Asm. Dan Hutchison

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state grant program to help fire districts create or expand resident firefighter programs. It directly affects fire districts by providing funds to build or improve housing facilities (like dormitories with kitchens) and offer amenities for firefighters who live at fire stations in exchange for their duties. Grants can cover construction, supplies, and incentives, with the state required to request at least $5 million annually for the program. The Division of Fire Safety will manage applications, ensure equitable regional distribution of funds, and monitor grant usage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires veterinarians to provide clear, written disclosures to pet owners before rabies testing on dead domestic companion animals. It mandates specific information about testing reasons, protocols for handling and disposing of the animal's body (including head removal), and prohibits misrepresentation using euphemisms. Veterinarians must also distribute a pamphlet and display a poster about rabies testing protocols to pet owners at the time of rabies vaccination. Additionally, the bill establishes an optional, trauma-informed mental health training program for veterinarians, developed in consultation with state health agencies. These provisions directly affect veterinarians, pet owners, and the Departments of Health and Consumer Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4538) caps annual tuition increases for in-state undergraduate students at New Jersey's public colleges and universities at 2% above the previous year's rate. It directly affects public institutions of higher education and resident undergraduate students by restricting how much tuition can rise each academic year. The law takes effect immediately for the first full academic year after enactment, applying to all public higher education institutions in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that agreements between insurance policyholders ("subscribers") and their appointed representatives ("attorney in fact") are not considered "related party transactions" under New Jersey law. It directly affects policyholders who use appointed representatives to manage insurance contracts, removing the need for additional regulatory scrutiny typically applied to related party deals. The key provision amends existing insurance law to explicitly exclude these specific contracts and associated fees from related party transaction rules. This change simplifies regulatory compliance for policyholders and their representatives without altering insurance operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public colleges and universities to create a policy allowing students to withdraw for serious personal issues (like illness, injury, hospitalization, or mental health needs) and receive a refund. It mandates that institutions define "extenuating circumstances" to include these specific health-related situations and establish clear criteria for determining when a student's education is hindered. The policy must refund tuition and fees for the semester of withdrawal if the circumstances prevented learning, and also provide refunds for unused housing or meal plan charges. Refunds for students receiving financial aid or state aid will follow existing federal and state refund regulations.

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 extends New Jersey's restrictions on physical restraint and seclusion in schools to cover all students, not just those with disabilities. It requires schools to immediately notify parents by phone or email when these techniques are used and provide a written report within 48 hours. The Department of Education must annually collect and publish data on restraint and seclusion use, disaggregated by county, race, gender, and age, to promote transparency and accountability. These changes apply to all public school districts and educational services commissions across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide public boat access to State-owned lakes where boating is permitted, either by building access points or through long-term contracts with private marinas (subject to public bidding). It appropriates $2 million from the state's General Fund to fund these access improvements. The DEP must complete the access points within two years of the bill's enactment. If access cannot be provided due to funding shortages, the DEP must report to the Governor and Legislature, detailing the required funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Children and Families to develop a program promoting trauma-informed care to help children and families affected by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress. The program mandates creating a toolkit for state employees and community partners, promoting a Trauma Awareness Month, and identifying gaps in services. It also requires all state agencies serving children and adults to implement trauma-informed practices, including staff training on ACEs and using trauma-sensitive language in contracts. The goal is to improve health and educational outcomes by addressing childhood trauma early through evidence-based approaches.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows students receiving opportunity grants through New Jersey's Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program to use a portion of their award for summer courses that count toward graduation or their academic major. Students must notify the Secretary of Higher Education before the academic year begins, resulting in a proportional reduction of their grant funds during the regular academic year. The bill also requires annual reporting by institutions on summer grant usage and graduation rates, implementing a 2016 College Affordability Study Commission recommendation.