Maddy summaryThis bill creates New Jersey's "Enhanced Transit Village Program" to encourage higher-density, mixed-use development near public transit hubs. It directly affects municipalities already designated as "transit villages" (those with existing transit infrastructure), requiring them to update zoning to meet specific density standards: at least 50 residential units per acre within 1/4 mile of transit, and 25 units per acre beyond that radius. The program provides technical assistance and financial support for municipalities to improve walkability, bike infrastructure, housing variety, and transit connections, while coordinating between the Office of Planning Advocacy (for land use) and the Department of Transportation (for infrastructure). The Office of Planning Advocacy will administer the program, including reviewing applications and approving village plans, with implementation pending legislative approval. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs to track and publicly report natural disaster-related spending by state agencies, counties, municipalities, school districts, and other local governments. It mandates organizing spending into four clear categories: preparedness (like training and planning), mitigation (reducing future damage), response (immediate actions after a disaster), and recovery (restoring communities). The department must publish simple, annual summaries online showing funding sources and whether reimbursements are expected, including data from local budget reports. This applies to all units of government that already submit budget summaries under existing laws.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey court records related to landlord-tenant disputes (such as evictions or rent collection cases) to become permanently confidential to the public starting five years after the case was filed. After this five-year period, landlords, tenant screening services, and the public cannot access these records unless a court specifically approves disclosure for public interest, while removing all tenant-identifying information. Landlords are also prohibited from using these old court records when screening new tenants. Public entities must ensure these records remain confidential, though demographic data about eviction trends (without tenant names or addresses) may still be used for research.
Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a 1995 law (P.L.1995, c.63) that prohibited public colleges from adding funds for legislative agents or organizations to student tuition bills. It directly affects students at New Jersey public colleges, removing a restriction that previously barred mandatory assessments for groups seeking to influence legislation. The repealed law had allowed optional student fees for nonpartisan legislative organizations only if approved by a student referendum, with specific disclosure requirements. This bill eliminates that requirement, allowing institutions to assess funds for legislative activities without those restrictions.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's bill A 4001 authorizes the state to withhold payments owed to the federal government when the federal government unlawfully withholds funds from the state, as ordered by a court. It requires all state agencies - including legislative and judicial branches - to report monthly on federal funds the state is owed (due to court-ordered payments) and state payments due to the federal government. The Governor can then direct the State Treasurer to withhold state payments to the federal government, up to the amount the federal government owes the state under court orders. Withheld funds must be held in reserve and returned to the state budget if unused by year-end, preventing the state from paying the federal government while the federal government fails to pay the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes confidentiality for landlord-tenant court records in New Jersey to prevent unfair housing denials. It requires all such records to remain private for 60 days after filing, and permanently confidential if the tenant wins, settles favorably, or the case is dismissed - only allowing public access if a landlord wins a judgment for possession. The law directly affects tenants (especially low-income renters) by stopping screening agencies from using bare court filings as a sole reason to deny housing, even when tenants had valid legal defenses like withholding rent for unsafe conditions. Landlords and tenant screening agencies must now wait for case outcomes before accessing records, reducing "blacklisting" based on incomplete information.
Maddy summaryThis bill (A2529) amends New Jersey law to allow certain substitute teachers to enroll in the Teachers’ Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF). Currently, TPAF eligibility typically applies to regular classroom teachers, but this bill expands it to include specific substitute educators who meet defined criteria. The key provision modifies eligibility rules under N.J.S.18A:66-2 to permit these substitute teachers to contribute to and eventually receive retirement benefits from the fund. It directly affects substitute teachers who qualify under the new enrollment rules, providing them access to a retirement savings system previously unavailable to them. The change focuses on concrete eligibility expansion without altering existing benefit calculations or funding mechanisms.
Maddy summaryACR 78 is a symbolic resolution (not a law) introduced by New Jersey Assembly members to condemn hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry. It formally declares New Jersey's opposition to prejudice against Hinduism and Hindus, recognizing Hinduism as one of the world's largest religions and highlighting Hindu Americans' contributions to U.S. society. The resolution requires copies to be sent to the Governor, New Jersey's congressional delegation, and the Hindu American Foundation in Washington, DC. It does not create new legal requirements or policies, but serves as a public statement of support.
Maddy summaryThis bill adds "Sikhism" to New Jersey's list of protected classes under the state's bias intimidation law (N.J.S.2C:16-1), explicitly including Sikhs in legal protections against hate crimes motivated by religious bias. It directly affects Sikh residents and community members who face discrimination or violence due to their religious identity, such as attacks targeting turbans, beards, or gurdwaras. The key mechanism amends the statute to cover offenses committed "because of their membership within a protected class," including Sikhism, and creates a legal presumption that bias was a motivating factor in such crimes. The bill also appropriates $100,000, likely for educational or support programs related to Sikh community awareness, though specific funding details aren't outlined in the text.
Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's law governing employment programs for people with disabilities, renaming it the "Extended Employment Act" and updating terminology (e.g., replacing "sheltered workshop" with "extended employment"). It directly affects individuals with significant disabilities who choose these programs, as well as nonprofit providers offering vocational services. Key provisions include defining "extended employment" as community-based work opportunities with flexible service models (like retail or restaurants), requiring nonprofit providers to be nationally accredited, and tying state funding to inflation (CPI-W) rather than fixed amounts. The law also expands program goals to include competitive integrated employment and requires providers to submit annual expense analyses for funding adjustments.