Maddy summaryS 1514 requires New Jersey's State Investment Council to publish quarterly reports comparing investment returns earned by external fund managers (hired by the state) versus internal managers (state employees). The reports must include recommendations on whether external managers should continue managing state funds and whether investments should expand beyond bonds/public equities into asset classes like hedge funds or real estate. The Council must also disclose fees charged by external managers (including performance-based fees) and require external managers to certify political contributions. These quarterly reports, replacing previous annual requirements, will be published on the state website and submitted to officials for transparency.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $70 million in federal pandemic relief funds to New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to support arts and culture organizations negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The EDA will award $50 million in grants for general financial recovery (including $10 million specifically for arts education programs in schools and after-school settings) and $20 million for placemaking projects that beautify public spaces like sidewalks and parks with art installations. Qualifying groups include both for-profit and nonprofit arts organizations that experienced pandemic-related revenue losses. The funds come directly from New Jersey's allocation of federal "Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund" money under the American Rescue Plan Act.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's property tax law to explicitly remove tax exemption status for housing provided to school faculty. Currently, faculty housing is excluded from exemption under existing law, but this bill clarifies and strengthens that exclusion by removing it from the list of exempt properties. It would require schools to pay property tax on faculty housing units, directly affecting faculty members living in school-provided housing. The change applies to all schools and colleges covered by the tax exemption rules in R.S.54:4-3.6.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1501) prohibits landlords from using credit scores or credit reports to evaluate applicants for affordable housing programs. It directly affects low- and moderate-income renters applying for subsidized housing, including those using federal vouchers or state rental assistance programs. Instead of relying on credit scores, landlords must conduct individualized assessments of an applicant's ability to pay rent based on income and housing program guidelines. The law aims to prevent unfair denials of housing that disproportionately impact communities of color and other protected groups due to historical discrimination. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Committee on Community and Urban Affairs.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1039 codifies specific operating rules for breweries holding limited licenses (not larger "plenary" licenses). It allows these breweries to sell beer directly to customers on-site (with tour requirements), sell up to 15.5 gallons per person off-site, host unlimited events without permits, and sell limited food snacks. The bill establishes graduated license fees based on annual production volume ($1,250 for under 50,000 barrels up to $7,500 for up to 300,000 barrels). These provisions directly affect small-to-midsize breweries operating under limited licenses in New Jersey.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new principal department within New Jersey's Executive Branch called the Department of Early Childhood, led by a Commissioner appointed by the Governor. The department would consolidate early childhood responsibilities currently held by the Departments of Education and Human Services, covering programs for children from pregnancy through age eight. Key provisions include establishing the Commissioner's authority to hire staff, create rules, conduct investigations, and manage federal or private grants for early childhood services. The legislation also transfers specific programs like preschool education, child care subsidies, and teacher licensing to this new department, centralizing oversight for young children.
Maddy summaryS 2046 requires New Jersey's Secretary of State to recertify all voting machines annually and after any software modification. As part of this process, the Secretary must develop a test and checklist to verify each machine accurately records and tabulates votes before every election. This applies to all voting machines used in New Jersey elections, ensuring ongoing accuracy and reliability through regular, mandatory checks. The bill adds recurring verification steps to the existing approval framework without altering initial machine certification.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Senate Journals, Assembly Minutes, and their indexes to be published online by the Office of Legislative Services instead of being printed as bound volumes for each legislative session. It mandates that original documents be electronically sent to the Secretary of State's office for permanent storage, while allowing up to 10 printed copies of each session's records if requested by Senate or Assembly leadership. The bill affects the public and legislative staff by making these records immediately accessible online, replacing the current system of physical distribution. It does not change the content of the records or create new policy requirements.
Maddy summaryS 1243 requires New Jersey's Secretary of State to contract with a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit vendor to create a national marketing campaign promoting the state's innovation economy. The campaign will target out-of-state businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, and job seekers - especially in high-tech fields and manufacturing - by highlighting employment opportunities, competitive wages, infrastructure, and business-friendly assets. Key provisions include developing a branding strategy, promoting well-paying careers in technology and manufacturing, and using radio, TV, print, and online media. The bill appropriates $1,000,000 from the General Fund to fund this initiative.
Maddy summaryS 1559 establishes a three-year pilot program in New Jersey's Department of Education to help school districts extend school days or years. It targets school districts with high academic need - based on graduation rates, dropout rates, and test scores - with up to 20 districts selected (five from each of three regions plus five more prioritized by need). Participating districts can receive up to $1 million annually to cover new costs like staff pay increases (with union agreement), transportation, or support services, but only for expenses they wouldn't have incurred otherwise. Districts must report student participation, attendance, and outcomes annually, and the state will evaluate the program's impact on student achievement and pandemic learning recovery after three years.