Maddy summaryThis bill allows members of New Jersey's State Police Retirement System (SPRS) to purchase retirement credit for specific prior service. It permits purchasing credit for time enrolled in military service academies (like West Point or Annapolis), time in the New Jersey State Police Academy, or employment as a "class two special law enforcement officer" before joining the police force. Members can pay for this credit through installments (at least half the normal contribution) over up to 10 years, with the credit counting equally toward retirement benefits as actual police service. The bill specifically requires that the break between such prior service and joining SPRS must be less than 365 days for the credit purchase to be eligible.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 4278 updates New Jersey law regarding how healthcare providers collect and record patient demographic information, particularly focusing on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The bill requires hospitals and clinical laboratories to implement cultural competency training for staff who collect this information, with specific guidelines for collecting it sensitively and respectfully. It prohibits healthcare providers from collecting sexual orientation or gender identity data for patients under 18 unless a parent or guardian voluntarily provides it, and even then, the information can only be used for medical diagnosis and treatment. The law also requires electronic medical records systems to be configured so healthcare providers can save patient demographic information without recording gender identity and sexual orientation for minor patients. The Department of Health is responsible for enforcing these requirements, with penalties for non-compliance including civil fines of up to $1,000 per day for vendors.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires most employers to verify new employees' work authorization through the federal E-Verify program before hiring, with larger employers (100+ employees) needing to comply by December 31, 2020, and smaller employers by December 31, 2021. It prohibits knowingly or intentionally employing unauthorized workers and establishes penalties including civil fines of $100-$1,000 per violation, temporary business license suspensions for first violations, and permanent license revocation for repeat offenses. The law creates a state audit program to monitor compliance and requires employers to submit quarterly reports during probationary periods following violations. Employers who verify through E-Verify are presumed to have complied with the law, and courts must consider federal verification of work authorization when determining violations.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends the period allowing police and fire chiefs to remain in their roles beyond age 65. It specifically applies to chiefs serving as of April 12, 2022, who would turn 65 during the original 24-month window (ending in 2024). The extension changes the deadline from 24 to 48 calendar months after the effective date, permitting continued service until the end of the calendar year they turn 67 if approved in writing by their appointing authority. The bill also requires the retirement system board to report on the impact of this extension to the Governor and Legislature.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 4152 prevents state-chartered banks, mortgage companies, and credit unions from requiring disabled veterans with a 100% service-connected VA disability (or their surviving spouses) to include property tax costs in mortgage applications. If the veteran's municipality certifies they qualify for a property tax exemption (excluding ownership requirements for new purchases or including ownership for refinances), lenders cannot factor those taxes into loan approval. This applies to mortgages for homes the veteran will occupy as their primary residence. The law mandates lenders use a standardized certification form from the municipality to verify exemption eligibility before approving the loan.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 4085 requires state law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities to notify federal immigration authorities within 24 hours when arresting or convicting non-citizens unlawfully present in the U.S. for specific crimes - including first-through-fourth-degree offenses, drug-related crimes (like possession or distribution), theft, or robbery. The bill mandates that sentencing courts and parole/probation officers also immediately contact federal immigration authorities to initiate deportation proceedings for these individuals. It defines "federal immigration authority" broadly to include ICE, CBP, and DHS personnel. The law applies to all New Jersey law enforcement entities and takes effect immediately.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey electric utilities from raising rates specifically to cover smart meter installation costs. It requires utilities to publicly disclose rate increase details - including amount, date, reasons, and expected bill impact - 30 days before and after any increase, with potential fines for noncompliance. For rate hikes causing a 5% or greater average bill increase, utilities must report to the federal Department of Energy 60 days in advance and provide annual reports on service interruptions and overdue bills. Additionally, utilities cannot disconnect service or charge late fees for six months following such significant rate increases. These provisions directly affect ratepayers and electric utilities operating in New Jersey.
Maddy summarySCR 122 is a joint Senate-Assembly resolution declaring that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) proposed "NJPACT-REAL" climate rules - which would expand flood zones and affect coastal development - are inconsistent with legislative intent. It directs the DEP to amend or withdraw these rules within 30 days, or the legislature could later invalidate them. The resolution directly affects the DEP's rulemaking authority and could impact coastal property owners through potential changes in flood zone regulations and associated costs. This procedural resolution does not create new law but challenges the DEP's authority to unilaterally implement climate-related regulations.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Senate resolution (SR 123) urges Congress to pass H.R.9997, which would name the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Toms River, New Jersey, the "Leonard G. 'Bud' Lomell, Jr. VA Clinic." The resolution honors Second Lieutenant Leonard G. "Bud" Lomell, Jr., a D-Day veteran who received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions at Pointe-du-Hoc during World War II and later became a respected Toms River civic leader and law firm founder. The clinic serves veterans in Ocean County, and the resolution does not create new law but formally requests Congress to adopt the name for the facility.
Maddy summarySCR 120 proposes a constitutional amendment to grant a 100% property tax exemption on the primary residence of police officers, firefighters, or emergency medical technicians who suffer line-of-duty injuries and qualify for an accidental disability pension. If approved by voters, the New Jersey Legislature would be required to enact a law implementing this exemption. The exemption would apply only to the primary residence of eligible first responders who meet the disability pension criteria. This change would directly affect qualifying first responders and their families by eliminating property taxes on their main homes. The bill does not create new eligibility requirements but mandates legislative action to establish the tax exemption.