Maddy summaryNew Jersey Senate Bill S2733 requires state departments to conduct a cost analysis before contracting out work exceeding $100,000 that is typically performed by state employees. The analysis must evaluate labor, equipment, displacement costs, and other factors to determine if using private contractors is more cost-effective than hiring state staff, while also assessing public interest in direct state performance. Departments must file this analysis with the Office of Management and Budget for public review and provide copies to labor unions and legislative committees, allowing 20 business days for union input before finalizing contracts. The bill permits pilot projects for new work types but prohibits contracts with contractors whose principals previously worked for the relevant state department in the past two years.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySCR 89 is a proposed constitutional amendment requiring New Jersey's legislature to approve any state agreement with international trade deals. It mandates that the state cannot bind itself to such agreements without legislative consent, creating four "State Legislative Points of Contact" (two from each chamber) to serve as official liaisons. The bill establishes a "Citizen’s Commission on Trade and Democracy" to hold public hearings, analyze trade agreements’ social and economic impacts, and produce reports before the legislature votes on approval. This process ensures public input and legislative oversight before the state agrees to any trade agreement affecting state laws or regulations.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) to establish an Alzheimer's disease public awareness and education program. The program must include a public campaign covering symptoms, warning signs, and treatment options; educational materials for health providers; and training for police, fire, emergency medical staff, and judicial personnel to recognize symptoms and respond appropriately. DHS will develop and post accessible information about Alzheimer's on its website in English and Spanish, in consultation with the Alzheimer's Association. The law aims to improve public understanding of Alzheimer's, support early detection, and help professionals better assist affected individuals and families.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a permanent "County Tourism Incentive Grant Fund" within the State Treasury to provide financial support for tourism advertising and promotion. It uses excess revenue from hotel and motel occupancy fees (leftover after budgeted amounts) to fund annual grants to counties. To receive funds, counties must apply by October 1, detail their advertising plans, and agree not to reduce existing tourism budgets or repay funds if misused. The grants are distributed based on each county's share of statewide hotel revenue, directly supporting local tourism marketing efforts.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios in New Jersey hospitals, ambulatory surgery facilities, developmental centers, and psychiatric hospitals. It requires facilities to maintain specific ratios (such as 1:4 for medical/surgical units and 1:2 for critical care) and implement an acuity-based staffing system to adjust for patient needs. Facilities that violate these requirements face civil penalties, with fines deposited into a dedicated fund for nursing recruitment, retention programs, and student loan forgiveness. The bill directly affects healthcare facilities and their nursing staff, aiming to improve patient safety through mandated staffing standards.
Maddy summaryS 1540 expands New Jersey's Crime Victim's Bill of Rights to specifically protect cooperating witnesses who help prosecutors investigate and testify in criminal cases. The bill authorizes funding for relocation expenses and safety measures (like protective services during testimony) for these witnesses and their families. It amends existing law to guarantee cooperating witnesses the right to "protection from harm," information about available safety options, and assistance before, during, and after court proceedings. This directly affects individuals testifying for the government, including confidential informants, who face threats due to their cooperation. The bill also updates funding mechanisms to support these safety services through the Victim and Witness Advocacy Fund.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends eligibility for the New Jersey Schools Development Authority's (SDA) section 15 grant to the Marie H. Katzenbach School for the Deaf, making it the first deaf school in New Jersey to qualify for this funding. The grant covers the state's share of costs for school facility projects, such as health and safety upgrades, and is typically available to non-SDA districts. The school will now be able to apply for this one-time funding through the SDA's standard process, including a 90-day application window and a 90-day decision timeline.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's domestic violence law to explicitly include attempts or conspiracies to commit specific crimes as acts of domestic violence. It expands the definition to cover 19 listed offenses - including assault, sexual assault, kidnapping, and others - meaning that even planning or trying to commit these acts could trigger domestic violence protections and consequences. This change directly affects victims seeking legal remedies and perpetrators facing charges, as it allows courts to address preparatory actions before physical harm occurs. The law clarifies legislative intent following a court ruling that excluded attempted crimes from the original definition, ensuring consistent application of domestic violence statutes.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state, county, and private adult and juvenile correctional facilities to provide free voice calls, video calls, and email services to incarcerated individuals. It eliminates all fees for both the incarcerated person and their family members receiving calls or messages, prohibiting facilities from charging commissions, surcharges, or additional fees. The bill amends existing law to mandate that these communication services be provided at no cost to any party, while allowing facilities to maintain security measures. It also includes an appropriation for implementation, as certified by correctional authorities. The policy directly affects incarcerated individuals and their families across all correctional facilities in New Jersey.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year pilot program to improve reading skills for students not meeting grade-level expectations by the end of second grade. It directs the Commissioner of Education to provide summer school reading instruction in selected school districts, requiring districts to apply with specific enrollment and past summer school data. The program appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to fund the initiative, with the Commissioner selecting two districts per region (northern, central, southern) to ensure urban, suburban, and rural representation. At the program's conclusion, the Commissioner must report on its effectiveness and recommend whether to expand it statewide.