Asm. Balvir Singh

Maddy summaryThis bill standardizes pension benefits for New Jersey teachers by moving all current non-retired members of the Teachers’ Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) into a single benefit tier (previously called "Tier 1"), granting them the same retirement benefits as members who joined before July 1, 2007. It requires public employers to enroll teachers earning above minimum salary but not meeting work-hour requirements into TAPF within 60 days of enactment. Teachers in the separate Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP) can automatically transfer their service credit to TAPF for retirement eligibility (but not pension amount calculations), with contributions staying in DCRP; they may opt out within six months of notification. The bill also allows TAPF members with long-term disability insurance to apply for disability retirement within two years of enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits service fees that third-party food delivery apps (like DoorDash or Uber Eats) can charge restaurants for takeout and delivery orders. It prohibits fees exceeding 20% of an order’s cost for standard delivery, or 10% when the restaurant delivers using its own staff or directly contracted drivers. Restaurants may still pay up to 25% for optional services like advertising, but this is separate from the fee caps. The law takes effect immediately, expires 25 months later, and requires a report on its impact after 24 months.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's bill A 1078 requires landlords to distribute annual eviction prevention information to tenants, including a statement of legal rights and a separate resource guide in English and Spanish. Landlords must provide this information within 30 days of its release by the Department of Community Affairs, at lease signing or renewal, and post it prominently in rental properties. The materials list specific resources like the New Jersey Eviction Guide, contact details for the Office of Eviction Prevention, and local court programs. Landlords who fail to comply face penalties of up to $1,000 per violation, with tenants able to recover the penalty and related costs.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A-1020) increases protections for debtors facing collection actions. It raises the exemption for household goods from $1,000 to $15,000 (or $25,000 for those with physical disabilities), protects $5,000 in bank accounts, and limits wage garnishment to 10% of disposable earnings (or 60x minimum wage, whichever is lower). It also establishes a $400,000 homestead exemption for primary residences (adjusted annually for inflation) and caps medical debt interest rates at either 3% or the weekly Treasury yield. These changes directly affect New Jersey residents with debt, particularly those with medical bills, primary residences, or low income facing wage garnishment or asset seizure.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3512) sets new reimbursement rules for pharmacies serving Medicaid patients in New Jersey. It requires pharmacies to be paid at least the national average drug cost plus a $10.92 dispensing fee, regardless of whether services are delivered through traditional Medicaid or managed care plans. The bill also mandates that Medicaid managed care plans must allow patients to choose any participating pharmacy and prohibits plans from unfairly blocking pharmacies from joining their networks. Additionally, it requires an audit to track pharmacy pricing and potential state savings from these changes. The law directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries, pharmacies, and Medicaid managed care organizations in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a pilot program allowing eligible voters in New Jersey to register to vote on election day during the 2021-2023 general elections at designated county locations (at least one per county). It directly affects residents who meet standard voter eligibility requirements (U.S. citizenship, age 18, 30-day residency) but have not yet registered. Under the program, voters would complete a registration form at designated sites, receive directions to their polling place, and cast a provisional ballot. The program requires annual reports on its effectiveness to the Governor and Legislature, with recommendations for permanent same-day registration if it successfully increases participation with low fraud risk.

Maddy summaryBill A 1014 establishes a 11-member "Kidney Disease Prevention and Education Task Force" within New Jersey's Department of Health. The task force will develop public awareness campaigns about early kidney disease detection, examine racial disparities in kidney care access and outcomes, and recommend statewide screening and treatment plans. It includes legislative leaders, health officials, and public members such as a nephrologist, dialysis center representative, and a patient with kidney disease (Stages 2-4). The task force must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within two years, after which it will dissolve. This bill directly affects New Jersey residents, particularly those in communities disproportionately impacted by kidney disease, including Black and Hispanic populations.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A1698) allows eligible voters to register to vote on election day or during early voting at their assigned polling place or early voting site, provided they meet specific requirements. It directly affects voters who missed the standard 21-day registration deadline before an election. Key provisions require voters to provide valid ID (like a utility bill or photo ID), complete a provisional ballot affirmation statement confirming they haven't voted already, and submit the registration in person. The bill updates existing law to make same-day registration at polling locations a standard option, ensuring provisional ballots from eligible voters are counted if all requirements are met.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3119) extends New Jersey's child care subsidy law (P.L.2021, c.324) through June 2025, requiring licensed child care centers and registered family day care providers to base government payments on the number of enrolled children eligible for subsidies, not on daily attendance. It mandates that providers set staff wages and work hours based on enrollment numbers, not attendance, and requires the Department of Human Services to study enrollment-based versus attendance-based payment systems within three years. The law directly affects child care providers receiving state subsidies by changing how their funding is calculated and administered. The extension ensures continued stability for providers and families during the study period.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires construction permit applicants in New Jersey to disclose the anticipated funding sources and amounts for their projects. It applies to most construction projects but excludes single-family homes, routine renovations or repairs of dwelling units, and small-scale alterations (like individual units in buildings with fewer than three units). Applicants must provide this funding information when applying for a permit, and before receiving a certificate of occupancy, they must certify the accuracy of that information or submit updated details. The Commissioner of Community Affairs will develop specific rules within 180 days to implement these requirements.