Asm. Michele Matsikoudis

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey school districts to establish a trust fund using donations (such as gifts or bequests) to directly lower local property taxes for homeowners. School boards must create the fund through a resolution and appoint an independent trustee (not a board member or employee) to manage the money. The trust fund's proceeds must be applied to reduce the property tax levy, with the tax collector crediting the funds against homeowners' bills. The state's Division of Investment will provide guidance to school districts on setting up and managing these trust funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to place free advertisements on bridges and railway overpasses within their borders that are managed by state transportation authorities (such as the NJ Turnpike Authority, South Jersey Turnpike Authority, or NJ Transit), subject to approval and safety rules. Municipalities must apply through a process established by the Department of Transportation, and ads must comply with existing restrictions - like not mimicking traffic signs, avoiding flashing lights, and not promoting private businesses - to ensure safety and prevent interference with traffic control. The bill also amends state law to exempt these municipal advertisements from requiring a permit under the Roadside Sign Control and Outdoor Advertising Act, provided they meet all specified conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to study and compare the efficiency, speed, and costs of online versus in-person transactions for vehicle services. Specifically, the MVC must examine productive efficiency, operational throughput (how many transactions processed per time), and marginal costs for both methods. The commission must submit a written report of its findings to the Governor and Legislature within six months of the bill's effective date. The bill expires once this report is submitted. It does not change existing laws but mandates a data-driven analysis to inform future MVC service decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Board of Education to create a standalone "Teacher of the Blind or Visually Impaired" endorsement for K-12 educators. It directly affects teachers seeking to specialize in supporting blind or visually impaired students and school districts hiring them. The key provision allows teachers with this endorsement to teach blind/visually impaired students in all public K-12 schools without needing additional subject or grade-level endorsements. To qualify, candidates must complete a state-approved training program and meet any additional requirements set by the State Board. This changes current law, which previously required separate endorsements for subject/grade levels alongside the blind/visually impaired certification.

Maddy summaryThis bill would extend the statute of limitations for prosecuting theft of a firearm in New Jersey from five years to ten years. It applies to all theft of firearm offenses committed on or after the bill's effective date, meaning prosecutors would have up to a decade to file charges instead of the current five-year window. Currently, theft of a firearm is classified as a third-degree crime with a five-year prosecution limit under New Jersey law. Offenses committed before the bill takes effect would remain subject to the existing five-year statute.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey health insurance companies to provide patients with clear, plain-language "explanation of benefits" forms whenever a claim is processed. The form must display key details on the first page - including the patient's name, provider, service date, total claim amount, what the insurer paid, and what the patient owes - in 12-point font. It also mandates that insurers explain why claims were paid, partially paid, or denied, and include simple instructions for next steps. The law aims to make insurance billing transparent and understandable for patients, aligning with existing New Jersey insurance simplification rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3818) requires New Jersey public school boards to provide special education-related information to parents or guardians in their native language. It specifically mandates written notifications about student identification, classification, evaluation, placement, or educational services - and the Individualized Education Program (IEP) - in the parent's native language, unless it's clearly not feasible. If the native language is unwritten, the board must provide oral translation, confirm the parent understands the content, and document this process. The bill directly affects families of students receiving special education services under New Jersey’s special education laws.

Maddy summaryAJR 148 is a symbolic resolution designating September 11th of each year as "Heroes Day" in New Jersey. It directs the Governor to issue an annual proclamation honoring members of the Armed Forces, police officers, firefighters, and emergency services personnel for their service and sacrifices. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but recognizes these groups' contributions to public safety and security. This designation affects all New Jersey residents through the state's official observance of the day.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands bereavement leave protections in New Jersey to include miscarriage and stillbirth. It allows employees to take family leave under the New Jersey Family Leave Act to grieve the loss of a child due to miscarriage or stillbirth. The bill also permits employees to take family temporary disability leave under the Temporary Disability Benefits Law for this purpose, provided the employee or their domestic partner/civil union partner is a biological parent or parent through a gestational carrier agreement. This change applies to all eligible employees covered by these laws, including those working for private employers and government entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's retirement income tax exclusion for residents aged 62+ who earn income from part-time work. It allows taxpayers to exclude retirement income from state tax even if they earned over $3,000 from part-time employment (defined as under 30 hours weekly), adjusting the exclusion amount based on current minimum wage rates. Specifically, the exclusion equals the standard retirement exclusion amount minus (2,000 × the state minimum wage) minus any pension exclusion claimed. The bill ensures this new exclusion complements but doesn’t exceed existing pension and annuity income exclusions, applying to taxable years beginning after its enactment.