Asm. Shanique Speight

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for developers building affordable housing projects in designated low-income neighborhoods across New Jersey. It directly affects developers constructing housing meeting federal affordability standards (50% of area median income) within specific "distressed neighborhoods" or "deep poverty pockets" identified by the state. The key mechanism provides tax credits to offset development costs, targeting areas with high poverty rates (20%+ poverty level) or low median family income (80% of state average). The credit applies to projects in four defined zones: distressed municipalities, Garden State Growth Zones, aviation districts, or areas near major rail stations. The bill amends existing law to establish this credit, with projects requiring approval from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey courts to consider specific factors when appointing guardians for adults who may be unable to make decisions for themselves. Courts must evaluate the individual's health and safety, the potential guardian's ability to care for them, any existing relationship, medical evidence of incapacity, reports from court-appointed counsel, and estate management needs. The court must base any guardianship decision on "clear and convincing evidence" and document the specific factors and evidence justifying the appointment. It applies to all types of adult guardianship (person, estate, or both) and directly affects vulnerable adults, courts, and potential guardians.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health, in collaboration with the Department of Labor, to create and distribute a pamphlet about family leave programs under the Family Leave Act (P.L.1989, c.261). Health care facilities providing maternity care must display the pamphlet in waiting areas and give it to patients at discharge. Hospitals must also include the pamphlet in discharge plans provided to caregivers, ensuring patients receive clear information about available family leave resources. The goal is to improve access to family leave support for new parents and caregivers after hospital stays.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-funded program to increase wages for direct support professionals (DSPs) who provide essential care to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Department of Human Services will distribute funds to employers (like group homes, community programs, and service providers) to raise DSP pay, addressing staffing shortages. Employers must use the funds solely for wage increases for existing or new DSPs, with the department setting application rules and compliance standards. The program is funded through an immediate appropriation from the General Fund and ends once the allocated funds are distributed.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a sexual assault prevention and response program and coordinator within New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). It directly affects service members (including National Guard members) and veterans who experience sexual assault or harassment, allowing victims to file confidential complaints regardless of whether the assault occurred on or off duty. Key provisions include appointing a coordinator to provide victim advocacy, refer cases to the Attorney General for investigation, assist with protective orders (state and military), and enable participation in the federal "Catch a Serial Offender Program." The program requires annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing prevention efforts, investigation statistics, and improvements needed in training and response.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's Money Transmitters Act to strengthen consumer protections and increase regulatory oversight for money transmission businesses. It requires licensees to maintain records for five years (up from three), file quarterly reports (in addition to annual reports), and prominently display licenses at business locations. The bill also increases penalties for non-compliance to $200 per day and raises the crime level for operating without a license from a third to second degree offense. Additionally, it mandates that licensees provide FinCEN registration details annually, requires authorized delegates to display clear identification notices, and expands public access to licensee and delegate information through a department website. The changes directly affect money transmitters and their authorized delegates operating in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill makes several changes to address sexual assault and child abuse involving military personnel. It allows military protective orders to be enforced throughout the state, creates a central registry for all protective orders (including military ones), and enables service members to seek protective orders in New Jersey courts. The bill provides financial assistance to National Guard members for travel expenses related to military justice proceedings involving sexual assault, and expands eligibility for victim compensation for military sexual assault victims. Additionally, it establishes procedures for sharing information between civilian child welfare authorities and military family advocacy programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2165) allows spouses and dependent children of active-duty military service members to maintain New Jersey in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities if the service member is transferred to another state. It specifically applies to those who were already enrolled in a New Jersey public institution before the transfer and maintain continuous enrollment. The bill also extends this benefit to military dependents who attended New Jersey high school for at least three years, regardless of where they live when enrolling. These changes amend existing law (P.L.1985, c.231) to ensure military-connected students avoid sudden tuition increases due to relocation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for New Jersey employers who hire eligible military spouses. It directly affects employers (including businesses, nonprofits, and corporations) that hire nonresident spouses of active-duty service members who have moved to New Jersey due to military orders (e.g., permanent change of station or legal domicile). The credit equals 15% of wages for 120-400 hours worked ($2,400 max) or 25% for over 400 hours worked ($2,400 max), applied against state business or income taxes. The program is administered by the Department of Labor, with annual reports tracking credit awards.

Maddy summaryThe bill would broaden veterans' benefits eligibility by removing specific war or conflict service requirements. Instead of needing to have served during designated wars (like World War II or Vietnam), veterans would only need at least 90 days of active duty service (excluding basic training), or Reserve members would need to serve the full period called to active duty. Veterans discharged due to service-connected disabilities would qualify regardless of service duration. This change would expand access to benefits including civil service hiring preference, retirement allowances, and the ability to purchase military service credit for retirement.