Maddy summarySJR 95 makes permanent the "Commission to Protect New Jersey Inmates from Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct," which was previously established as a temporary body under P.L.2020, Joint Resolution No. 3. The permanent commission consists of 17 members, including legislative appointees, key state agency representatives, and public members with expertise in corrections, victims' rights, and racial justice. It will annually examine issues affecting inmate safety - such as compliance with federal PREA standards, investigation procedures for sexual misconduct allegations, and staff ratios - and submit reports with recommendations to the Governor and Legislature, with findings posted online. The commission directly affects inmates in New Jersey's state correctional facilities, particularly those at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 2847 requires New Jersey's public community water systems to identify an alternative water source within 120 days of the bill's enactment. If levels of PFAS (perfluoralkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) exceed state-established maximum contaminant levels in drinking water, the system must immediately switch to the alternative source to maintain safe water access. This applies to all public community water systems and ensures uninterrupted water supply during PFAS contamination events. The bill does not require reducing PFAS levels but mandates preparedness for rapid response.
Maddy summaryThe "Disaster Victims Protection Act" (S 2893) requires New Jersey's Governor to allocate federal and state disaster aid to municipalities based on the actual physical damage each suffered during a disaster, rather than by county designation. This ensures communities with the most severe damage - such as those heavily impacted by Hurricane Sandy - receive aid proportional to their needs, correcting past disparities where some municipalities received less funding despite greater destruction. The bill applies specifically to federal Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds and state disaster relief funds when the Governor has discretion in distribution. It aims to make aid allocation fairer by prioritizing municipalities most in need, without altering federal funding rules.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "restricted retail food store license" allowing supermarkets and grocery stores to sell alcoholic beverages manufactured in New Jersey for off-premises consumption. The license applies to stores where groceries and food make up at least 65% of annual sales, with alcohol sales being incidental. Stores would pay an initial fee based on size ($5,000 to $30,000) plus a $1,000 annual renewal fee, with 75% of fees going to the municipality. This license would permit alcohol sales throughout the store, not restricted to a specific area, and would not be subject to population-based licensing limits that apply to other alcohol licenses.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's Community College Opportunity Grant Program to include adult students enrolled in career and technical education programs at county vocational schools. It allows eligible adults (defined as those in programs preparing for licenses/certifications) to receive financial aid covering remaining tuition and fees after other grants are applied, provided they meet income limits ($0-$65,000), maintain academic standing, and enroll in programs lasting at least four months. Adult students in these programs would qualify for aid for up to two years, with grants administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. The change specifically applies to county vocational school districts, not traditional community colleges.
Maddy summaryS 2850 clarifies that law enforcement officers appointed by educational institutions (like colleges or schools) and the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJT) are entitled to the same statutory rights and privileges as municipal law enforcement officers. The bill amends two existing laws (P.L.1970, c.211 and P.L.1989, c.291) to explicitly extend these rights to officers working at educational institutions and NJT. This ensures these officers have consistent legal authority, protections, and benefits under state law, aligning them with local police officers. The bill does not create new rights but removes ambiguity about existing entitlements for these specific officers.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $2 million home purchase grant program for New Jersey veterans who served at least 90 days in federal active duty. It provides matching grants of up to $10,000 per veteran (dollar-for-dollar) to cover closing costs, equity payments, or other home-buying expenses, without requiring income eligibility. To qualify, veterans must prove NJ residency, federal service history, and intent to buy a NJ primary residence, with priority given to those eligible for other state homebuyer programs. The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency will administer the program in coordination with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Autism Education Council within New Jersey's Department of Education to improve support for autistic students in public schools. The council, composed of seven members including education officials and community representatives, will award annual grants (starting in 2025) using $9.6 million of a $10 million annual state appropriation. Grants fund teacher training, hiring paraprofessionals, and supplemental services like after-school programs for autistic children. The council must monitor grant impacts and report annually to the Governor and Legislature on how funds are used and their effectiveness. The bill directly affects public school districts, educators, and autistic students by expanding access to specialized autism education resources.
Maddy summaryS 2853 allows New Jersey municipalities to pass local ordinances gradually reducing the population threshold for issuing new alcohol retail licenses (for bars and restaurants). Currently, a municipality cannot issue new licenses once it reaches one license per 3,000 residents. Under this bill, a municipality can adopt an ordinance to lower this limit to one license per 2,000 residents over five years, with specific annual targets (3,000 → 2,800 → 2,600 → 2,400 → 2,200 → 2,000). This directly affects municipalities seeking to expand alcohol retail options by easing licensing restrictions.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurance companies in New Jersey to send written notices of policy cancellation or nonrenewal (for both auto and homeowners insurance) via certified mail with a return receipt requested, plus regular mail with a date-stamped proof of mailing from the post office. It directly affects insurers (who must follow this process) and policyholders (who receive the notice). The key provision mandates that notices sent without certified mail and proof of mailing will not be valid, meaning the insurance policy remains in effect. This ensures policyholders receive verifiable notice of potential coverage changes.