Asm. Lisa Swain

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Human Services to seek federal Medicaid waivers to fund additional graduate medical education slots focused on behavioral health care. It directly affects medical training programs in the state, enabling them to use Medicaid funds for new training positions in behavioral health. The bill establishes a process where existing and new medical education programs can request these funds, contingent on federal approval of the required Medicaid plan amendments. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a five-year WATER Pilot Program within New Jersey's Department of Labor, appropriating $1 million to fund water-sector apprenticeships. It directly affects eligible organizations - such as businesses, unions, colleges, nonprofits, and public utilities - that run accredited water-related training programs (e.g., for wastewater workers) and partner with industry. Key provisions require applicants to demonstrate U.S. Department of Labor accreditation, secure industry partnerships, and prioritize underserved communities, with grants covering program costs. Grantees must report annually on participant enrollment, completion, and job placement, while the Department must evaluate the program’s effectiveness yearly.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded program to improve access to menstrual hygiene products (like tampons and sanitary napkins) for low-income residents in New Jersey. The Department of Agriculture will administer the program, awarding annual grants of up to $10,000 to participating food pantries to purchase these products, with $200,000 appropriated from the state General Fund. The department must list participating pantries and their hours online, coordinate with pharmacies for efficient product distribution, and develop educational materials about menstrual hygiene. The program requires implementation within six months of the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey State Police to submit a biannual report to the Legislature detailing the number of sex offenders who failed to register under Megan's Law. The report would provide the count of non-compliant individuals twice each year, starting from the bill's effective date. The bill does not change the existing registration requirements for sex offenders but adds a new reporting duty for law enforcement. This measure provides the Legislature with regular data on compliance with the state's sex offender registration law.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a rebate program for residents and businesses purchasing electric or battery-powered lawn equipment (like mowers, leaf blowers, and trimmers), replacing gas-powered alternatives. Rebates are calculated as 25% of the purchase price, capped at $50 for equipment under $250, $100 for $250-$500, and $150 for equipment over $500. Funding comes from the societal benefits charge, and the BPU must advertise rebates through existing channels like the Clean Energy Program. The program aims to reduce emissions by incentivizing cleaner equipment adoption across households and businesses.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 2761) requires the Division of Parole to establish statewide residency restrictions for high-risk sex offenders. It prohibits these offenders - specifically those sentenced to life parole for crimes involving minors under 18 - from living within 500 feet of schools, child care centers, or playgrounds. Exceptions apply if the offender is in a correctional facility, receiving mental health treatment, had an existing residence before the law, or if a parole board or court grants a specific exemption. Parole officers must enforce these restrictions when approving residences for these offenders.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits of members in New Jersey's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). It directly affects current and future retirees who are members of this system, restoring annual benefit increases tied to inflation. The key provision amends existing law to allow the retirement system's board of trustees to reinstate these automatic COLAs without requiring additional contributions from members, provided actuarial certification confirms the change won't harm the fund's long-term stability. The bill does not create new benefits but returns a previously reduced feature of the retirement system.

Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Works Act creates a tax credit for businesses that fund pre-employment training programs targeting low- and moderate-income individuals for jobs in high-demand occupations. These programs must provide at least 12 weeks of paid training at minimum wage, covering skills like communication, job readiness, and career-specific instruction. The bill appropriates $1 million to support the initiative and requires training programs to be approved by the state, partner with schools or nonprofits, and exclude construction businesses. It directly affects qualifying businesses, educational institutions, and job seekers in targeted regions seeking career advancement opportunities.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a $2,000 deduction from New Jersey gross income tax for eligible volunteer firefighters, first aid squad members, and rescue squad volunteers. To qualify, individuals must serve the entire tax year, meet specific duty requirements (60% fire service attendance or 400 duty hours for fire volunteers; 10% rescue service attendance or 400 duty hours for first aid/rescue volunteers), and hold required certifications (Firefighter I for fire volunteers or approved EMS training for rescue volunteers). Fire departments and first aid/rescue squads must submit annual lists of qualifying members to state agencies by March 31st. The deduction applies to taxable years beginning after the bill's enactment date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires sellers or their representatives (like real estate brokers) to notify buyers about local rent control or rent leveling rules during residential real estate transactions in New Jersey. Specifically, it mandates adding a standardized notice to the property disclosure statement, advising buyers to consult municipal ordinances if they plan to rent the property. The notice must read: "Buyers are advised to consult local municipal ordinances and regulations regarding rent control or rent leveling that may affect the property," and must be provided in writing with buyer acknowledgment. It directly affects buyers of residential properties in municipalities with rent control ordinances, ensuring they receive this information before closing.