Asm. Bill Spearman

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the creation of an urban enterprise zone (UEZ) in Hoboken, New Jersey, making it the 33rd zone under New Jersey's program established in 1983. Qualified businesses located within the designated Hoboken zone would be eligible to pay only half the standard sales tax on retail sales, as part of the state's economic development initiative. The Hoboken application must be submitted to the New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zone Authority, which would have 90 days to formally designate the zone. The program aims to stimulate economic development by providing tax incentives to businesses that meet specific criteria, such as employing residents from the zone or low-income individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2376) allows New Jersey drivers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to voluntarily indicate their diagnosis on their license. The Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) must provide two reflective, visible decals to eligible drivers who choose to participate, though they may opt not to display them on their vehicle. The MVC may charge a fee up to the actual cost of producing the decals. This policy change directly affects drivers with autism spectrum disorder by offering a voluntary visual identifier for law enforcement awareness.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A294) establishes the "Commission on People with Disabilities" in New Jersey. The commission, consisting of 25 members (13 voting with disability representation requirements and 12 non-voting ex-officio state agency representatives), will advise the state government on policies affecting people with disabilities. Its key duties include suggesting legislation, serving as a government contact point for disability needs, coordinating with state agencies on service delivery, and preventing employment discrimination. The commission must submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature. (Note: This is a procedural bill creating a body, not a policy change.)

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public high school students in New Jersey who observe Ramadan to opt out of required physical education classes and school sports programs during the holy month. Students must submit written notice to their principal before schedules are finalized, and can substitute physical education with an instructional course or study hall that provides equivalent graduation credits. Student-athletes may also be excused from sports, cheerleading, or intramural programs with written notice to their coach, and coaches cannot penalize them for this absence. The policy specifically accommodates Muslim students fasting during Ramadan, without exempting them from other required health education courses.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A648) requires all New Jersey public school districts to include water safety instruction in health education for students in grades K-12, beginning with the 2018-2019 school year. The instruction must cover four key topics: proper use of flotation devices, recognizing water conditions, responding to rip currents, and swimming near lifeguard-monitored areas. It directly affects every public school district and K-12 student in New Jersey by mandating this curriculum as part of existing health education standards. The law takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Law Enforcement Critical Mental Health Assistance Grant Program within New Jersey's Department of Human Services, appropriating $3 million from the General Fund. It provides grants to mental health providers to offer confidential mental health services to law enforcement officers or their immediate family members (spouses, children, or parents living together) experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts. The program requires the Commissioner of Human Services to develop application criteria prioritizing providers within one hour of travel distance to maximize accessibility, publish approved providers online, and manage grant distribution. The bill directly affects New Jersey law enforcement officers, their families, and qualifying mental health service providers across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides emergency state school aid to specific New Jersey school districts located in historic communities that meet strict criteria. It directly affects districts with a single school building originally built by the federal government (which would revert to federal ownership if closed), located in municipalities listed on historic registers, and demonstrating high student achievement. To qualify, a district must show that state aid reductions under P.L.2018, c.67 have put its sole building at risk of closure, harming students, community quality of life, and historic legacy. If approved, the Commissioner of Education provides aid equal to the exact amount of the state aid reduction that triggered the risk. The aid applies to the 2019-2020 through 2024-2025 school years, requiring annual applications.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Office of Supportive Action Functionality Experts (S.A.F.E.) within New Jersey's State Office of Emergency Management. The office would analyze risks and impacts of a widespread technology failure (like a major outage affecting communication, medical services, or transportation), develop response plans for essential services, and provide quarterly reports to the Governor and Legislature. It would also research technological dependencies, hold public hearings, and create public guides on preparing for such events. The bill directly affects state emergency management operations and planning, not individual citizens or private entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a supplemental benefits program for New Jersey first responders who contracted COVID-19 while on duty and are already eligible for workers' compensation. It provides additional payments equal to 30% of weekly wages (up to $1,800 per week) to make up the difference between regular workers' compensation (70% of wages) and full wages, for up to 180 weeks while the responder is unable to work. The program is funded with a $20 million appropriation from the General Fund to the Second Injury Fund, with benefits retroactive to when the responder became unable to work due to COVID-19. The bill also creates an advisory council with 12 members to oversee the program and requires annual reports on claim numbers, benefit amounts, and costs. Benefits must be claimed within two years after the end of the public health emergency declared in 2020.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A2374 establishes the New Jersey State Parks and Open Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization separate from state government. The foundation will raise tax-deductible funds to support specific improvements and programming in state, county, and municipal parks and open spaces - including park renovations, accessibility enhancements, and educational activities - beyond routine operations. Governed by a 12-member board (including state officials and public members with environmental expertise), it must direct all funds to projects that expand recreational access, conservation, and equitable use of park resources. All funds raised supplement, but do not replace, existing state and federal park funding.