Sen. Andrew Zwicker

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1645) requires the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) to add specific details to its annual report on New Jersey's NJCLASS student loan program. The report must now include data on how many borrowers reached 90 days of delinquency, the number of administrative wage garnishment orders initiated and issued, and the amounts collected through these garnishments. These additions apply directly to HESAA, which must submit the expanded report to the Governor, Senate President, and Assembly Speaker by August 1 each year. The bill does not change loan terms or repayment rules but increases transparency around borrower delinquency and collection practices.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1664 establishes a matching grant program for public research universities that receive federal research grants. The bill requires the Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology to distribute $5 million in state funds to help these universities match federal grants, prioritizing projects aligned with state economic development goals and priority industries. Universities must apply for funding, with selections based on criteria like economic impact potential and student research opportunities. The commission must annually report on grant recipients and the program's effectiveness in advancing economic development.

Maddy summaryS 2257 requires all health insurance plans and Medicaid in New Jersey to cover family planning and reproductive health care services - including abortion, contraception, counseling, and related medical care - without cost-sharing. It directly affects health insurers, Medicaid, and medical providers by mandating comprehensive coverage and prohibiting medical malpractice insurance companies from penalizing providers for offering legally protected reproductive care. The bill defines covered services to include abortion procedures, emergency care, genetic testing, and well-baby care, while explicitly excluding childbirth. This policy aims to remove financial barriers, particularly for low-income individuals, people of color, and those in rural areas, ensuring access to reproductive health services without insurance restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill reaffirms the continuation of Rutgers University's Institute of Management and Labor Relations for its 75th anniversary and allocates $750,000 annually in state funds to support its work. The Institute will provide affordable or free educational programs - including classes, webinars, and conferences - to New Jersey residents on labor-management relations, workforce issues, and workplace dynamics. It will also conduct research on labor-related problems and maintain an advisory council with equal representation from labor, management, and the public. The funding is supplemental to existing state allocations and specifically supports the Institute’s educational outreach and research activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the New Jersey Department of Children and Families' (DCF) FY2026 budget by $16.7 million to raise the monthly reimbursement rate for care management organizations (CMOs) serving youth with complex health needs. The rate will jump from $1,032 to $1,200 per client in 2026, with annual $100 increases until reaching $1,500 per client. CMOs - county-based agencies that coordinate care for youth with behavioral health, substance use, or developmental disabilities - will directly benefit from this funding change. The policy ensures CMOs receive higher payments for services provided through the NJ FamilyCare program.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's rules for tracking and reporting greenhouse gas emissions. It requires companies in fossil fuel production (like refineries and pipelines), electricity generators (including imported power), and gas utilities to report emissions annually, using a 20-year time horizon for calculating global warming impacts. The reporting must show progress toward state targets: maintaining emissions at 1990 levels by 2020, reducing them 50% from 2006 by 2030, and cutting them 80% by 2050. The Department of Environmental Protection will establish these reporting rules within 18 months.

Maddy summaryS 827 creates the New Jersey Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship to support students at county colleges and vocational schools. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and required course materials up to $5,000 annually after other aid is applied, for up to three years in degree programs or two years for certificates/diplomas. It targets students pursuing credentials in high-demand fields like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and education, requiring NJ residency, enrollment in approved programs aligned with state labor needs, and either employment or completion of a financial literacy course. Priority is given to high-need fields, with 5% of funds reserved for dual-enrollment students. The program mandates annual reporting on scholarship usage and job placement outcomes.

Maddy summaryS 2530 requires all New Jersey firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to complete specialized training on electric vehicle (EV) fire safety. Firefighters must finish the training within 36 months of the bill's effective date, while EMTs must complete it before certification (for new EMTs) or within 36 months (for existing EMTs). The training covers unique EV fire risks, such as the intense, prolonged heat from lithium-ion batteries, which differ from traditional gasoline fires. This policy change directly affects first responders who manage fire scenes and ensures they are prepared for the growing number of electric vehicles on New Jersey roads.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 1656, provides New Jersey employers with a tax credit for hiring individuals with disabilities. Employers can claim a 15% credit on wages paid to qualifying employees (meeting ADA standards, working ≥35 hours/week at ≥$15/hour), capped at $2,000 per employee annually for both corporation business tax and gross income tax. To qualify, employers must apply for certification through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, which must approve applications within 90 days or the application is deemed approved. The credit directly affects New Jersey businesses that hire eligible workers with disabilities, reducing their state tax liability while promoting inclusive employment.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's legal definition of "abused child" to include situations where harm is caused by someone who isn't the child's parent or legal guardian - including another child under 18. It adds specific provisions clarifying that a child is deemed abused if non-parents (including minors) commit acts described in the existing definition, while excluding incidents occurring in day schools. The change directly affects children in these scenarios and ensures caregivers, schools, and institutions must address such harm under the law. It does not alter existing protections for children receiving spiritual treatment or change the core requirements for reporting abuse.