Sen. Shirley Turner

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Mass Violence Care Fund" to cover medical, mental health, and related expenses for victims of mass violence events when those costs aren't paid by insurance or other sources. It appropriates $10 million to the fund, which will be administered by the Victims of Crime Compensation Office to pay eligible expenses like medical bills, counseling, lost wages, and funeral costs for qualifying victims and their family members. The fund specifically excludes expenses covered by insurance or public programs and requires payments to be made at least three years after the event. It also creates a working group to develop eligibility rules before distributions begin.

Maddy summaryS 751 transfers responsibility for inspecting on-farm dairy processing operations from the Department of Health (DOH) to the Department of Agriculture (DOA). It requires DOA to collaborate with DOH and local health boards for inspections and transfers all related records, equipment, and DOH employees who conduct these inspections to DOA. The bill does not change inspection standards or requirements for dairy processors but reorganizes oversight authority and resources between state agencies. This is a procedural transfer affecting agency operations, not a new policy for dairy businesses.

Maddy summaryS 235 establishes a 13-member commission to study the impacts of longer school days and years on student achievement, learning environments, and educational opportunities. The commission includes appointed members from the Senate, General Assembly, education associations, and the public, with the Commissioner of Education serving ex officio. It must examine school schedules from other states and submit final recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within six months, after which the commission expires. This bill does not change education policy but creates a process for evaluating potential reforms.

Maddy summaryS 2601 ("Stephanie's Law") requires New Jersey's Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to create a publicly accessible domestic violence registry. The registry includes individuals convicted of domestic violence crimes, those with final restraining orders against them, or those found in contempt of such orders. It will contain detailed personal information (name, aliases, photo, vehicle details, address) for public search, with a process for removal if someone was wrongly listed. Law enforcement must search both this new public registry and the existing non-public central registry during arrests to check for active restraining orders. This bill aims to enhance public safety by providing accessible information about individuals with domestic violence histories.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the annual property tax deduction for eligible senior citizens (65+), persons with disabilities, and veterans from $250 to $500, effective 2024. It directly affects New Jersey residents in these categories who own or occupy qualifying property and meet income limits. The key change modifies two existing laws (P.L.1963, c.171 for veterans and c.172 for seniors/disabled) to raise the deduction amount, while requiring a constitutional amendment approval before taking effect. The deduction will cover up to $500 of property tax annually or the full tax amount if lower.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2979 bans the retail sale of flavored cigarettes (including menthol and clove, which were previously exempt), non-premium cigars, and oral nicotine pouches. It prohibits retailers from selling or distributing any tobacco product with a characterizing flavor other than tobacco (e.g., fruit, mint, candy, or menthol), excluding naturally occurring flavors. Violations incur civil penalties starting at $250 for the first offense, with potential license suspension for repeat violations. The bill updates existing 2008 law to close loopholes and applies to retailers, not individual consumers.

Maddy summarySCR 65 is a symbolic resolution passed by New Jersey's Senate condemning Hinduphobia - defined as prejudice or hatred against Hinduism and Hindus - and anti-Hindu bigotry. It declares New Jersey a welcoming state for Hindu Americans, recognizing their contributions to U.S. society and citing documented hate crimes against the community. The resolution has no binding legal effect but directs copies to the governor, New Jersey's congressional delegation, and the Hindu American Foundation. It serves as a formal statement of support, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 10% tax credit against New Jersey business income taxes for developers who build or rehabilitate rental housing exclusively reserved for veterans. The credit covers 10% of "approved costs" (including land, construction, materials, and labor) for qualifying projects, with a maximum annual credit of $5 million statewide. Developers must reserve all units for veterans for at least 15 years and apply for state approval through the Department of Community Affairs. The policy directly affects developers of new or rehabilitated rental properties meeting specific veteran-occupancy requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new "County Tourism Incentive Grant Fund" within New Jersey's Department of Treasury. The fund will use excess state hotel and motel occupancy tax revenues (those exceeding budgeted amounts) to provide annual grants to counties for tourism advertising and promotion. Counties must apply by October 1 each year, detail how funds will be used for tourism marketing, and agree not to reduce existing tourism funding. Grants are calculated based on each county's share of statewide hotel tax revenue, with strict rules requiring repayment if funds are misused or used to replace current tourism budgets. The program begins in fiscal year 2024 and applies to all eligible counties.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2211) requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to encourage health care facilities and licensed pediatricians, family practice doctors, and other health care professionals to implement a "Reach Out and Read Program" during well-child visits for children aged 6 months to 5 years. The program promotes early literacy by having health care providers give parents books and advice on shared reading. The DOH must support this by creating and distributing informational materials about the program and posting a link to sign up on its website. The goal is to improve children's language development, strengthen parent-child bonds, and provide health care professionals with tools to monitor child well-being.