Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a one-year pilot program within the New Jersey Department of Agriculture to encourage homeowners and businesses to convert their lawns into bee-friendly habitats. The program provides financial reimbursement of up to $250 for homeowners and up to $500 for businesses, with a total funding cap of $1 million appropriated from the General Fund. The Department of Agriculture is responsible for developing application guidelines, establishing qualification criteria, creating an informational website, and maintaining a list of approved plants that qualify for reimbursement. Upon completion, the department must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature detailing participation numbers, funds distributed, and recommendations for future programs.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that formally recognizes natural gas as a clean fuel and acknowledges its role in New Jersey's energy policy goals. It does not create new laws or regulations but instead serves as a symbolic statement affirming natural gas as a cleaner alternative to coal and oil, citing lower carbon dioxide emissions and its importance for reliable energy supply. The resolution is directed at the state legislature and is transmitted to the Governor and the Board of Public Utilities for informational purposes. It does not change any existing policies or affect specific industries, but rather reflects the state's current stance on natural gas within its broader energy strategy.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses no confidence in the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), which regulates the state's energy services. The bill cites concerns about rising electricity prices, policy decisions that increased costs for residents, and alleged internal issues within the BPU regarding dissenting views. It formally communicates the Senate's lack of trust in the BPU's ability to manage energy rates and affordability for New Jersey customers. The resolution is sent to the Governor and BPU leadership but does not create new laws or alter the BPU's authority.
Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies how New Jersey public schools must record and report student attendance by establishing specific rules for excused and unexcused absences. It requires schools to count students as present if they participate in at least half a day of instruction, whether in-person, at an off-site location, or virtually. The legislation expands excused absences to include menstrual disorders, mental or behavioral health issues, court appearances, and family deaths, while also recognizing State-excused absences for religious observances, Veterans Day, election activities, college visits, and transportation closures. Students with excused absences can make up missed work, and these absences will not appear on transcripts or employment forms, though documentation may be required for approval.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill allows businesses to receive tax credits for employing individuals with developmental disabilities, including those with intellectual disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, and other neurological conditions. The credits apply to both corporation business tax and gross income tax, providing up to $2,400 per employee based on 40% of the first $6,000 in wages paid annually. The legislation includes safeguards to prevent abuse, such as denying credits if a company replaces existing employees solely to qualify for the benefit or if wages are already claimed under other tax programs. Businesses must apply for these credits through the state director, who will determine eligibility and ensure the total credits do not exceed 50% of the taxpayer's liability.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires that extraordinary special education aid for students with costs exceeding $55,000 be assessed and levied by the county where the school district is located, rather than being distributed directly by the state. It applies to school districts serving students with high-cost special education needs, particularly those placed in private schools where tuition exceeds the $55,000 threshold. The legislation amends existing state laws to shift the funding mechanism for these high-cost cases to the county level while maintaining the 75% state aid rate for costs above the threshold. The bill does not change the percentage of aid provided or the eligibility criteria for students, only the administrative process for collecting and distributing the funds.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to create a program identifying and recruiting unemployed residents for healthcare jobs. It mandates that DOLWD evaluate whether training is practical for specific roles, considers job proximity and transportation options, and assesses barriers preventing immediate employment. The bill appropriates $250,000 from the state general fund to fund training programs and support resources for eligible individuals, leveraging existing DOLWD initiatives. The program would directly affect unemployed New Jersey residents seeking healthcare employment, but the bill is currently pending in the Senate Labor Committee (introduced January 13, 2026).
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1584) would amend New Jersey's driver licensing rules to allow individuals with disabilities to have a parent or guardian present during the required road test. It directly affects people with disabilities seeking driver's licenses by providing a specific accommodation during the practical driving evaluation. The change modifies existing requirements under Section 39:3-10(d) to permit this accompaniment, while maintaining all other testing standards like vision checks and written exams. The bill does not alter other licensing requirements or create new restrictions. It is currently pending in the Senate Transportation Committee.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires businesses using artificial intelligence systems to communicate with consumers online to clearly inform them they are interacting with AI before continuing the conversation. Specifically, businesses must state that an AI is being used and provide immediate access to a human contact method (like a phone number, website, or available hours). Violations would be treated as consumer fraud under New Jersey law, potentially resulting in fines up to $20,000 per offense. The law directly affects businesses communicating with consumers via digital platforms, such as chatbots or automated customer service systems.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Cop 2 Cop Sustainability Fund" to provide stable, ongoing funding for a confidential 24-hour crisis hotline supporting New Jersey law enforcement officers and sheriff's officers. It appropriates $500,000 annually from the General Fund starting in fiscal year 2025 to sustain the existing "Law Enforcement Officer Crisis Intervention Services" program, which currently receives $400,000 from Body Armor Replacement Funds. The hotline offers confidential peer support for officers experiencing psychological stress, trauma, or emotional distress related to their work. Operators must be trained in law enforcement-specific mental health issues, and the program ensures caller confidentiality while allowing limited tracking for severe cases. The fund will also accept additional revenues from other sources to support the program's long-term operation.