Maddy summaryThis bill creates the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative, operated by the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development. It establishes Centers of Workforce Innovation focused on high-demand fields like healthcare, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and manufacturing, which will develop public curricula and provide skills training. The initiative directly helps students, workers, and job seekers access career pathways while connecting employers with skilled workers through partnerships with schools, colleges, and businesses. Key provisions require these centers to promote financial aid like Community College Opportunity Grants and expand apprenticeships, aiming to strengthen workforce development across the state.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires health care providers, such as physicians and registered nurses, to screen pregnant patients for lead exposure if risk factors are identified using federal guidelines from the CDC and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Providers must perform the screening once per pregnancy and, if elevated lead levels are detected, notify the patient in writing, explain the risks, and ensure that children under six in the household are screened. Laboratories must report test results to the Department of Health and local health departments within five business days. All screening records are kept confidential in a central database, with statistical reports available without personal information, and patients may opt out in writing.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to set aside a 14-day initial sales period each year for mobile sport fishing permits - covering all permit types like annual, 3-day, weekday, or daily permits - during which only New Jersey residents may purchase them. It directly affects individuals seeking to buy these permits for beach-based fishing in New Jersey, limiting initial access to residents during this window. The key mechanism is mandating the DEP to implement this resident-only period before general sales open to all buyers. The bill does not change permit fees or fishing rules, only the timing and eligibility for initial purchases.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2380) allows school counselors, psychologists, and other mental health professionals in New Jersey school districts to refer students to licensed private mental health counselors for assessments and services. It requires parental consent for minors who cannot consent independently and prohibits referrals to providers with whom the school staff has a financial interest. The bill clarifies that school districts do not cover the cost of these private services, which remain the responsibility of the student or their family. It does not change existing school district mental health services but expands referral options for students needing external support.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires ferry operators, public transit agencies (like NJ Transit and the Port Authority), and commuter rail services to create and publish clear route schedules. Specifically, it mandates that these providers post schedules at transportation facilities, on their websites, and update them within 30 days of any changes. Failure to comply could result in daily fines (e.g., $1 per day for ferry operators). The law directly affects riders by ensuring accessible, up-to-date transit information for bus, rail, ferry, and commuter routes across New Jersey.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires public water suppliers in New Jersey to immediately notify affected municipalities, school districts, charter schools, nonpublic schools, and colleges when a drinking water violation occurs that triggers a federal Tier 2 public notice. Suppliers must provide specific details including the contaminant, test dates, locations, and levels exceeding safety standards, plus suggested remedies. The notification must be sent via phone and email to the relevant local government and education leaders. This directly affects water providers and ensures schools/communities receive timely, detailed information about water quality issues.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases criminal penalties for identity theft when the victim is a senior citizen (62+ years old) or a veteran. It amends New Jersey law to elevate the severity of identity theft offenses targeting these groups: a first offense against a senior or veteran becomes a third-degree crime (instead of fourth-degree), and repeat offenses become second-degree crimes. The bill specifically defines "senior citizen" and "veteran" for legal clarity and ensures penalties rise based on victim status, regardless of the financial amount stolen. It directly affects seniors and veterans who are victims of identity theft, making such crimes punishable more severely.
Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a law allowing New Jersey municipalities to charge up to $200 application fees for people seeking public defender representation. It directly affects low-income individuals accused of crimes who might otherwise be deterred by these fees when requesting legal counsel. The key mechanism is removing municipal authority to impose such fees, aligning with the Sixth Amendment right to counsel by eliminating this financial barrier. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.
Maddy summaryS 4959 establishes a 13-member "School Finance Reform Commission" to study New Jersey's school funding system. The commission includes the Education Commissioner and State Board President (ex officio), plus 11 public members appointed by legislative leaders and the Governor. It will specifically examine school property tax levies, tax levy growth limits, and how local share calculations affect equalization aid distribution. The commission must submit a report with recommendations within one year of forming, and the bill expires 30 days after that report is issued. This is a procedural bill creating a study body, not enacting direct funding changes.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates the "Jersey Craft Beverage Retailer Promotion and Grant Program" to boost sales of New Jersey-made craft alcoholic beverages. It directly affects craft beverage producers (with limited brewery, cidery, or distillery licenses) and retailers holding specific retail licenses who sell their products. The program will run advertising campaigns, create a "Certified Jersey Craft Alcohol Beverage Retailer" signage program, and offer grants up to $2,500 annually for eligible retailers to improve displays or promotions. Funding comes from 50% of tax revenue on craft beverage sales, managed through a dedicated fund established by the Economic Development Authority.