Maddy summaryS 3651, the "Disaster Victims Protection Act," requires New Jersey's Governor to allocate federal and state disaster aid to municipalities based on the proportion of catastrophic physical damage each municipality sustained, rather than allocating funds primarily by county designation. This directly affects municipalities and their residents/businesses after disasters, ensuring those with the most severe damage receive aid aligned with their needs. The key mechanism mandates that when distributing Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds or state relief, the Governor must prioritize allocation "in proportion to the relative amount of physical damage sustained within each municipality." The bill responds to past inequities, such as during Hurricane Sandy recovery, where some heavily damaged municipalities received less aid than less damaged areas within the same designated counties.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires landlords in senior citizen housing projects to provide tenants with a written explanation when increasing rent. The explanation must detail why the increase is fair (not "unconscionable"), confirm compliance with local rent laws, and list specific property expenses that justified the increase. It applies only to tenants living in housing projects specifically designated as "senior citizen housing" under existing law. Landlords must provide this written notice alongside any rent increase notice, enhancing transparency for senior renters.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 24/7 toll-free hotline for formerly incarcerated individuals in New Jersey seeking reentry support after release from custody. It requires the Commissioner of Human Services, in consultation with Corrections, Health, Youth Justice, and Parole officials, to create the service using existing hotline infrastructure. Operators must be certified peer recovery specialists (either by New Jersey's Addiction Professionals Certification Board or the national Association for Addiction Professionals). The hotline directly serves returning residents by providing immediate, peer-led support during their reentry transition.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey STEM Entrepreneur Fellowship Program, requiring the Secretary of Higher Education to create a three-year fellowship initiative supporting STEM entrepreneurs. It allocates funding for at least 20 fellowships at New Jersey colleges and universities, prioritizing applicants with viable STEM business ideas that will benefit society and become self-sustaining. Fellows receive support to commercialize their ideas and build structured businesses, with priority given to those backed by state-supported incubators. The program must be evaluated within five years to assess its success in launching new businesses. The initiative directly affects STEM entrepreneurs seeking resources to develop their ventures.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends the time people with disabilities can file lawsuits for abuse, neglect, exploitation, or bullying. It applies to minors (under 18) and adults (18+) with disabilities who suffered these harms. For minors, claims can be filed up to 37 years after turning 18 or within 7 years of discovering the injury - whichever is later. For adults, claims must be filed within 7 years of discovery. The bill also defines bullying broadly and requires adult protective services to investigate bullying of vulnerable adults, potentially reporting it to law enforcement.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey school districts from denying special education services to "twice exceptional" students solely because their academic performance is average. Twice exceptional students are those who demonstrate potential for high academic achievement but also have a disability affecting their learning. The law requires districts to evaluate these students for special education eligibility regardless of average grades and to provide parents with clear information about available services. It ensures these students cannot be excluded from necessary support based on performance that may actually reflect their disability's impact.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurers to send written notices of cancellation or nonrenewal for auto and homeowners insurance policies by certified mail with return receipt requested, plus regular mail with proof of mailing. Insurers must obtain a USPS date-stamped mailing receipt showing the policyholder's address and retain a copy of the notice. The notice is invalid if not sent this way, directly affecting policyholders who receive these notices and insurers who must comply. It amends existing insurance laws (P.L.1968, c.131 and c.158) to enforce this dual-mailing requirement.
Maddy summaryS 3652 creates a New Jersey home purchase grant program for veterans who served at least 90 days in federal active duty. It provides dollar-for-dollar matching grants of up to $10,000 per veteran to cover closing costs, equity payments, or other home-buying expenses, with no income requirements. Eligible veterans must be New Jersey residents with proof of service and intent to buy a primary residence in the state. The bill appropriates $2 million to fund the program, which will operate through the Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency in coordination with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Maddy summaryS 3642 authorizes New Jersey school districts with existing automotive programs to partner with private companies to create electric vehicle (EV) certification programs. These programs would train students in EV-related careers like automotive technology, engineering, and maintenance, with districts issuing certifications to successful completers. School districts may use national industry standards and consult the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities when developing these programs. The bill directly affects eligible school districts and their students seeking EV career pathways, with no funding or mandates specified.
Maddy summaryS 3683 creates a new third-degree crime for knowingly filing a false report or providing false information to law enforcement with the intent to falsely accuse a law enforcement officer of committing a crime, offense, or professional misconduct that could trigger disciplinary action. This bill directly affects individuals who make deliberate false reports against officers to harm their professional reputation or career. The law adds this as a separate offense under New Jersey's criminal code, meaning a person could face charges for both this new crime and existing false reporting offenses like falsely accusing others or reporting made-up incidents. Penalties include up to five years in prison, a $15,000 fine, or both.