Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Education (DOE) to create a statewide policy for K-12 schools within 90 days, addressing student cell phone and social media use during school hours, on buses, and at school events. The policy must include age-appropriate rules (like banning non-academic phone use in class), emergency exceptions, accommodations for students with special needs, and options for device storage. School districts must adopt a policy consistent with the DOE's framework by the start of the next full school year, though they may apply for exemptions. The bill directly affects all public K-12 schools, students, and staff across New Jersey, focusing on standardizing device use rules while allowing districts to implement stricter policies.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1927) extends New Jersey's $6,000 gross income tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans to their surviving spouses. Currently, the exemption applies only to the year a veteran dies (if filing jointly), but the bill would allow the spouse to continue claiming it in all subsequent years until they remarry. It directly affects spouses of deceased veterans who were eligible for the exemption during the veteran's lifetime. The change modifies the existing tax code (N.J.S.54A:3-1) to add this ongoing benefit, with no other policy changes described in the bill text.
Maddy summaryThis bill exempts stipends paid to volunteer first responders (like firefighters or EMTs) from being counted as taxable income under New Jersey's income and payroll tax laws. It specifically excludes payments for volunteer emergency services from gross income calculations, meaning these stipends won't be subject to state income tax or payroll taxes. The bill amends existing unemployment compensation law (R.S.43:21-19) to clarify that such stipends aren't considered "wages" for tax purposes. This directly affects volunteer emergency personnel who receive small payments for their service, reducing their tax burden on those stipends. The policy change is purely administrative, adjusting how existing tax laws apply to volunteer compensation.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1067) requires the state's Department of Human Services to conduct a landscape analysis of mental health services accessible to deaf and hard of hearing residents. It mandates that mental health services be provided in a client's primary communication method (like sign language or speech), delivered by professionals certified in that method and trained in culturally appropriate care for the deaf community. The bill also requires the creation of a resource guide listing providers meeting these standards and defines key terms like "culturally affirmative mental health services." It directly affects deaf and hard of hearing individuals seeking mental health care across New Jersey.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to allow licensed plumbing, electrical, and HVAC contractors to submit subcode application materials (like shop drawings and compliance calculations) electronically instead of physically. It specifically prohibits DCA from requiring physical seals or signatures on these contractors' subcode forms or on physical plans displayed at construction sites. The bill applies only to documents related to these contractors' specific disciplines (electrical, fire protection, or energy subcodes), not to general construction permits. This changes existing requirements to enable digital submissions while maintaining the same submission content and approval standards.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all menstrual product packages sold in New Jersey to list every ingredient in descending order of prevalence, displayed clearly for consumers. It applies directly to manufacturers selling tampons, pads, discs, cups, or underwear (both disposable and reusable) in the state. The law mandates this labeling on retail packaging, excluding shipping containers, and establishes civil penalties for noncompliance (up to 1% of annual in-state sales per noncompliant package, capped at $1,000). The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to create a crowd management training program for municipal police departments that have hosted two or more large gatherings (over 500 people) or experienced flash mobs (50+ people organized via social media without advance notice) in the past year. The training covers techniques for managing crowds, juvenile interactions, social media monitoring, and coordination with neighboring agencies. Participating departments also gain access to social media monitoring tools, mobile command units, and additional State Police support during large events or flash mobs. The program aims to improve public safety response during unannounced gatherings that impact community safety.
Maddy summarySJR 151 designates July 30 of each year as "Brian Sicknick Day" in New Jersey to honor Officer Brian Sicknick, a U.S. Capitol Police officer who died protecting the Capitol on January 6, 2021. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation recognizing this day, commemorating Sicknick's life and service as a New Jersey native who served over 12 years with the Capitol Police. It has no policy impact or direct effect on residents, as it is purely a symbolic observance. The bill honors Sicknick's background, including his birth in New Brunswick, service in the New Jersey Air National Guard, and role patrolling the Capitol grounds.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) and the State Board of Medical Examiners to create a streamlined process for reviewing applications from healthcare providers seeking to enroll in NJ FamilyCare. It mandates that the State Board share license details with DHS within five days of issuing or denying a license, and allows DHS to begin processing provider applications immediately upon receiving required licensure information. DHS must then notify applicants within 15 days if additional documentation is needed. The bill directly affects healthcare providers applying for NJ FamilyCare enrollment by reducing administrative delays in the application process.
Maddy summaryThis bill would enter New Jersey into the Interstate Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, allowing physician assistants (PAs) licensed in New Jersey to practice in other participating states through a "Compact Privilege" without needing separate state licenses. To qualify, PAs must hold an unrestricted license in a participating state, have current NCCPA certification, no criminal convictions, and meet other requirements like passing background checks. The compact requires participating states to share license status and adverse action information through a centralized data system administered by a PA Licensure Compact Commission. This would streamline licensure for PAs across participating states, benefiting those who need to practice in multiple states while maintaining patient safety through shared disciplinary reporting.