Asm. Michele Matsikoudis

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey police departments to donate unclaimed bicycles to qualified nonprofit organizations instead of selling them at auction. Specifically, if a bicycle is found by police and remains unclaimed for six months (or if the owner refuses it), departments may donate it to nonprofits exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Municipalities must approve eligible nonprofits annually through a resolution, and donations can only occur after the six-month waiting period. The change supports nonprofits that refurbish and distribute bikes to families and individuals in need, particularly those facing economic hardship.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires State employers and contracted service providers to conduct comprehensive background checks for all employees in positions involving regular contact with children. It mandates applicants disclose any history of child abuse or sexual misconduct investigations, and requires criminal history checks for specific offenses like child molestation, sexual assault, and abuse. Employees or applicants with substantiated child abuse convictions or certain criminal histories would be permanently disqualified from these positions, though rehabilitation evidence may allow exceptions for other offenses. The policy aims to prevent individuals with relevant histories from working with children in State-related positions.

Maddy summaryThis bill improves New Jersey's NJBEST college savings program. It increases the amount of money in NJBEST accounts that doesn't count toward financial aid eligibility from $25,000 to $50,000. The bill expands tax benefits by raising the income limit for tax deductions from $200,000 to $300,000 and increasing the deduction limit from $10,000 to $15,000. It also creates new grants for low- and middle-income families, including up to $1,000 for initial deposits and an additional $100 per year for those using automated investment plans, and establishes an NJBEST Advisory Council to review and improve the program's operation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Treasurer to prepare and submit a detailed report to the legislature within six months of enactment. The report must examine how New York taxes income earned by New Jersey residents who work for New York-based employers (including remotely from New Jersey), covering past tax credits granted, potential revenue impacts, legal barriers, and strategies to address perceived inequities. It specifically requests analysis of New York's tax practices, comparisons to how other states handle cross-state commuting, and recommendations for protecting New Jersey residents' tax liabilities. The report will include data on tax credits issued from 2011-2020 and estimates of savings if New Jersey could redirect tax payments from New York.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to update their anti-bullying policies to include two key changes: (1) principals must make a preliminary determination about whether an incident qualifies as bullying before starting an investigation, and (2) hold separate meetings with parents of all involved students within seven days of reporting the incident. It also extends the investigation timeline from 10 to 30 school days after a written report is received. These changes directly affect school principals, parents, and students involved in alleged bullying incidents. The policy amendments aim to ensure thorough initial assessments and provide time for parental input before formal investigations begin.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes free hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses, as well as free admission to New Jersey State parks and forests, for specific military-affiliated individuals. It directly affects active-duty service members (regardless of residency if stationed in NJ), members of NJ National Guard units, organized reserve members stationed in NJ, disabled veterans, and retired NJ National Guard members. The bill expands current law by adding free park access for disabled veterans (previously only covered for licenses) and removes residency requirements for active-duty personnel. It amends existing statutes to implement these benefits through statutory updates to license fees and park admission rules.

Maddy summaryAJR 79 is a New Jersey joint resolution designating September 22nd of each year as "Veterans Suicide Awareness & Remembrance Day." It does not create new programs but establishes an annual observance to raise public awareness about suicide risks among veterans and active military personnel. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging state officials and citizens to observe the day with activities honoring veterans who died by suicide and supporting those at risk. This designation aims to reduce stigma around mental health treatment and highlight existing resources provided by the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and other organizations. The resolution originated from a veteran's initiative to memorialize those lost to suicide, including Senior Airman Robert McRae Dean.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for assault and harassment against sports officials and participants in school or community-sponsored youth sports events. It defines "sports official" broadly to include referees, umpires, coaches, athletic trainers, and others performing duties for these events. Simple assault against these individuals becomes a fourth-degree crime with mandatory fines ($1,000-$10,000), exclusion from youth sports for 1-4 years, and 20+ hours of anger management training. If the victim is under 18, penalties increase to a third-degree crime with higher fines ($2,500-$15,000), longer exclusion (2-5 years), and 50+ hours of anger management training. Harassment against sports officials is also upgraded from a petty disorderly persons offense to a fourth-degree crime.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new category for excusing individuals from jury duty due to a developmental disability. It requires the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to develop and maintain a list of people automatically excused from jury service if they meet the legal definition of "developmental disability" (e.g., autism, cerebral palsy, or intellectual disabilities meeting specific criteria like onset before age 22 and lifelong limitations). To qualify, applicants must submit medical verification and complete an AOC form; the AOC then determines eligibility and adds approved individuals to the list. Once on the list, these individuals are automatically excused from jury duty without needing to reapply each time. The bill does not change existing jury service requirements but adds this new exemption pathway.

Maddy summaryACR 48 proposes a constitutional amendment to exempt the primary residence of a surviving spouse from property taxes if their law enforcement officer partner died while on duty. The exemption would apply only if the surviving spouse owns and occupies the home as their primary residence and does not remarry. If approved by voters, this change would require New Jersey to remove property tax obligations for qualifying homes. The amendment must be submitted to voters in the next general election following legislative approval.