Maddy summaryThe "Education Investment Act" (A4418) creates an income-contingent repayment program for students at selected New Jersey public colleges and universities. Students can defer tuition and related expenses until after graduation, then repay a fixed percentage of their income over a set period - without fixed interest rates - instead of traditional loans. Participating institutions, chosen by the Commission on Higher Education, set repayment terms (including income percentage, duration, and options for temporary deferment or cancellation) and may partner with third-party investors to cover initial costs in exchange for a share of future repayments. The program is available to all enrolled undergraduate and graduate students at participating institutions, though institutions may limit enrollment to manage program costs.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits elected local government officers (such as mayors, council members, or county officials) from accepting employment with a law firm for one year if they voted to award a local government contract to that firm. It prevents conflicts of interest by blocking officials from immediately benefiting from contract decisions they made. The law applies specifically to contracts awarded to law firms where the officer cast a vote in favor. The bill amends existing ethics laws (P.L.1991, c.29) to extend a one-year waiting period - previously required for independent local authorities - to cover elected officials.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases the interest rate paid on overdue tax refunds in New Jersey. For refunds processed on or after July 1, 2026, the interest rate will be three percentage points above the prime rate (up from the current prime rate). It directly affects taxpayers who have overpaid state income taxes and are waiting for refunds beyond the standard processing period. The change applies to all eligible overpayments, with interest calculated monthly and compounded annually. The current prime-rate interest rate remains in effect until the 2026 effective date.
Maddy summaryThis bill removes a legal presumption that would have prevented prison sentences for first-time offenders convicted of stealing a firearm. Currently, New Jersey law presumes non-imprisonment for first offenses of third-degree theft of a firearm, but this bill eliminates that rule. Now, judges may impose prison sentences for first-time firearm theft without that automatic restriction. The change directly affects individuals convicted of stealing a firearm for the first time in New Jersey.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public universities and colleges - including Rutgers, NJIT, Rowan, Montclair State, Kean, and county colleges - to submit annual capital projects reports by January 1st. The reports must detail active construction or planning projects (including location, cost, funding sources, bond issuance plans, and progress). The Secretary of Higher Education must then post these reports on a public website for easy access. This creates transparency around how public funds are spent on campus infrastructure projects.
Maddy summaryThis bill (A4199) expands rights for crime victims in New Jersey's criminal justice system. It adds specific protections, including the right to submit written impact statements before charges are filed or plea negotiations begin, and to make in-person statements about the crime's impact during sentencing. Victims gain enhanced notification rights regarding court proceedings, defendant releases, and case updates. The law directly affects individuals who have experienced crime and are participating in criminal cases across New Jersey. These changes amend existing law (P.L.1985, c.249) to strengthen victim participation and support.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to share a tax assessor through formal agreements under the "Uniform Shared Services and Consolidation Act" (P.L.2007, c.63). It permits two or more municipalities to jointly hire a tax assessor for property valuation, or for counties to assume tax assessment duties for all municipalities within the county. The law requires agreements to follow specific procedures and includes protections for tenured assessors who may be reassigned under shared service arrangements. This directly affects local governments seeking cost savings and operational flexibility in tax administration.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies property tax exemption rules for urban renewal projects. Urban renewal entities must pay an annual service charge to the municipality instead of property taxes for exempt properties. The municipality is required to remit a portion of this service charge to the county. This ensures counties receive revenue from properties that would otherwise generate no local property tax revenue. The policy applies to all urban renewal projects covered under the existing tax exemption program.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new application process for entities like public colleges and local school boards to become charter school authorizers in New Jersey. It requires applicants to submit detailed plans covering their strategic vision, budget, oversight processes, and commitments to public accountability. The Commissioner of Education will review these applications, sign contracts with approved authorizers, and define their responsibilities, including evaluating charter school applications, negotiating performance contracts, and conducting ongoing oversight. The bill directly affects potential new authorizers and the charter schools they would oversee, aiming to strengthen oversight of the charter school program.
Maddy summaryThis resolution would require the New Jersey General Assembly to schedule a final vote on bills or resolutions with at least 32 sponsors (40% of the Assembly). To trigger this, the Minority Leader must obtain the first sponsor's written agreement, provide notice to leadership 45 days after the bill's last reading, and hold a public hearing within 30 days. The bill would then be prioritized for the next available calendar meeting. This applies to up to three bills per legislative session, bypassing committee delays for well-supported measures.