Asm. Kenyatta Stewart

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners of multiple dwelling buildings in New Jersey to notify tenants and tenant associations before certain sales, such as those involving mortgages or short sales. It grants tenant associations the right to purchase the building if at least 51% of the occupied units are represented by the association. If a tenant association decides to buy the property, they can use a designated nonprofit, housing authority, or a joint venture to secure the financing and ensure the building remains affordable. The law defines specific terms like "multiple dwelling" and "inclusionary development" to clarify which properties and housing outcomes are covered.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey's pretrial release laws to remove the automatic presumption of release for individuals charged with contempt of a domestic violence restraining order. Under the new rules, judges will no longer be required to release these defendants on their own recognizance or an unsecured bond simply because they meet standard safety criteria. Instead, courts must evaluate each case individually to determine if release conditions can reasonably ensure the defendant's appearance in court and the safety of others. This change directly affects defendants facing contempt charges for violating domestic violence orders, requiring a more deliberate assessment of their risk before granting freedom pending trial.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires property owners of hotels and multi-unit buildings with two or more floors (excluding small owner-occupied homes) to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities during elevator outages. Specifically, owners must restore elevator service within two hours or provide alternative access (like evacuation chairs, ramps, or stairlifts) if elevators are out longer. Owners must also immediately notify residents of outages and estimated repair times. Violations carry daily penalties up to $2,500 for ongoing issues, with a grant program available to help cover costs for accessibility equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Recovery Housing Assistance Program in New Jersey to assist individuals recovering from substance use disorders with stable, temporary housing and related support services. Administered by the Department of Community Affairs in collaboration with the Department of Human Services, the program provides up to 12 months of transitional housing, substance use support, workforce development, and help securing permanent housing, with priority given to those recently discharged from inpatient treatment or involved in the criminal justice system. The legislation establishes a dedicated fund and appropriates $5 million from the General Finance to cover operational costs, rental assistance, and other program expenses. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Community Affairs adopt necessary rules and submit annual reports on program performance to the Governor and Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services to create guidance connecting Medicaid recipients with housing-related services and resources. The legislation mandates the development of a memorandum of understanding between health agencies and housing organizations to align eligibility rules and track outcomes like housing stability and health improvements. Additionally, the state must provide technical assistance to help housing providers understand how to receive Medicaid reimbursement for their services. Finally, the bill requires a report to be submitted to the Governor and Legislature within two years detailing the progress of these coordination efforts and any necessary changes to state funding plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows incarcerated voters in New Jersey who are not convicted of serious felonies to request and receive mail-in ballots. It requires the Secretary of State and the Department of Corrections to work together to provide ballot applications and ensure ballots are sent to the inmate's detention facility. The law also mandates that if an inmate is moved to a different location, the Department of Corrections must deliver the ballot to the new site. Importantly, the bill does not restore voting rights to those convicted of indictable offenses, and any ballots sent to individuals who become ineligible after submitting a request are automatically voided.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows tenants in New Jersey to defend against eviction if their inability to pay rent is caused by a federal government interruption to their Social Security benefits. To use this defense, a tenant must prove that their benefits were delayed, reduced, or stopped by federal action and that this loss directly prevented them from paying rent. If the court accepts this evidence, it will pause the eviction process for up to six months or until the benefits are restored. Once the tenant's income is recovered, they must either pay all owed rent or agree on a payment plan with their landlord to have the eviction notice dismissed.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Housing Placement for Survivors Program within the Department of Children and Families to help domestic violence survivors find temporary housing. It offers tax credits to landlords and hotel owners who provide reduced rental rates to survivors for stays between 30 and 180 days. The program includes a $15 million annual cap on these tax credits, with any unused funds rolling over to future years. By incentivizing private property owners to offer discounted rates, the legislation aims to increase the availability of safe, short-term accommodations for victims of domestic violence.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill ensures that incarcerated individuals do not have to pay for medical care, dental services, or prescription drugs provided while in state or county facilities. The legislation removes the ability to charge inmates for these essential health services and allows the state and counties to seek reimbursement directly from the inmates' health insurance plans instead. By shifting the financial responsibility to insurance providers, the bill aims to guarantee access to necessary treatment without burdening prisoners with costs during their incarceration.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to fulfill their affordable housing requirements by partnering with public entities to build homes on land they already own. Specifically, it enables local governments to enter agreements with school districts, public universities, transportation authorities, and housing agencies to develop affordable housing on their properties. The legislation clarifies that these partnerships are intended to help towns meet specific state-mandated housing goals without restricting other existing laws regarding property transactions. By utilizing existing public land, the measure aims to provide a direct mechanism for increasing affordable housing stock within communities.