Asm. Linda Carter

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Legislative Youth Council to engage youth in policymaking. It directs the Secretary of Higher Education to select a state higher education institution to host the council, which will include 40 youth members (ages 18-25, residents for at least 10 years) representing each legislative district, plus four non-voting legislative advisors. The host institution appoints a coordinator (receiving an annual stipend) to manage operations, arrange policy engagement opportunities, and submit biennial reports to the Legislature. Key changes include raising the age range from 15-23 to 18-25, lowering residency requirements, removing mandatory subject areas for research, and shifting from annual to biennial reporting. The council provides youth perspectives on issues affecting them to lawmakers and policymakers.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows students receiving opportunity grants through New Jersey's Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program to use a portion of their award for summer courses that count toward graduation or their academic major. Students must notify the Secretary of Higher Education before the academic year begins, resulting in a proportional reduction of their grant funds during the regular academic year. The bill also requires annual reporting by institutions on summer grant usage and graduation rates, implementing a 2016 College Affordability Study Commission recommendation.

Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding assembly resolution (AR 139) expressing formal appreciation to the staff of the New Jersey General Assembly. It specifically thanks the Chief Clerk and all staff members - including Sergeants at Arms, committee services, administrative personnel, and others - for their dedication, expertise, and service during legislative sessions. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is purely a symbolic gesture recognizing staff contributions to the legislature's operations. Copies will be distributed to all General Assembly staff members.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows certain New Jersey school districts that will lose state aid to submit their budgets after the state's FY2025 budget is finalized. It specifically applies to districts where the state aid reduction exceeds their unused tax authority (known as "banked cap" under current law). The Commissioner of Education must permit these districts to submit budgets within five days after the FY2025 appropriations act is enacted, and may adjust the budget calendar to create a compressed timeline for approval. The change applies only to the 2024-2025 school year.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires local purchasing agents in New Jersey to hold a state-issued "qualified purchasing agent certificate." To qualify, individuals must complete approved training, pass an exam, and meet specific criteria including two years of government procurement experience (or equivalent education), a high school diploma, U.S. citizenship, and good moral character. The certificate must be renewed every three years, requiring additional training on "green product purchasing" for renewal. Local governments may appoint temporary purchasing agents without the certificate for up to two years under limited circumstances, but only for specific roles like certified finance officers performing day-to-day procurement work.

Maddy summaryACR 105 reconstitutes New Jersey's "Joint Committee on Economic Justice and Equal Employment Opportunity," a committee previously established by the 216th Legislature. The resolution specifies that the committee will consist of 10 legislators (appointed by chamber leaders) and authorizes it to conduct ongoing studies of economic justice and employment equity issues across the state. The committee may hold hearings statewide, utilize legislative staff, and submit regular reports to the legislature. This is a procedural measure to restore an existing committee structure, not a policy change affecting specific groups or programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Division of Minority and Women Business Development within New Jersey's Department of Treasury, led by a State Chief Disparity Officer. The officer will track contract awards to minority- and women-owned businesses, monitor participation rates, and report findings to the Governor and Legislature. All state departments and agencies must appoint a liaison to cooperate with this division. The bill codifies an existing 2006 executive order, requires full implementation of certification rules for these businesses (prohibiting self-certification), and modifies small business set-aside contract procedures. It directly affects state agencies, contractors, and minority/women-owned businesses participating in state procurement.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey taxpayers to voluntarily contribute to United Way of New Jersey when filing their state income tax returns, either by designating a portion of their tax refund or making an additional payment. It establishes a special "United Way of New Jersey Fund" within the state Treasury, where all collected contributions will be deposited after deducting administrative costs. The Legislature must annually appropriate all funds in this account and distribute them equally to every local United Way chapter across New Jersey to support their community programs. The bill does not require any contribution and only provides an optional funding mechanism for taxpayers who choose to participate.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "EMS Part" within New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), specifically for emergency medical services employees. It establishes enhanced retirement benefits including a pension equal to 50% of final compensation for employees with 20 or more years of service, plus additional benefits for those with 20-25 years of service. Eligible positions include emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical services supervisors, and other certified health professionals providing emergency medical services. The State will cover increased pension costs for counties and municipalities resulting from this new retirement system component.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Attorney General or Commissioner of Health to inspect retail stores selling cigarettes and vapor products at least twice yearly. It mandates follow-up inspections within three months of any violation related to prohibited flavored products. Violations of flavor restrictions (like fruit or candy flavors) trigger escalating civil penalties ($250-$1,000 for cigarettes; $500-$2,000 for vapor products), with fines paid to the violating municipality’s treasury. The law updates enforcement procedures to centralize inspections under state health authorities, replacing prior local enforcement authority for these specific violations.