Asm. Bill Moen

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's marriage license application form to allow couples to change their middle names or surnames at the time of marriage. It provides five specific options for surname changes, including combining both spouses' premarital surnames, using a hyphenated name, or moving a former surname to the middle name position. The form must clearly state that name changes are optional and direct applicants to update Social Security records afterward. The policy directly affects anyone applying for a marriage license in New Jersey who wishes to modify their name as part of the marriage process, eliminating the need for separate court or government office procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to establish a "School Meal Fund" to accept public donations that help students pay for school breakfasts or lunches or clear past-due meal bills. The fund must be managed in a separate bank account with strict financial controls, equitable distribution policies, and annual audits. School districts must inform parents, guardians, and the community about the fund and donation process through written materials and their website, unless they already provide free meals to all students under federal eligibility programs. The fund’s purpose is strictly limited to assisting students with meal costs, with no other uses permitted.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "State House Flag Program," allowing New Jersey legislators to request that a New Jersey State flag be flown over the State House to honor an individual, group, or organization. For each request, the State Capitol Joint Management Commission’s Building Management office will provide a certificate detailing the date and recipient, then mail the flag and certificate to the honoree. The program is funded through a one-time appropriation from the General Fund, with the Director of Public Information required to publicize the program to the Legislature and public.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey high schools to include instruction on tuition assistance programs (like grants and scholarships) and student loan debt in their financial literacy curriculum for graduation. It affects all high school students by mandating that they meet with a guidance counselor during their 10th or 11th grade year to discuss financing options for college, including available aid and dual enrollment programs that allow earning college credit while still in high school. The curriculum must cover repayment requirements and consequences of unpaid student debt. The law takes effect immediately for all public high schools in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits under the Pension Adjustment Act (P.L.1958, c.143) for members of New Jersey's State-administered retirement systems. It directly affects retirees and beneficiaries of the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund, Judicial Retirement System, Public Employees' Retirement System, Police and Firemen's Retirement System, and State Police Retirement System. The bill reverses a 2011 provision that had eliminated these automatic annual adjustments, ensuring benefits will adjust each year to help maintain purchasing power against inflation. By reinstating COLAs, the bill prevents gradual erosion of retirement benefits' value over time. This change provides concrete financial protection for retirees as the cost of living increases.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A2173 establishes a four-year "Grow Your Own Teacher Pilot Program" to address teacher shortages in high-need school districts and diversify the teaching workforce. The program creates partnerships between school districts (prioritizing high-need districts), colleges, and nonprofits, covering tuition, fees, and room/board costs for minority students from those districts who commit to teaching in their home schools for at least three years after graduation. The Department of Education will select three partnerships annually, requiring detailed applications outlining recruitment, support, and financial plans, while organizing quarterly consortium meetings for sharing best practices. Annual reports to the legislature will evaluate the program's progress and effectiveness over its four-year duration.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts New Jersey E-ZPass account holders from certain fees if their motor vehicle (with the transponder) is stolen. Specifically, customers who report the theft promptly and provide a police report will not be charged for: 1) Unauthorized toll charges of $50 or more incurred before reporting the theft, or 2) Any unauthorized charges after reporting. They also won’t pay fees for the stolen transponder or a replacement. The exemption applies only to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and South Jersey Transportation Authority’s toll systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates an exception in New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act that previously allowed smoking in casinos and simulcasting facilities. It would require these venues to become smoke-free, meaning no smoking would be permitted inside for employees, patrons, or visitors. The change directly affects casino operators, staff, and customers at all New Jersey casinos and simulcasting facilities (such as those with slot machines, table games, or dedicated seating for betting). This policy shift extends the existing indoor smoking ban to these locations, removing a long-standing exemption.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Baby Bond Account Program, which deposits $2,000 into individual accounts for eligible infants born on or after January 1, 2021. Eligibility is limited to infants born to families with household income not exceeding 200% of the federal poverty level who establish New Jersey residency within six months of birth. The accounts, managed by a Baby Bond Account Board, can be used for post-secondary education, primary home purchase, business capitalization, or other wealth-building investments after age 18, with limited exceptions for education expenses. The program appropriates $70 million from the General Fund to establish the fund and requires economic literacy training for families to help them manage these accounts.

Maddy summaryThis bill redirects $1.5 million annually from the existing Workforce Development Partnership Fund to specifically support the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. (NJMEP) or its successor. NJMEP is a nonprofit organization that helps New Jersey manufacturers improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness through technical assistance and training. The bill modifies the fund's allocation formula by setting aside this specific amount for NJMEP, rather than directing it to the Office of Customized Training as previously required. This change ensures dedicated, ongoing funding for NJMEP's services to manufacturers across the state.