Sen. Owen Henry

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $106.5 million from the Property Tax Relief Fund to provide Emergency Supplemental Aid to eligible New Jersey school districts. It targets districts that received less than $19,000 per resident student in 2024-2025 school aid, or those whose 2024-2025 aid was less than or only slightly higher ($200,000 max) than their 2023-2024 allocation. The aid amount for each qualifying district is calculated by multiplying $250 by its resident student count as of October 16, 2023. This funding directly aims to stabilize budgets for districts negatively impacted by P.L.2018, c.67 ("S2") school funding formulas.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey's definition of "veteran" to remove specific date and location requirements for qualifying for civil service jobs and pension benefits. Previously, veterans had to prove service during exact historical periods (like World War I: April 6, 1917-November 11, 1918) or in designated locations (such as Lebanon during specific missions). The bill amends N.J.S.11A:5-1 to eliminate these restrictions, allowing more veterans who served in approved conflicts to qualify. It directly affects veterans whose service dates or locations no longer align with the old criteria but still meet the broader definition of honorable military service.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey from providing state aid to public colleges and universities that: (1) support antisemitic events or organizations, (2) fail to enforce anti-harassment policies, or (3) do not adequately punish antisemitic acts (including expulsion or criminal referrals). It defines "antisemitism" using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's 2016 standard. The law directly affects all New Jersey public institutions of higher education receiving state funding, requiring them to address antisemitism or risk losing financial support. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2553) makes it a third-degree crime to enter a domestic violence victim's dwelling when a restraining order is in place against the actor or if the actor has been convicted or charged with a domestic violence offense involving that victim. It creates a legal presumption that the trespasser intended to cause harm or commit a crime in these situations, which was not previously automatic. Violating this provision carries a potential 3-5 year prison sentence, up to $15,000 in fines, or both - removing the usual presumption against incarceration for such offenses. The law directly affects individuals violating domestic violence restraining orders and strengthens protections for victims by treating such trespasses as serious criminal acts. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee after introduction on January 13, 2026.

Maddy summaryS 2403 requires New Jersey's Adjutant General to establish a program providing veterans with evaluation and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), total brain injury, or traumatic brain injury. This program would directly assist New Jersey veterans diagnosed with these conditions, which are commonly associated with military service. The bill amends N.J.S.38A:3-6 to add this duty to the Adjutant General's responsibilities under the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, ensuring state-administered access to these services.

Maddy summaryS 480 establishes New Jersey's Winery Co-marketing Grant Program, appropriating $500,000 to reimburse licensed wineries for eligible marketing costs when they partner with other local businesses. The program directly affects New Jersey wineries holding plenary or farm winery licenses, allowing them to apply annually for grants covering 25% to 45% of marketing expenses for campaigns promoting their winery alongside partners like restaurants, hotels, or farms selling "Jersey Fresh" products. Grants are capped at $25,000 per application, with higher reimbursement rates (up to 45%) for campaigns involving three or more partner entities. The Department of Agriculture must submit annual reports detailing grant awards, program effectiveness, and funding status to the Governor and Legislature, with recommendations for future appropriations.

Maddy summaryS 2462, the "Grid Reliability Protection Act," prohibits New Jersey state agencies from mandating, incentivizing, or compelling the shutdown of any electric generation facility connected to the state's grid. It requires two specific conditions before a facility can be decommissioned: written certification from PJM Interconnection (the regional grid operator) that the shutdown won't harm grid reliability, and a public rate impact analysis by the Board of Public Utilities showing it won't raise costs for electricity customers. The bill allows shutdowns only if the facility poses an immediate public health or safety risk (e.g., structural failure), and mandates 12 months' public notice before any planned shutdown. This directly affects all power plants supplying New Jersey's grid, aiming to prevent premature closures that could disrupt electricity supply.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges New Jersey school districts to establish concussion management teams. These teams - comprising school nurses, psychologists, athletic trainers, and other staff - would support students recovering from concussions by coordinating care, monitoring cognitive needs, and ensuring safe returns to both classroom and sports activities. The resolution highlights CDC data showing concussions are common in youth sports and emphasizes that such teams provide immediate, school-based expertise to complement existing district policies. It does not create new legal requirements but encourages districts to adopt this approach for student health and safety.

Maddy summaryS 1269 requires producers of firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) containing intentionally added PFAS (chemicals used to provide specific features like water resistance) to provide written notice to purchasers at the time of sale. This notice must detail the specific PFAS chemicals used, their purpose, and the equipment’s PFAS content, with both producer and purchaser retaining copies for three years. The bill prohibits selling, manufacturing, or distributing such PFAS-containing firefighting PPE (like jackets, helmets, and gloves) starting two years after its effective date, though non-clothing items (e.g., breathing apparatus) are exempt until January 1, 2030. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, after being approved as P.L.2025, c.373.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state to reimburse local governments (municipalities, counties, school districts, and fire districts) for property tax revenue lost during the first year when a veteran qualifies for a 100% service-connected disability property tax exemption. It specifically covers veterans with qualifying disabilities (such as paraplegia, amputations, or total blindness) or their surviving spouses who meet the exemption criteria. Local governments must submit documentation to the state within 10 days of exemption approval, and the state treasurer must issue reimbursement within 10 days of each quarterly tax bill due date. The reimbursement applies only to the first tax year after exemption approval, not subsequent years. This change directly affects veterans receiving the exemption and local governments that previously absorbed the revenue loss.