Maddy summaryS 2181 establishes the "New Economy Opportunity Skills System Pilot Program" to improve collaboration between local workforce development boards, community colleges, and county vocational school districts in New Jersey. The pilot program, operating for three years, requires joint development of workforce training with industry credentials, coordinated marketing, integrated funding planning, and performance tracking using metrics like employment rates and credential attainment. It designates community colleges and vocational schools as preferred providers for workforce training and adult literacy programs, targeting job seekers, workers, and public assistance recipients. The bill appropriates state funds from the Workforce Development Partnership Fund and Supplemental Workforce Fund to support the pilot, with annual progress reports required to the Governor and Legislature. (Note: This bill was withdrawn as approved under P.L.2025, c.375.)
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires state agencies in New Jersey to establish strict procurement rules for firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories. Contractors bidding on state contracts must certify they do not sell unserialized gun kits or precursor parts, disclose past inspection violations, and provide annual documentation on license compliance, trace requests, thefts, and safety policies. It mandates state agencies to reject non-compliant bids and prohibits emergency purchases of these items. The law directly affects vendors seeking state contracts and aims to enhance oversight of firearm-related procurement.
Maddy summaryS 1668 establishes the "Artificial Intelligence Innovation Partnership" in New Jersey, administered by the Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology. It provides funding to certified nonprofit organizations that collaborate with emerging AI technology businesses, universities, and research institutions to support AI innovation and commercialization within the state. The program specifically targets early-stage AI companies conducting research, pilot manufacturing, or technology commercialization in New Jersey, including those owned by underrepresented groups. Nonprofits must meet specific tax and incorporation requirements to qualify for funding under this initiative.
Maddy summaryS 1672 allows New Jersey public bodies (like city councils, commissions, and boards) to legally post official meeting notices online through newspapers or online news publications, instead of requiring only print notices. It establishes specific rules for which online publications qualify (those designated by the public body as best reaching the local public) and sets maximum rates these publications can charge for posting notices. The bill also requires all official notices to be published in English and maintains existing requirements for posting physical notices and filing with local officials. This changes how public bodies must share meeting information, directly affecting local governments and news organizations that publish official notices.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires state agencies and projects funded by the state to install or replace outdoor lighting fixtures that reduce light pollution and conserve energy. It mandates fully shielded fixtures, limits color temperature to 2,700 Kelvin (with limited exceptions), requires motion sensors, and prohibits excessive upward light emission. Exceptions apply for emergencies, temporary work, safety needs, or high-security areas. The goal is to minimize glare, light trespass, and energy waste while preserving natural nighttime conditions.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1624) removes a requirement that New Jersey veterans must have served in active duty or federal active duty to qualify for a $6,000 tax exemption. It directly affects honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, reserve components, or New Jersey National Guard who previously needed active duty service to claim the exemption. The key change eliminates the language requiring "active duty status" or "federal active duty status" from the tax code, allowing all eligible honorably discharged veterans to claim the exemption regardless of their service status. The bill does not change the exemption amount or eligibility criteria beyond removing the active duty requirement. It is currently pending in the Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.
Maddy summaryS 434 prohibits pet shops in New Jersey from selling cats, dogs, or rabbits, directly affecting pet shops and their customers. It repeals the previous "Pet Purchase Protection Act" and requires pet shops to collaborate with animal shelters, rescues, and pounds to facilitate adoptions instead of selling animals. The bill defines "pet shop" separately from breeders and pet dealers, ensuring the law does not restrict responsible breeders or other sellers, but bans pet shops from obtaining animals from breeders or brokers for sale. The legislation aims to reduce sales of animals from puppy mills and increase adoptions from shelters, which the bill cites as having "unadopted" animals available.
Maddy summarySJR 35 designates June 25 of each year as "Delaware and Raritan Canal Day" to honor the historical significance of New Jersey's 70-mile Delaware and Raritan Canal. The resolution requests the governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the day with activities celebrating the canal's cultural and historical importance. The canal, designated a New Jersey Historical Site in 1972 and part of a state park visited by over one million people yearly, is recognized for its role in 19th-century trade and preservation of industrial heritage.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative, operated by the New Jersey Community College Consortium. It creates "Centers of Workforce Innovation" focused on high-demand fields like healthcare, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and manufacturing. These centers will develop publicly available job training curricula, provide skills for employment, promote financial aid access, and expand apprenticeships. The initiative directly affects students, workers, county colleges, employers, and educational institutions by connecting workforce development with regional economic needs. (Note: The bill was introduced in January 2026 but withdrawn the same day as it was already approved as P.L.2025, c.374.)
Maddy summaryThis bill increases state funding by $1.5 million for the Center for Great Expectations in Somerset, raising its FY2024 appropriation from $500,000 to $2.0 million. The Center provides safe housing and support services to over 1,000 individuals annually, including homeless or economically marginalized people, pregnant or parenting individuals, and those with mental health or substance use challenges. The additional funds will directly support three key programs: the state's only residential program for adolescents with mental health disorders, an adult residential program for pregnant women, and outpatient mental health/substance abuse services. The bill amends the state's annual budget to adjust the funding line for this specific program.