Asm. Shavonda Sumter

Maddy summaryThis bill would provide tax credits to New Jersey employers who hire individuals with disabilities meeting specific criteria. Employers could claim a credit equal to 15% of wages paid to qualifying employees (up to $2,000 per employee) against corporation business tax and gross income tax. To qualify, employees must have a disability recognized under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, work at least 35 hours per week, earn at least $15 per hour, and not be independent contractors. Employers must apply for certification from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, with specific timelines for review and approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey health care facilities to employ certified nurse aides (trained professionals who assist with patient care) as personal care assistants. It directly affects licensed health care facilities and certified nurse aides by removing a current restriction that prevented this dual role. The key provision amends licensing rules to permit facilities to hire these trained aides specifically for personal care assistant duties, without requiring additional certification. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans the sale, distribution, import, or manufacture of children's products intended for children under six that contain lead, mercury, or cadmium. It requires manufacturers to issue immediate recalls if they discover such products, and retailers must remove recalled items from shelves within 48 hours and return inventory within 14 business days at the manufacturer's cost. Manufacturers must then destroy recalled products within 60 business days to prevent public access. Violations carry penalties including fines up to $20,000 for initial offenses, or criminal charges with up to 10 years in prison for repeated failures.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows state, county, and municipal authorities to designate "special event zones" around large automotive events (defined as events with 25+ attendees or approved by local government) for traffic regulation. Within these zones, authorities may temporarily reduce speed limits for safety and prohibit "exhibition driving" (reckless maneuvers like excessive skidding, engine noise, or roof riding). Violations of traffic rules - including speeding, careless driving, or exhibition driving - within these zones carry increased fines up to $1,000, or up to 60 days in jail for reckless driving. The zones remain active during the event and for a reasonable period before/after, with required signage informing the public of reduced speeds and penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) to ensure its child abuse reporting hotline provides callers with information about available support resources for victims and their families. The hotline, which currently handles abuse reports, will now also share details on community services such as counseling, parenting programs, and substance abuse treatment. This change mandates that all hotline interactions include referrals to these assistance programs, directly helping families seeking immediate support after reporting abuse. The amendment applies to the emergency hotline maintained by DCPP and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to create and annually update a public awareness campaign focused on motorcycle safety. The campaign must include educational materials about motorcycle safety, information on distracted driving risks, and variable message signs promoting safe road-sharing practices between drivers and motorcyclists. It directly affects all New Jersey drivers and motorcyclists by aiming to reduce motorcycle-related accidents on state roads. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises financing rules for school facilities projects in New Jersey's non-SDA school districts (regular operating districts). It modifies two key provisions: for projects built via county improvement authorities, it removes requirements for nominal leases to districts and mandates lease payments to cover all debt service after state aid is applied; for bonds issued without voter approval, it ensures municipal payments (in lieu of taxes) cover only the debt portion not supported by state aid, while confirming such bonds remain eligible for state debt service aid. These changes provide more flexibility in financing while maintaining state aid's role in covering costs. The bill directly affects school districts and municipalities managing school facility funding.

Maddy summaryS 3097 extends the deadline for submitting temporary certificates of occupancy for certain redevelopment projects from June 30, 2026 to June 30, 2028. The bill specifically applies to qualified residential projects and mixed use parking projects located in Garden State Growth Zones with populations over 125,000 (excluding Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, and Salem counties). It modifies the definition of "project cost" to include capitalized interest paid to third parties (deemed directly related to construction), debt service reserve fund funding, infrastructure improvements, and up to 20% of total project cost for non-construction expenses. Additionally, the bill allows developers to exclude visitor centers or youth centers from mixed use parking project applications while still qualifying for incentives.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Senate Bill S 2607 requires private bus companies operating regular routes to give advance notice and hold public meetings before making significant service cuts. Specifically, operators must provide 4 months' written notice to the state Motor Vehicle Commission and NJ Transit, 3 months' notice to riders, and host a public meeting near the busiest stop within 15 days of notifying riders. The bill also mandates that companies notify local officials, including mayors and county commissioners, before holding these meetings. Private operators who fail to comply face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. This bill directly affects private bus operators and their riders in New Jersey communities experiencing service changes.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 150) formally recognizes Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey, as one of only two surviving Negro League stadiums in the U.S. and highlights its historical significance as a landmark honoring African American athletes. It specifically acknowledges the annual football rivalry game between Montclair State University and William Paterson University held at the stadium, calling it a cultural event that preserves the site's legacy. The resolution has no legal effect but serves to publicly affirm the stadium's importance through formal recognition. It directs copies to university leaders, the Governor, relevant legislators, and the New Jersey Historical Society. The resolution does not alter any laws or funding but aims to promote awareness of the stadium's role in sports history.