Asm. Linda Carter

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the requirement for teacher candidates in New Jersey to pass a basic skills test (such as the Praxis Core) to obtain certain teaching certificates. Specifically, it eliminates the need for candidates seeking a certificate of eligibility, certificate of eligibility with advanced standing, provisional certificate, or standard instructional certificate to complete a Commissioner-approved test of basic reading, writing, and math skills. The change directly affects individuals pursuing teaching certification in the state by streamlining the certification process. It repeals the existing law requiring these tests, making certification more accessible for educators meeting other standard qualifications. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill regulates the sale of "intoxicating hemp products" in New Jersey by requiring sellers to be licensed by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission. It defines intoxicating hemp products as those containing more than 0.5 milligrams of total THC per serving or 2.5 milligrams per package, prohibits sales to anyone under 21, and bans products not derived from naturally occurring biologically active chemical constituents. Violations carry escalating fines: $100 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and $10,000 for third and subsequent offenses. The bill clarifies that hemp products meeting the THC limits (not more than 0.3% on dry weight basis) remain regulated under the Hemp Farming Act, while intoxicating products fall under cannabis regulations. It also requires the Cannabis Regulatory Commission to develop a public education program for businesses on these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10,067,905 from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues to New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for grants to nonprofit organizations. The funds will support 11 land acquisition projects ($5.7 million), four park development projects ($3.58 million), and two stewardship activities ($309,000) across multiple counties. These grants will help nonprofits acquire or develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes, with $479,000 allocated for DEP administrative costs. The bill specifies that funds come from dedicated tax revenues established by the Preserve New Jersey Act and will support specific projects approved by the DEP.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to check the federal Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse for commercial driver license (CDL) and commercial learner's permit (CLP) applicants and holders. If the federal database shows a person is prohibited from operating commercial vehicles due to drug or alcohol violations, the MVC must not issue, renew, or upgrade a CDL or CLP. The MVC must downgrade existing CDLs/CLPs within 60 days of receiving notification and reinstate them once the driver completes the return-to-duty process. This applies to all CDL/CLP applicants and those renewing hazardous material endorsements. The bill ensures New Jersey complies with federal commercial driver safety requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires veterinarians to provide clear, written disclosures to pet owners before rabies testing on dead domestic companion animals. It mandates specific information about testing reasons, protocols for handling and disposing of the animal's body (including head removal), and prohibits misrepresentation using euphemisms. Veterinarians must also distribute a pamphlet and display a poster about rabies testing protocols to pet owners at the time of rabies vaccination. Additionally, the bill establishes an optional, trauma-informed mental health training program for veterinarians, developed in consultation with state health agencies. These provisions directly affect veterinarians, pet owners, and the Departments of Health and Consumer Affairs.

Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Works Act provides tax credits to businesses that fund pre-employment training programs with educational institutions or nonprofits. Businesses can receive a tax credit equal to 100% of the financial assistance they provide for approved programs that offer at least 12 weeks of paid training at minimum wage to low- and moderate-income individuals. These programs must include training in basic skills, communication, critical thinking, and job readiness. The bill appropriates $3 million from the General Fund to implement the program and requires a two-year evaluation of its effectiveness, excluding construction businesses from participation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an Office of Emergency Responder Survivor Support and Navigation within New Jersey's Department of Treasury to assist beneficiaries (like spouses or children) of emergency responders who die in the line of duty. The office, led by a survivor support liaison and staffed by at least three additional beneficiaries of deceased responders, helps beneficiaries navigate applications for municipal, state, federal, and private survivor benefits. It provides summaries of eligible benefits, maintains contact during the application process, and offers ongoing assistance. The office is funded with $1 million annually from the General Fund and is designated as "Captain Augusto Acabou’s, Wayne Brooks’, and Plainfield Firefighter Marques Hudson’s act" in honor of three responders.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands accidental death benefits under New Jersey's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) to include companions - defined as partners who cohabited with a member for at least two years, were generally regarded as spouses, and met specific relationship criteria - when there is no surviving spouse, children, or parents. It changes the calculation method for these benefits to use "adjusted final compensation," which accounts for pay increases that would have applied to the member had they continued working until 25 years of service. Companions of members who died on or after January 1, 2023, without surviving family can now apply for retroactive benefits within six months of the bill's effective date, with payments starting from the date of death.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's bias intimidation law to specifically include Sikhism as a protected class, making it illegal to commit hate crimes against Sikhs based on their religious identity. It appropriates $100,000 annually for three years to fund Sikh awareness educational initiatives, including law enforcement training on Sikh identity features like turbans and religious symbols to prevent misclassification of hate incidents. The bill requires the Office of Attorney General to develop public awareness campaigns and educational programs about Sikhism for public schools, and mandates that all public entities incorporate anti-Sikh hate into their bias intimidation policies and diversity programs. These changes directly affect Sikhs in New Jersey (who are the second-most targeted religious group for hate crimes) and all public institutions across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Eagleton Science and Politics Fellowship Program at Rutgers' Eagleton Institute of Politics, authorizing state funding for six annual fellowships. It targets scientists, engineers, and healthcare professionals with doctoral degrees (PhD or equivalent) in natural sciences, engineering, or healthcare, placing three fellows with New Jersey's Legislature and three with the Executive Branch for one-year, full-time terms. Each fellow receives a $60,000 stipend plus health benefits, administered by Rutgers' Eagleton Institute. The bill appropriates $338,000 annually for stipends and program administration, codifying an existing program that has operated for several years.