Asm. Lisa Swain

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a New Jersey state program requiring contracting agencies (like state departments and authorities) to set annual procurement goals for awarding contracts to certified socially and economically disadvantaged business enterprises (SEDBEs). It defines SEDBEs as businesses owned by individuals who meet specific criteria for both social disadvantage (e.g., racial minority status, disability, gender identity, or location in high-poverty areas) and economic disadvantage (e.g., limited capital/credit access and net worth below a set threshold). The program mandates agencies to develop annual plans to meet these goals, use certified SEDBEs for prime contracts or subcontracts where feasible, and submit reports tracking contract awards and outreach efforts. The goal is to increase SEDBE participation in state procurement for construction, professional services, goods, and IT, without altering existing set-aside programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Train the Trainer Program for Student Wellbeing within New Jersey's Department of Education, appropriating $1 million from the General Fund. It requires the Department to develop training that educates selected participants to teach public school staff about student behavioral and mental health, covering trauma-informed approaches, recognizing mental health challenges, restorative practices, social-emotional health, bystander intervention, and crisis de-escalation. School districts are not required to participate, and the program must be evaluated annually with a full report to the Governor and Legislature after three years. The program will provide evidence-based training to help schools address student mental health needs through staff education.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Training Clinicians to Support Adults with Autism Workforce Development Program" at Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services, directly affecting adults with autism in New Jersey and future clinicians. It requires the program to recruit 8-10 students annually from diverse disciplines (e.g., psychology, social work, education) for 20-40 hours of weekly training, including hands-on clinical experience, academic coursework, research collaboration, and a capstone project. The bill appropriates $500,000 from the state’s General Fund to fund the program’s implementation. The initiative aims to expand the workforce supporting adults with autism by developing trained professionals through structured education and practical experience.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires NJ Transit to provide at least two weeks' notice before routine maintenance or significant service reductions (like major route closures or rail line disruptions). The notice must be delivered in writing to affected municipalities, schools, and institutions; posted at transit facilities; sent via NJ Transit's mobile app; and included on their website, with details on alternative transit options. This applies to all rail lines, light rail lines, and motorbus routes, and requires ongoing updates until service resumes. The law aims to improve rider transparency without changing NJ Transit's service policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the safe distance for bow and arrow hunting near occupied buildings and school playgrounds from 150 feet to 450 feet. It requires property owners allowing hunting on their land to provide written notice and obtain written confirmation from adjacent property owners at least 24 hours in advance of any hunting activity. The law directly affects private property owners who permit hunting and neighboring residents who may be impacted by hunting near their homes. Named the "Restoring Safety Buffer Law," it aims to prevent incidents like the accidental arrow shooting of a dog near a home, by increasing safety buffers and requiring neighbor notification.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates October 27th of every year as "Tree of Life Remembrance Day" in New Jersey. It requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and residents to observe the day through appropriate activities. The designation commemorates the 2018 mass shooting at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue, which resulted in 11 deaths and 6 injuries, honoring the victims' memories. The bill has no funding requirements or regulatory changes - it is purely a symbolic observance.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs $2.5 million in existing federal pandemic relief funds (from the CARES Act or American Rescue Plan) to New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to provide grants to veteran-owned businesses in the state. The EDA will award these grants to businesses that are independently owned, based in New Jersey, and at least 51% owned and controlled by veterans. The EDA may use up to 5% of the funds for administrative costs. This funding aims to support veteran-owned businesses responding to the public health crisis.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A1187) creates a safe haven program at fire stations to assist victims of sex trafficking and domestic violence. It requires firefighters to receive specific training on victim advocacy, legal resources, and emergency shelter referrals, while ensuring services are available regardless of citizenship status. The bill appropriates $1,000,000 from the General Fund to the Human Trafficking Survivor’s Assistance Fund to establish and implement this program, with the Attorney General overseeing coordination with relevant agencies. The program directly affects victims seeking immediate assistance and firefighters who will serve as first responders to connect them with support services.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firefighting foam containing PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) after two years, with limited exceptions for certain facilities. It allows oil refineries and petroleum terminals to continue using PFAS-containing foam for up to eight years, with potential extensions through a waiver process requiring proof of no available alternatives. The bill requires manufacturers to recall PFAS-containing foam within 27 months and directs the Department of Environmental Protection to establish a collection and disposal program for such foam, appropriating $250,000 for initial funding. Fire departments and facilities using PFAS-containing foam must report usage and implement containment measures to prevent environmental releases. The law aims to protect public health and the environment from PFAS contamination while providing a transition period for essential facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a temporary 25% credit against New Jersey gross income tax for eligible first-time homebuyers (who purchased a home in 2019, 2020, or 2021) and seniors aged 65+ who are state residents. The credit covers up to $2,500 per year of property taxes paid on their primary home. If the credit exceeds the taxpayer’s income tax liability, the remaining amount is refunded. The credit applies only for tax years 2019 through 2021.