Asm. Gary Schaer

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state, county, and private adult and juvenile correctional facilities to provide free voice, video, and electronic mail services to incarcerated individuals, eliminating all fees for calls or messages. It prohibits facilities from charging per-minute rates, setup fees, or any other charges to incarcerated persons or their families, and mandates that services must be provided at no cost to any party. The bill appropriates funds from the General Fund to cover implementation costs, ensuring facilities can provide these services without financial burden. As a result, incarcerated individuals and their families will no longer face costs previously associated with communication, such as domestic call fees up to 11 cents per minute.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey law to allow individuals with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status to work as law enforcement and corrections officers. It amends statutes requiring officers to be U.S. citizens by adding "or has been granted relief under DACA" as an eligibility requirement for state correctional officers, county corrections officers, municipal police officers, and juvenile corrections officers. The bill also specifies that DACA-eligible officers appointed under these changes may carry firearms while on duty. It directly affects DACA recipients seeking these public safety roles, removing a prior citizenship barrier. The change aligns New Jersey's hiring standards with federal DACA protections for qualifying individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to increase penalties for false public alarms targeting places of worship. It defines a "place of worship" as a building seating over 50 people used permanently for religious services by a registered 501(c)(3) organization. Violations involving such locations become a second-degree crime (previously third-degree) and trigger a minimum $5,000 civil penalty - double the standard $2,000 penalty - plus reimbursement for emergency response costs. The law also requires annual reports from law enforcement on these offenses to the state's Office of Emergency Management.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's transportation authorities - including the Department of Transportation, Turnpike Authority, and others - to install rescue kits on all bridges over 100 feet long that cross waterways. Each kit must contain a rescue tube and life jacket for use by emergency responders in drowning incidents. The installation must be completed within six months of the law's effective date. The bill directly affects bridges under these agencies' jurisdiction, aiming to improve rapid response capabilities during water-related emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "New Jersey College Ready Students Program Act," creating a state-funded program that provides tuition-free dual enrollment college courses at county colleges for eligible public high school students. It directly affects 11th and 12th-grade students who meet family need criteria similar to the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund and maintain a minimum C average in college courses. Key provisions include limiting tuition-free credits to six per school year (three per semester), requiring school districts to have dual enrollment agreements with county colleges, and mandating annual reports on participation and outcomes. The state covers all tuition costs, and students who fall below the GPA requirement may take one free remedial course per semester.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts applicants for the Claims Examiner position in New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development from mandatory civil service examinations for 24 months. It directly affects individuals seeking this role, which involves processing unemployment claims, interviewing claimants, and handling overpayments. Applicants must pass the required civil service exam before the 24-month period ends to retain their position. The policy aims to address staffing shortages by expanding the pool of eligible candidates during a critical hiring window.

Maddy summaryThis bill waives the transfer fee for commercial driver licenses when veterans or their spouses move to New Jersey from another state. It specifically eliminates the fee required to transfer an out-of-state commercial license to a New Jersey license. The waiver applies only to the transfer fee, not to other license-related costs like examinations or endorsements. The bill defines "veteran" as someone with an honorable discharge from U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey physicians and podiatrists (practitioners) to disclose any business relationship they have with out-of-State health care facilities before referring patients to those facilities. Practitioners must provide patients with a written disclosure form detailing the nature of the relationship, listing in-state alternatives offering the same service, and explaining potential out-of-network costs and transportation expenses. The disclosure must also be posted in the practitioner's office and on their website. Violations could result in disciplinary action by the State Board of Medical Examiners.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NJNSGP) to increase funding limits and adjust grant administration. It raises the maximum annual grant for security personnel from $10,000 to $25,000 per application (with a $75,000 yearly cap per organization) and for security equipment from $50,000 to $100,000. The bill eliminates restrictions preventing organizations from receiving both personnel and equipment grants in the same year, and increases the required annual funding request from $2 million to $14 million. It also establishes specific funding allocations: 55% for personnel grants, 36% for equipment, 4% for outreach, and 5% for administrative costs. The program directly supports nonprofit organizations at high risk of violence, enabling them to hire security staff or purchase protective equipment within New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $2 million to create a temporary New Jersey State Police unit that monitors social media for unpermitted gatherings of 500+ people on public beaches in shore communities during summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day). The unit will provide direct support to local police to manage these events and maintain public safety. It directly affects shore municipalities, their law enforcement agencies, and businesses relying on summer tourism. The funding aims to prevent safety risks from large, unapproved gatherings while supporting local response efforts.