least 150 classroom hours, offer industry-valued credentials, and maintain 70%+ completion and job placement rates. The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority will designate participating programs, with eligibility criteria excluding degree-granting programs only if they meet these specific standards. This change broadens access to financial aid beyond traditional colleges, targeting workforce development needs identified by the state. The bill updates reporting requirements for these programs but does not alter existing TAG eligibility for degree-seeking students.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts New Jersey municipalities from paying Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) permit fees when repairing flood damage or building flood control infrastructure after a natural disaster involving flooding. Municipalities must prove to the DEP that the work is necessary for disaster recovery to qualify for the fee waiver. The DEP must publish application instructions within 90 days via the New Jersey Register, its website, and by sharing details with the Department of Community Affairs and affected municipalities. The exemption applies to permits for repairing roads, buildings, or flood control facilities damaged by flooding.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's tax credit for family caregivers of veterans with service-connected disabilities by removing the requirement that a veteran's disability must have occurred during a conflict after September 11, 2001. The credit, equal to 100% of the veteran's federal disability compensation or $675 (whichever is less), now applies to caregivers of veterans whose disabilities arose from any active military service, provided the veteran meets other existing criteria: honorable discharge, VA total disability rating, and at least six months of residency in New Jersey with the caregiver. Caregivers must be New Jersey residents related within the third degree by blood, meet income limits ($50,000 for single filers or $100,000 for joint filers), and provide care to the veteran. The credit remains refundable and subject to the same administrative rules as under current law.