Asm. Mike Torrissi

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A738 establishes a five-year pilot program providing free firearm safety training to low-income residents seeking specific permits. It directly affects individuals earning under $75,000 annually (single) or $150,000 (married filing jointly) who need training for a firearms purchaser ID, handgun purchase permit, or permit to carry. The program offers state-run training courses twice yearly in three geographic regions (north, central, south) or provides vouchers for approved private training. Successful completion allows applicants to receive their permit or card, with a final report required to evaluate the program's effectiveness and recommend next steps.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state grant program that reimburses New Jersey employers and non-profits for providing entry-level commercial driver training. To qualify for reimbursement, training providers must meet federal standards, be certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and document that trainees passed required exams. The program will be funded using existing federal workforce development funds from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. This policy shifts the cost of training from individual drivers to employers, reducing financial barriers for new commercial drivers.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides supplemental state school aid to New Jersey school districts that experienced reduced state funding between the 2018-2019 and 2021-2022 school years due to the state's school funding formula. It requires the state to restore the full amount of aid that was reduced during those years, to be paid in the 2022-2023 school year. The bill specifically applies to districts that had a positive State aid differential or met certain ratio thresholds under the School Funding Reform Act of 2008. This change directly affects eligible school districts by returning previously reduced funding without altering the underlying funding formula.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges Congress to amend the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to extend eligibility for special education services and funding to students with disabilities until age 22, rather than the current cutoff at age 21. It directly affects students with disabilities who would otherwise lose support services upon turning 21, particularly those impacted by pandemic-related disruptions to in-person learning. The resolution cites pandemic-induced academic and developmental setbacks during remote instruction as justification for the extension, noting students lost critical support that aids transition to adulthood. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change law but formally requests this federal adjustment from Congress.

Maddy summaryBill A736 amends New Jersey's Local Bond Law to extend the bonding period for fire engines, apparatus, and equipment from 10 to 20 years when purchased new. It also removes a prior exclusion that prevented passenger cars and station wagons from being included in bonding for municipal vehicle purchases, now allowing these vehicles to be financed for up to five years. This change directly affects municipalities issuing bonds for fire department equipment and standard municipal vehicles. The policy update streamlines how local governments finance and repay for these assets under the state's bonding framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates two new state funding programs for New Jersey school districts facing financial or staffing challenges. Stabilization Aid helps districts with reduced state aid or budget imbalances, requiring them to submit a plan for future funding sustainability. Education Rescue Grants specifically support districts that lost teaching staff, covering salaries (not benefits) to rehire or train teachers. Both programs require applications to the Commissioner of Education and apply to districts meeting the specified criteria under existing school funding laws.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A723 requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to create additional safe parking zones for commercial motor vehicles along federal-aid highways. It directly affects commercial truck drivers and operators by providing designated, safer parking areas, reducing unsafe roadside parking. The bill appropriates up to $50 million from federal infrastructure funds (per the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) to cover eligible costs for these parking zones. The DOT must report annually on program details, including locations, safety impacts, and funds spent, until the allocated money is exhausted.

Maddy summaryThis bill lowers the minimum age requirement to become a licensed radiologic technologist in New Jersey from 18 to 16 years old. It also expands acceptable education pathways by allowing applicants to be enrolled in either a four-year secondary school program (approved by the State Board of Education) or an alternative education program that leads to a high school diploma, rather than requiring completion of such a program. The bill directly affects aspiring radiologic technologists seeking initial licensure, aiming to address workforce shortages by making entry into the profession more accessible. These changes apply to all specialty licenses (e.g., diagnostic, radiation therapy, dental) but do not alter the specific 24-month training requirements for each specialty.

Maddy summaryAJR 30 designates the second full week of September each year as "National Truckers Appreciation Week" in New Jersey. This ceremonial resolution recognizes the contributions of professional truck drivers to the state's economy and transportation system, citing their role in delivering goods (including 70% of U.S. freight) and supporting over 214,000 jobs in New Jersey. The bill requests the Governor issue a proclamation and encourages public observance, but contains no new laws or funding requirements. As a symbolic gesture, it does not impose obligations on businesses or individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public utilities (like gas, electric, water, and sewer companies) to mail customers a detailed explanation of any proposed rate increase before the final vote by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU). The notification must include a clear justification for the settlement agreement that would raise customer rates. It applies specifically to customers in service areas affected by the rate change. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.