Asm. Gary Schaer

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $65 million from the General Fund to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to purchase specific properties from the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJT). The EDA must buy these properties at appraised "highest and best use" value and will maintain a 33% participation interest in future sales or leases of the properties, with NJT receiving those proceeds. Before purchasing or developing the properties, the EDA must notify the Joint Budget Oversight Committee for review. The bill directly affects the EDA, NJT, and future developers who may acquire or lease these properties for development projects.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A4675 requires child care centers to test all drinking water outlets (like fountains and faucets) for lead every five years, using certified labs, and immediately shut off any outlets with unsafe lead levels. Centers must remediate the issue - through repairs, filters, or alternative water sources - and disclose full test results to parents, staff, and the public by posting summaries prominently. The law applies to all child care centers except those already meeting federal public water system standards for lead. This directly affects child care facilities, parents, and children by ensuring safer drinking water access.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the deadline for school districts to notify parents of nonpublic school students about eligibility for bus transportation or transportation payments, moving it from August 1 to July 1 before the school year begins. It directly affects school districts responsible for nonpublic school transportation and the parents/guardians of those students. The key provision amends existing law to require earlier notification, giving families an additional month to plan transportation arrangements. This is a procedural adjustment focused solely on timing, with no changes to eligibility criteria or funding amounts.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits how long an inmate can wait for a future parole hearing after being denied parole at their initial eligibility date. It requires the parole board to set a future parole eligibility date within three years of the denial, with no exceptions for extending this period beyond three years. The bill clarifies that sentence reductions for good behavior do not shorten this three-year waiting period, though the board may adjust the date under specific legal provisions. Inmates will be released at the new hearing date unless evidence shows they failed to cooperate with rehabilitation programs or pose a risk of violating parole conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill would create a tax credit program allowing New Jersey taxpayers to receive a 75% credit against their state income tax for donations to approved scholarship organizations. It directly affects nonpublic school students who meet income criteria (household income ≤2.6x the federal reduced-price lunch threshold) attending schools complying with anti-discrimination and anti-bullying laws. The key mechanism requires scholarship organizations to spend 95% of donations on student aid, limit administrative costs to 5%, and adhere to strict eligibility rules. The program would have been capped at $37.5 million annually (adjusted for inflation), but the bill was withdrawn from consideration on June 13, 2024, and never became law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's bias intimidation law to specifically include Sikhism as a protected class, making it illegal to commit hate crimes against Sikhs based on their religious identity. It appropriates $100,000 annually for three years to fund Sikh awareness educational initiatives, including law enforcement training on Sikh identity features like turbans and religious symbols to prevent misclassification of hate incidents. The bill requires the Office of Attorney General to develop public awareness campaigns and educational programs about Sikhism for public schools, and mandates that all public entities incorporate anti-Sikh hate into their bias intimidation policies and diversity programs. These changes directly affect Sikhs in New Jersey (who are the second-most targeted religious group for hate crimes) and all public institutions across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) to create a program helping children (up to age 18) with an incarcerated non-custodial parent enroll in safety net programs. DHS must collaborate with corrections and court systems to identify affected children, then contact their custodial parent or guardian at least three times (including one written contact) to explain available benefits like food assistance, healthcare, and childcare subsidies. The program mandates DHS to track applications and provide a decision within 30 days of submission. It directly affects children in these circumstances and their caregivers, ensuring access to critical support programs.

Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding assembly resolution (AR 139) expressing formal appreciation to the staff of the New Jersey General Assembly. It specifically thanks the Chief Clerk and all staff members - including Sergeants at Arms, committee services, administrative personnel, and others - for their dedication, expertise, and service during legislative sessions. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is purely a symbolic gesture recognizing staff contributions to the legislature's operations. Copies will be distributed to all General Assembly staff members.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey employers to develop heat safety plans to protect workers from heat-related illness and injury. The plans must include access to cool water, shaded rest areas, regular breaks, and training on recognizing heat illness symptoms. Employers must follow these plans when temperatures reach 90°F outdoors or 87°F indoors, and must review their plans annually. The Department of Labor will enforce these requirements with fines or stop-work orders for violations.

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.