Sen. Shirley Turner

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts with a chronic absenteeism rate of 10% or higher (or individual schools at 15%+) to form attendance review teams. These teams, including school staff and community partners, must address cases of chronically absent students and recommend interventions. The Department of Education must also create an online prevention plan within six months, including definitions of chronic absenteeism, causes, academic impacts, and data-tracking methods to monitor attendance by school, grade, and student demographics. The plan may also include mentorship models and incentives for schools improving attendance.

Maddy summaryS 506 requires public school students in New Jersey who sustain a concussion to receive an evaluation and written clearance from a physician or licensed health care provider trained in concussion management before returning to school or participating in any physical activity at school (including recess, physical education, or sports). The bill mandates that school districts implement any restrictions recommended by the physician through their 504 team and notify all relevant staff. It prohibits students from engaging in physical activities until they have the required clearance. This bill directly affects all public school students in New Jersey who experience concussions and requires school districts to follow specific health protocols.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 122) requires all motor vehicles in New Jersey to have mufflers and exhaust systems that do not amplify noise beyond the original factory level. It directly affects vehicle owners, auto repair shops, and mechanics who install or modify exhaust systems. The bill bans modifications that increase noise and adds noise inspections to standard vehicle safety checks during annual inspections. Violations carry fines up to $500, and the law applies to most registered vehicles except motorcycles, historic vehicles, and those over 8,500 pounds.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges New Jersey school districts to establish concussion management teams. These teams - comprising school nurses, psychologists, athletic trainers, and other staff - would support students recovering from concussions by coordinating care, monitoring cognitive needs, and ensuring safe returns to both classroom and sports activities. The resolution highlights CDC data showing concussions are common in youth sports and emphasizes that such teams provide immediate, school-based expertise to complement existing district policies. It does not create new legal requirements but encourages districts to adopt this approach for student health and safety.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 46) is a symbolic legislative statement condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and rejecting justifications for anti-Jewish hatred. It specifically references rising anti-Semitic incidents in New Jersey - including 370 reported cases in 2021, including 44 at Jewish institutions and 82 in schools - to underscore the urgency of protecting Jewish communities. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally expresses the New Jersey Legislature’s opposition to anti-Semitism, citing historical context and recent violence (like the Pittsburgh synagogue attack). It applies broadly to all residents and institutions in New Jersey, emphasizing that anti-Semitism violates constitutional principles of tolerance and religious freedom.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 406) requires municipal police chiefs to hold two annual community discussions on police relations - once in spring and once in fall - while the State Police Superintendent must host one regional discussion per year in each of New Jersey’s three regions. Topics must include race relations, officer recruitment, training, body camera regulations, and use-of-force policies. The law mandates accessible timing (evenings), central locations, and ample public notice to maximize community participation. It directly affects all municipal police departments and the State Police, aiming to improve transparency through structured community dialogue.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 22-member Special Education Transportation Task Force in New Jersey to study and recommend best practices for transporting students receiving special education services. The task force, including education officials, disability advocates, school staff, and parents, must address medical/emergency protocols, staff training, and transportation requirements within 12 months. It directly affects students with special needs, their families, school districts, and transportation providers. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was incorporated into an existing law (P.L.2025, c.301).

Maddy summaryS 281 requires fire districts in New Jersey to hold votes on property tax increases exceeding the standard allowance at the general election, rather than at a separate election. This applies when a fire district seeks to raise more money than the standard property tax levy increase allows. The bill amends current law to mandate that such votes occur during the general election cycle. This change affects fire districts by aligning their tax increase votes with regular election schedules, streamlining the approval process.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1427) requires all new and existing New Jersey police officers - including city, county, campus, and sheriff's department personnel - to undergo mandatory psychological evaluations. Specifically, it mandates an initial evaluation before appointment, a second evaluation after the probationary period, and periodic evaluations every five years. The evaluations must include an oral interview and a professionally recognized clinical test to assess mental fitness for duty, explicitly addressing conditions like implicit bias. The bill also adds provisions allowing fitness-for-duty evaluations for officers showing concerning behavior, with officers entitled to review results and seek independent evaluation at their own expense.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires new law enforcement employers (such as county/municipal police departments, educational institutions, state agencies, or NJ Transit Police) to reimburse former employers for training costs when an officer moves between agencies within 120 days of resignation. It applies specifically to officers who held probationary positions or permanent roles for three years or less at their previous agency. The new employer must pay the full amount of certified costs (including exam fees, hiring expenses, and training course fees plus base salary during training) within 120 days of receiving documentation. This affects all New Jersey law enforcement agencies that hire officers who recently left another agency.