Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Eagleton Science and Politics Fellowship Program at Rutgers' Eagleton Institute of Politics, creating a formal structure for a program that places scientists, engineers, and healthcare professionals with PhDs into government roles. It requires selecting at least four fellows annually who work for one year with New Jersey's Legislature (at least two) and Executive Branch (at least two), receiving stipends and benefits. The bill appropriates $360,000 for initial program costs and mandates an annual $520,000 appropriation starting in fiscal year 2025 to fund fellow stipends and administration. The program directly affects eligible PhD holders in natural sciences, engineering, or healthcare who are selected for these government placements.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill raises New Jersey's minimum age for obtaining a firearms purchaser identification card from 18 to 21 years old. It directly affects 18- to 20-year-olds who would no longer be eligible to purchase firearms without a license under this law. The key change amends existing statute N.J.S.2C:58-3 to require applicants to be 21 or older for this permit, maintaining the current background check process for firearm transactions. The bill does not alter background check requirements or exceptions for immediate family, law enforcement, or collectors.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires scrap processing facilities that handle automotive shredder residue (ASR) - the non-recyclable material left after shredding cars and metal scrap - to obtain a permit from New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). It explicitly defines ASR as "hazardous waste," meaning facilities must follow DEP-set limits on storage volume, height, and duration, and cannot store ASR near homes or critical infrastructure. The law amends existing waste management statutes to include these requirements and mandates the DEP to create rules for implementation. It directly affects scrap processing facilities statewide that currently handle ASR without permitting.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1642) would allow public universities in New Jersey to include fees for legislative advocacy groups on student tuition bills as "waivable fees," rather than requiring a prior student referendum. It directly affects public university students, as these fees would appear as separate line items on tuition bills but could be opted out of by students. The bill requires clear labeling explaining the fee’s purpose, that it’s not mandatory, how to waive it, and that it doesn’t reflect university endorsement. Currently, such fees require a student vote; this change eliminates that step while maintaining student choice to waive the fee. The policy would take effect immediately upon passage.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's "College Ready Students Program," providing tuition-free dual enrollment at county colleges for eligible public high school students. It directly affects 11th and 12th graders who meet financial need criteria (matching NJ Educational Opportunity Fund standards) and maintain a minimum C average in college courses. Students may earn up to 6 tuition-free credits per school year (3 per semester), with school districts required to have dual enrollment agreements with county colleges. The state covers all tuition costs, and the Commissioner of Education must annually report program metrics like participation rates and student outcomes to the Governor and Legislature.
Maddy summaryS 2866 requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Human Services to appoint a State Dementia Services Coordinator with expertise in dementia care. This coordinator will develop a master plan, coordinate existing state services (including the Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Advisory Commission), prevent service duplication, identify gaps, and improve access to quality dementia care for affected individuals and their families. The bill appropriates $150,000 from the General Fund to fund this position and mandates all state departments to cooperate with the coordinator by providing necessary data and assistance. It directly affects people with dementia, caregivers, and state agencies delivering dementia-related services.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2184) expands the Disability Services helpline to help people with disabilities plan visits to State and county public facilities by coordinating accommodations. The helpline will provide information on accessibility features (like ramps, sign language interpreters, and hearing loops), service animal policies, and assistance with accessibility complaints. State and county facilities must designate an office to coordinate on-site accommodations arranged through the helpline, with contact details made public. The bill appropriates $100,000 to implement these changes, focusing on improving access to public facilities for individuals with disabilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey's definition of "veteran" to remove specific date and location requirements for qualifying for civil service jobs and pension benefits. Previously, veterans had to prove service during exact historical periods (like World War I: April 6, 1917-November 11, 1918) or in designated locations (such as Lebanon during specific missions). The bill amends N.J.S.11A:5-1 to eliminate these restrictions, allowing more veterans who served in approved conflicts to qualify. It directly affects veterans whose service dates or locations no longer align with the old criteria but still meet the broader definition of honorable military service.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 604 prohibits state pension and annuity funds from investing in the 200 largest publicly traded fossil fuel companies, ranked by carbon content in their oil, gas, and coal reserves. It requires full divestment from these companies within one year (two years for coal companies), with exceptions allowing temporary reinvestment if fund values drop below 99.5% of their hypothetical value without divestment. The bill mandates annual reports tracking divestment progress and compliance to the Governor, Legislature, and Attorney General. This policy directly affects the state's $100+ billion pension funds and their investment decisions regarding fossil fuel holdings.
Maddy summaryS 3004 establishes the "Disability Mortality and Abuse Prevention Advisory Committee" within New Jersey's Department of Human Services to address cases involving adults (18+) with intellectual or developmental disabilities who have experienced abuse, neglect, exploitation, or died. The committee, composed of 13 diverse members including medical professionals, family members, providers, and advocates, will review select cases over two years to evaluate government system responses, identify prevention gaps, and recommend improvements to reporting and accountability processes. It will analyze factors contributing to incidents, assess investigative standards, and submit confidential findings to the Departments of Human Services and Children and Families. The bill was introduced in 2026 but withdrawn after being approved as part of P.L.2025, c.282.