Sen. Jim Holzapfel

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 439) amends New Jersey's driver's license requirements, not penalties as the title suggests. It adds 20% more questions to the driver's license exam, specifically focusing on alcohol/drug safety and aggressive driving dangers (like erratic lane changes or tailgating). The changes apply to all new drivers over 18 seeking their first license, requiring them to pass these updated exams before receiving a basic license. The bill also mandates photo ID for road tests (with limited exceptions) and expands exam content developed with the Department of Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 481) requires civilly committed sexually violent predators in New Jersey state facilities to be paid the same rate for institutional work as state inmates - currently below minimum wage - instead of the current minimum wage rate. It directly affects individuals committed under New Jersey’s sexually violent predator law (P.L.1998, c.71). The key provision amends Section 11(e) of the law to mandate this compensation rate alignment for comparable work, such as kitchen or laundry duties. The State Auditor’s 2012-2014 report cited this change as expected to save approximately $1.9 million annually. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 9, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 493) would allow 14- and 15-year-old minors to work until 11 p.m. instead of 9 p.m. between Memorial Day and October 1 each year, with written parental permission. It specifically applies to minors working in retail, restaurants, or similar settings during this summer period. The bill does not change existing limits on total weekly hours, required breaks, or prohibited occupations for minors. Current law already permits similar evening work for this age group during school vacation periods ending on Labor Day, but this bill extends the end time and slightly broadens the seasonal window.

Maddy summaryS 952 requires all health insurance plans in New Jersey (including hospital, medical, and health service corporation plans) to cover annual mental health screenings at no extra cost to patients. The bill mandates that mental health coverage must be provided under the same terms as physical health care - meaning insurers cannot impose stricter copays, deductibles, or limits on mental health services compared to other medical treatments. This applies to all plans issued or renewed in New Jersey after the law takes effect, covering conditions defined by current medical standards (like those in the DSM). The law builds on federal mental health parity requirements but specifically adds the annual screening mandate as a new coverage obligation.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 508) requires every public school with a library to publicly list all library resources - such as books, periodicals, DVDs, and digital databases - on its website in an easily accessible location. Schools must update this list within 10 days of adding new resources. The school library media specialist must maintain the list, or the principal must appoint staff to do so if no specialist is employed. The law takes effect immediately and directly affects all public school districts in New Jersey with school libraries.

Maddy summarySCR 19 is a non-binding resolution urging New Jersey's Governor to protect religious liberty during state emergencies. It specifically references pandemic-era restrictions where churches faced tighter limits on in-person services compared to "essential" secular businesses like grocery stores and pharmacies. The resolution cites First Amendment protections and Supreme Court rulings that found similar restrictions in other states unconstitutional. As a concurrent resolution, it does not change laws but formally requests the Governor prioritize religious freedom during future emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 484) would add full-time State, county, and municipal police officers, as well as Class Two special law enforcement officers, to the list of people automatically exempt from jury duty in New Jersey. Currently, police officers are not exempt under state law, though they were previously exempt before 1995. The amendment would insert this exemption into the statute alongside existing exemptions for people over 75, recent jurors, and those facing severe hardship (like medical issues or caregiving needs). It directly affects sworn law enforcement officers who would no longer need to seek individual exemptions for jury service. The bill is pending in the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1331, the "Fairness in Women's Sport Act," requires public and private schools to designate athletic teams based solely on biological sex, mandating that female sports teams be restricted to students assigned female at birth. The bill specifies that eligibility for female teams must be verified through a physician's statement confirming internal/external anatomy, natural testosterone levels, and genetic makeup - excluding transgender athletes who transitioned after puberty. It prohibits schools from allowing male-identified students on female teams and protects institutions from complaints for maintaining sex-segregated teams. The law also creates legal remedies for violations, including lawsuits for lost opportunities or retaliation, with claims needing to be filed within two years. The bill takes immediate effect and directly affects student-athletes in New Jersey high schools and colleges participating in NJSIAA, NCAA, NAIA, or NJCAA sports.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 940 ("Parents Bill of Rights Act"), grants New Jersey parents and guardians specific rights regarding their child's education in public schools. It requires schools to provide parents with a curriculum summary, allow them to review classroom materials (including textbooks and media), and permits opting a child out of any curriculum conflicting with the parent's conscience or religious beliefs - without academic penalties for credit or graduation. The bill explicitly bars school districts from interfering with these rights or denying parent requests for educational information. It directly affects parents/guardians of K-12 students and school districts across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryS 506 increases juror pay in New Jersey from $5 to $40 per day for all grand and petit jurors, effective immediately. This applies to every day of service, replacing the current system where jurors received $5 daily plus $35 for days beyond three consecutive days. The bill appropriates $6 million from the General Fund to cover this change, directly affecting all non-government employee jurors serving in New Jersey courts. It eliminates the previous tiered payment structure, ensuring consistent daily compensation starting on day one.