Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2183 requires owners of certain public buildings - including schools, government facilities, and commercial spaces like malls - to install baby diaper changing stations in at least one public restroom per gender (or in a family restroom) during new construction or substantial renovations costing over $5,000. The law applies to "group A or M occupancies" (defined as public-facing commercial or assembly spaces) and mandates signage directing visitors to these stations. Violations carry $500 penalties per offense, while public entities like school districts may seek reimbursement for installation costs through a new $500,000 state fund. The bill does not apply retroactively to existing restrooms but sets a timeline for compliance in public buildings.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts tax levy limits for New Jersey school districts that experience reductions in state school aid. It prevents districts from being required to raise local property taxes when state aid decreases, ensuring their required local share (the portion they must fund themselves) aligns with actual state aid received. The key mechanism allows the commissioner to adjust state aid calculations and required local shares based on actual pupil counts and aid amounts, avoiding unintended tax increases for districts facing lower state funding. This directly affects school districts receiving state aid who see reductions in their allocated funding.
Maddy summaryS 972 creates a state matching grant program within New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs to support community-based nonprofits providing cold-weather shelter during Code Blue alerts. Eligible nonprofits must have received a recent (within 12 months) grant from a county or municipality, and the state will match that funding up to $50,000 per county/municipality annually. The program requires nonprofits to submit detailed applications about their finances, the prior grant, and how funds will be used, with grants awarded in the order applications are received. The Department must track all grants and submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within three years assessing the program's effectiveness in serving homeless and at-risk individuals.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners of low-speed electric bicycles (max 20 mph) and scooters (max 19 mph) to register them with New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and maintain insurance. It directly affects residents who own or operate these vehicles on public roads, paths, or sidewalks. Key provisions include mandating MVC registration with fees, requiring manufacturers to label speed/power specifications, and prohibiting tampering with speed capabilities. The bill defines these vehicles by motor wattage (under 750W), speed limits, and pedal functionality, but does not require driver's licenses for operators.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits harassing or taking specific wildlife species - including bobcats, coyotes, raccoons, squirrels, and others - at competitive events where participants are rewarded for capturing them (e.g., contests offering prizes for wildlife). It bans organizing, promoting, or participating in such events, except for authorized field trials. Violators face a disorderly persons offense (up to 6 months in jail or $1,000 fine) and a five-year suspension of wildlife licenses and taking privileges. Injured wildlife must be taken to a licensed rehabilitator or vet, and killed wildlife remains are forfeited to the Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1431) provides temporary mortgage payment relief to New Jersey homeowners significantly impacted by Hurricane Ida's 2021 remnants. It requires mortgage servicers to grant a minimum one-year forbearance (with possible extensions totaling 545 days) to qualifying homeowners who received federal disaster assistance for primary residences damaged by the storm, have income below 150% of area median income, and hold limited bank reserves. During forbearance, servicers cannot charge fees/penalties, report missed payments to credit agencies, or initiate foreclosure. The bill was introduced in January 2024 but withdrawn from consideration in February 2024.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios in New Jersey hospitals, ambulatory surgery facilities, developmental centers, and psychiatric hospitals. It requires facilities to maintain specific ratios (such as 1:4 for medical/surgical units and 1:2 for critical care) and implement an acuity-based staffing system to adjust for patient needs. Facilities that violate these requirements face civil penalties, with fines deposited into a dedicated fund for nursing recruitment, retention programs, and student loan forgiveness. The bill directly affects healthcare facilities and their nursing staff, aiming to improve patient safety through mandated staffing standards.
Maddy summaryS 2549 establishes a 17-member "Student Mental Health Task Force" to address mental health challenges among New Jersey students, including depression, anxiety, and stress. The task force will survey existing mental health resources in schools and communities, evaluate counseling programs, study funding needs, and examine successful approaches from other states. It includes agency leaders, school representatives, mental health experts, and community members, and must issue a final report to the Governor, Legislature, and all school districts within one year. The bill aims to improve student access to mental health services to support educational success, without specifying new funding or direct program changes.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2604 establishes a tax credit program to encourage employers to hire and retain people with developmental disabilities. Employers who meet specific criteria - such as providing health insurance and employing eligible individuals for at least 500 hours - can claim a credit of $1 per hour worked, capped at $2,000 per employee annually. The program allocates up to $2 million yearly for tax credits, with credits distributed pro rata if total claims exceed the budget. It directly affects New Jersey employers and individuals with qualifying developmental disabilities, defined as severe, chronic conditions manifesting before age 22 that cause substantial functional limitations.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded lifeguard recruitment campaign administered by New Jersey's Department of Health. It appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to develop a public awareness effort targeting potential recruits through social media, transit ads, radio/TV, and an informational pamphlet. The pamphlet will detail lifeguard requirements, training, and benefits, and be distributed at beaches, schools, health clubs, and other public venues. The campaign aims to increase lifeguard staffing to improve water safety, with implementation beginning immediately.