Sen. Shirley Turner

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey courts to reduce or waive criminal fines, fees, and penalties (collectively "legal financial obligations") based on a defendant's ability to pay, the interests of justice, or if the obligation conflicts with rehabilitation goals. It directly affects individuals convicted of crimes who face mandatory financial penalties in court. Courts must state their reasoning on the record when adjusting, reducing, or waiving these obligations, implementing a 2023 sentencing commission recommendation. The change applies to all criminal cases, including non-indictable offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces the maximum out-of-pocket cost for asthma inhalers under New Jersey health insurance plans from $50 to $35 per 30-day supply. It applies to most health insurance plans sold in New Jersey, including individual and group health insurance, health maintenance organizations, and state employee health benefit plans. The bill requires that coverage for prescribed asthma inhalers not be subject to any deductible, with the $35 limit applying to all covered plans. Insurers can choose to offer lower copayments than the $35 limit. The policy affects all New Jersey residents with health insurance who require asthma inhalers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to create and operate a single online portal where educators can submit one application for multiple public school districts across the state. The portal must be fully functional within 90 days of the bill's effective date, aiming to streamline job applications by reducing duplicate submissions. It mandates that the system prioritize educator-school connections, enhance job opportunity information sharing, and maintain strict data privacy and security standards. School districts retain the option to use their own application processes or request additional materials beyond the common portal.

Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Works Act allows businesses to receive tax credits for funding pre-employment training programs developed in partnership with schools, nonprofits, or educational institutions. These programs must provide at least 12 weeks of paid training at minimum wage, covering skills like math, communication, job readiness, and critical thinking, and must target low- and moderate-income individuals. Businesses can claim tax credits equal to 100% of their financial assistance, with a maximum of $12 million in tax credits available statewide each fiscal year. Approved programs must be reviewed and approved by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development and must offer participants employment with the funding business upon completion. The bill requires participating institutions to report on program outcomes, including completion rates and employment data for participants.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a $500,000 supplemental appropriation to fund grants-in-aid for the Main Library Alliance, a nonprofit serving libraries across northern New Jersey. The funding supports the Alliance’s operations, including technology, programs, and shared resources for over 50 member libraries. These libraries serve more than 700,000 patrons in 100+ municipalities across Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Union, and Warren counties. The bill adds this amount to the existing 2025 state budget for the Division of State Library.

Maddy summaryS 3744 expands competitive contracting options for local governments, school boards, and county colleges by allowing them to bypass public bidding for certain specialized services. Local contracting units and school boards can now use competitive contracting for services including proprietary software, recreation facility management, data processing, and renewable energy projects. County colleges are newly permitted to use competitive contracting for maintenance, custodial services, grant writing, and renewable energy initiatives. The bill establishes procedures for the competitive contracting process, including request for proposals requirements and evaluation criteria, with contracts limited to five years. This change streamlines procurement for specialized services while maintaining oversight through established processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Chief Diversity Officer (within the Department of Treasury) and partner agencies to host regular outreach events, training workshops, and educational programs for certified minority and women-owned businesses. It mandates these activities to promote awareness of state contracting opportunities and provide specific support, including marketing assistance, financial training, and technology resources. The programs must be offered virtually or at community locations like non-profits, in collaboration with the Business Action Center and Economic Development Authority. The bill directly affects certified minority and women-owned businesses seeking to access state contracts and subcontracting opportunities.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3694 prohibits businesses from owning, controlling, installing, managing, selling, or offering cryptocurrency ATMs within the state. It defines cryptocurrency as decentralized digital currency and specifies that crypto ATMs are internet-connected kiosks allowing users to buy, sell, or exchange digital currency using debit cards, credit cards, or cash. The bill amends existing consumer fraud law to make these activities unlawful, with penalties including fines up to $20,000 per violation and potential court-ordered restitution. This directly affects businesses operating or planning to operate crypto ATMs in New Jersey, aiming to address rising fraud losses - reported at over $110 million in 2023 - particularly impacting seniors with median losses of $10,000.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3596 increases penalties for denying access to service dogs and their handlers from civil fines to criminal charges. Businesses, public facilities, NJ Transit, and transportation network companies (like ride-sharing services) that block access now face a petty disorderly persons offense (up to 30 days jail or $500 fine) for a first violation, and a disorderly persons offense (up to one year jail or $1,000 fine) for repeat violations. Fines collected fund law enforcement training on service dog access rights under New Jersey's disability laws. The bill updates existing statutes to strengthen enforcement of access protections for people with disabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill regulates the production and sale of "intoxicating hemp products" by setting specific THC concentration limits and requiring licensing. It defines intoxicating hemp products as those containing more than 0.5 milligrams of total THC per serving or 2.5 milligrams per package, which exceeds the 0.3% THC limit allowed for standard hemp products. Businesses selling these products must be licensed by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission, comply with product testing requirements, and cannot sell to anyone under 21 years old. Violations carry escalating fines: $100 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and $10,000 for third and subsequent offenses. The bill directly affects businesses selling hemp-derived products with higher THC levels that could cause intoxication.