Maddy summaryS 4004 updates New Jersey's law governing employment programs for people with disabilities by renaming the "Sheltered Workshop Act" to the "Extended Employment Act" and replacing outdated terminology. It expands eligibility to include individuals with "significant" disabilities (not just "severe" ones) and removes requirements like prior workshop completion or proof of inability to compete in the open labor market. The bill shifts oversight from the New Jersey Commission for the Blind to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, revises funding to tie annual increases to inflation or 80% of provider expense reports (whichever is greater), and repeals outdated labeling and transportation rules for program products. This directly affects nonprofit extended employment providers, people with disabilities using these programs, and state agencies managing vocational rehabilitation services.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates tax credits for New Jersey food and drink businesses that purchase local ingredients. Restaurants and bars can claim a 10% credit (up to $10,000 annually) for buying wine or beer produced in New Jersey and offered to customers. Breweries and wineries qualify for a 10% credit (up to $10,000 annually) when purchasing from "Jersey Fresh" approved producers. Food establishments can also receive a 10% credit (up to $10,000 annually) for buying locally grown fruits, vegetables, or other ingredients used in their operations. Businesses must submit receipts, proof of local origin, and other documentation with their tax returns to claim these credits.
Maddy summaryThe NJ Healthy Schools Act (S 4560) prohibits schools participating in federally funded or assisted meal programs from serving, selling, or allowing third parties to sell ultraprocessed foods during the school day, effective September 2026. It defines ultraprocessed foods as those containing specific additives like potassium bromate, propylparaben, titanium dioxide, brominated vegetable oil, and synthetic dyes (such as FD&C Yellow 5, Red 40, and Blue 1). Schools must certify compliance using a standardized form developed by the New Jersey Department of Education, which will maintain an annual public list of compliant schools. The law does not restrict parents from providing ultraprocessed foods to their children during school hours. This measure aims to limit student access to foods containing certain additives potentially linked to health concerns.
Maddy summaryThe "Grid Reliability Protection Act" (S 4561) prohibits New Jersey state agencies from mandating or incentivizing the shutdown of existing power plants connected to the state's grid, except under specific conditions. It requires two key conditions before decommissioning: (1) PJM Interconnection’s written certification that the shutdown won’t harm grid reliability or increase energy costs, and (2) a public rate impact analysis by the Board of Public Utilities showing no material cost increase for ratepayers. The bill allows immediate shutdowns only if a plant poses an immediate public health or safety risk due to structural damage or hazardous conditions. It also mandates 12 months’ public notice before any proposed shutdown, ensuring transparency. The law directly affects current power plants, state agencies, and ratepayers by preventing premature closures that could threaten grid stability.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4409) repeals New Jersey's existing law (P.L.2021, c.32) that required public school districts to incorporate diversity and inclusion instruction into the curriculum for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. It removes the mandate that school districts must include such instruction as part of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. The repeal takes immediate effect, meaning schools are no longer required to provide this specific instruction. The change directly affects public school students and districts across New Jersey.
Maddy summaryThis bill suspends two specific charges on residential electricity and gas utility bills in New Jersey from June 1 to September 30, 2025. It exempts customers from the sales and use tax (under the Sales and Use Tax Act) and removes the societal benefits charge (per P.L.1999, c.23) during this period. The policy directly affects residential utility customers by preventing these fees from being added to their monthly bills. The suspension applies only to electric and gas public utilities serving end users, as defined in state law, and expires October 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) program to explicitly include property acquisition costs as eligible expenses under the UEZ assistance fund. The amendment specifically adds "purchasing, leasing, or otherwise acquiring land or other property" to the definition of "qualified assistance fund expense" in the law. This change allows businesses and municipalities in designated UEZ areas to use assistance funds for property-related expenses within those zones. The policy change directly affects businesses and local governments participating in New Jersey's UEZ program who seek to use the assistance fund for property acquisitions.
Maddy summaryS 4325 requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to create an online job portal for employers to post positions requiring at least 50% in-person work in the state. Employers must use this dedicated portal (integrated with or separate from the existing "Job Source" website) for such listings. The DOLWD must also notify employers about the portal and how to use it. This bill directly affects employers posting in-person roles, making the portal a mandatory channel for those specific job postings.
Maddy summaryS 4324 establishes a 13-member Capital City Commission to study and recommend improvements for Trenton, New Jersey’s capital city. The commission includes the Trenton Mayor, Mercer County officials, appointed experts in city development, and representatives from state agencies, business, and labor. It must focus on specific areas like enhancing the Trenton waterfront (including possible Route 29 rerouting), attracting businesses, leveraging state assets (such as state buildings and workers), and promoting cultural and recreational opportunities. The commission will meet quarterly for two years, issue an initial report within 24 months, and provide annual updates to the Governor, Legislature, Mercer County, and Trenton City Council.
Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution directs New Jersey's State Commission of Investigation (SCI) to examine human trafficking activity specifically in massage and bodywork therapy businesses. It targets establishments employing licensed massage therapists - businesses already subject to state licensing, registration, and background check requirements under existing law. The SCI must investigate these venues, cooperate with law enforcement, and submit a report with findings and recommendations within two years. The resolution does not create new laws but mandates an investigation to assess current protections against trafficking in this sector.