Maddy summaryS 1686 requires New Jersey school districts to implement specific emergency communication improvements. It mandates that security personnel receive two-way radios for direct contact with emergency responders, establishes multi-platform notification systems (like texts and emails) for parents during emergencies, and requires monthly testing of all emergency communication systems. The bill also directs the Commissioner of Education to develop strategies encouraging schools to clarify emergency response roles, ensure staff can communicate with administration during school hours, and explore new technologies like panic buttons or dedicated emergency frequencies. These requirements directly affect all New Jersey public school districts and their security personnel, teachers, and administrative staff.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 437) increases penalties for adults who leave loaded firearms accessible to minors under 16 at premises they control, resulting in injury or death. Currently a disorderly persons offense (up to 6 months jail, $1,000 fine), the violation becomes a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months jail, $10,000 fine) for bodily injury, or a third-degree crime (3-5 years jail, $15,000 fine) for death or serious bodily injury. It does not apply if minors use firearms for authorized activities (e.g., hunting) or self-protection, as defined under existing law. The bill targets adults responsible for firearm storage safety in homes or other controlled premises where minors reside or visit.
Maddy summarySCR 60 proposes a constitutional amendment to give New Jersey voters direct power to initiate new laws or constitutional changes and to referendums on existing laws. It would allow citizens to propose legislation or constitutional amendments via petition, requiring the Legislature to act within two months or face a public vote; if lawmakers fail to act, voters could approve the proposal at the next general election. The bill also reserves the right for voters to recall elected officials after one year of service with a 25% petition threshold, though it explicitly excludes proposals about facility siting (e.g., power plants or hospitals) from these processes. This amendment would require voter approval before taking effect.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state, local, and school entities from requiring most people to get vaccinated against COVID-19, including in child care centers, schools, and colleges. It exempts healthcare workers and staff at licensed health facilities who must get vaccinated to work with vulnerable populations, subject to existing health facility policies and exemptions for medical or religious reasons. The bill also creates a reimbursement program through the Department of Health to cover out-of-pocket costs for healthcare workers who pay for the vaccine themselves and meet specific criteria, such as lacking insurance coverage and facing undue financial hardship. Individuals must certify their costs and eligibility, and false claims can result in repayment plus a $1,000 penalty.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1655) requires that any bill certified for a fiscal note or estimate cannot be released from a legislative committee until a complete fiscal note or estimate is provided. It directly affects bill sponsors and committees by mandating that fiscal analysis must be finalized before a bill moves forward. The key provision amends existing law to block committee release of such bills until the fiscal document is complete, ensuring lawmakers have budget impact data before proceeding. The bill does not change funding levels or create new programs - it only establishes a procedural requirement for fiscal transparency.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1700) amends New Jersey law to create a "special probation" option for certain drug or alcohol-dependent offenders who would otherwise face mandatory incarceration. It allows courts to place eligible individuals on five years of special probation - requiring them to enter licensed treatment programs (residential or nonresidential) with regular drug/alcohol testing - as an alternative to prison. If someone violates probation conditions (like failing treatment or testing positive), the court may now order incarceration. It directly affects drug/alcohol-dependent offenders convicted of non-violent offenses who meet strict criteria (e.g., no prior violent crimes, no firearms, and treatment deemed necessary). The bill does not change sentencing for non-drug/alcohol offenses but adds incarceration authority for probation violations under this specific program.
Maddy summaryS 455 prohibits public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools in New Jersey from requiring students to wear face masks indoors or outdoors on school property or while riding school buses. The bill directly affects all students attending these schools by removing mandatory mask-wearing rules in those settings. It explicitly allows students to voluntarily wear masks if they choose. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year pilot program in New Jersey's Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, and Union counties (and first-class cities like Newark) to train school staff, law enforcement, mental health professionals, and students to identify and report behaviors signaling potential school violence. Key provisions include creating a threat assessment tool, developing training on recognizing risk behaviors, setting up immediate reporting mechanisms, and establishing procedures to address threats. The program requires annual evaluation reports to the Governor and Legislature, with recommendations on whether to expand it statewide. It aims to prevent school violence through early intervention, funded by state appropriations.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires school districts with at least 1,000 students that offer 403(b) retirement plans (a tax-sheltered annuity option for school employees) to select a minimum of three financial institutions or pension managers to provide these plans. If fewer than three providers are available, the district must choose all available options. The bill mandates that selected providers must share all fees, investment details, and costs electronically to ensure transparency for employees. It also explicitly states that school boards cannot be held liable for investment losses or underperformance of the selected plans.
Maddy summaryS 1702 requires New Jersey courts to refer eligible defendants to mental health and substance abuse evaluations as part of pretrial release decisions. This bill amends pretrial release procedures (P.L.2014, c.31) to mandate that courts consider such referrals when determining release conditions for defendants who may benefit from treatment. Specifically, it adds "undergo available medical, psychological, or psychiatric treatment, including treatment for drug or alcohol dependency" as a potential non-monetary release condition under Section 3(b)(2)(i). The policy directly affects defendants facing pretrial detention who are deemed eligible for release but may require treatment services. This change aims to integrate treatment access into pretrial supervision without altering existing release criteria.