Sen. Andrew Zwicker

Maddy summaryS 1669 repeals a 1995 law (P.L.1995, c.63) that prohibited public colleges and universities in New Jersey from adding funds for legislative agents or organizations to student tuition bills. The repealed law had allowed optional fees for nonpartisan student groups influencing legislation only if approved by a student referendum, with specific disclosure requirements on tuition statements. This bill removes that restriction, meaning institutions could now potentially assess such fees on tuition without the prior referendum requirement. It directly affects public higher education institutions and student organizations seeking to engage in legislative advocacy. The repeal takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Reproductive Health Care Access Fund" in New Jersey's General Fund to address gaps in abortion provider availability and enhance clinic security. The fund will directly support three programs: (1) clinical training for health care professionals to expand access, (2) security grants for facilities facing threats like violence or cyberattacks, and (3) loans for reproductive health care facilities. It targets providers in underserved areas, including southern counties with no abortion clinics, as highlighted in a 2023 Rutgers report. The fund will finance these programs using state appropriations and interest earnings, aiming to sustain providers and protect patients.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 671) requires most full-service restaurants (with 10+ seats) to stop providing single-use utensils or condiments to dine-in customers, instead offering reusable options that customers must return after use. Casual dining establishments may only provide these items if customers specifically request them, and online orders must default to "no utensils" unless requested. Exemptions include schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, and food courts (for two years), while pre-packaged items with attached utensils are also exempt. The bill also mandates the Environmental Protection Department to run an education campaign about reducing single-use items and imposes fines ($1,000 for second offense) for violations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 49) urges Congress to pass H.R.3339, which would establish a national infrastructure bank to address significant funding gaps for large-scale infrastructure projects. The proposed bank would generate capital by selling U.S. Treasury bonds to private investors, then lend funds to state and local governments for projects like roads, bridges, broadband, and energy systems. It directly affects states and municipalities by providing a dedicated, long-term funding source for infrastructure modernization, which the resolution cites as critical due to aging systems and climate-related strain (e.g., New Jersey’s 29% of roads in poor condition). The resolution emphasizes that current funding mechanisms are insufficient, and the bank model is used by other nations and historically by the U.S. for major economic investments.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Family Day Care Provider Registration Act (P.L.1987, c.27) to increase the maximum number of children a registered family day care provider can care for from five to ten at one time. It directly affects registered family day care providers operating from their homes, allowing them to serve more children while remaining under the existing registration system. The change modifies the definition of a "family day care home" in the law, specifying that registered providers may care for up to 10 children (excluding legally related children or those in employment agreements with providers). This is a concrete policy adjustment to capacity limits for home-based child care providers, not a new licensing requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to create and annually update a public list of industry-valued credentials - such as certificates, diplomas, or certifications that employers actively seek. The list would identify credentials most in demand based on state labor market data and direct employer feedback, aiming to help workers choose training that aligns with job opportunities. DOLWD must publish the list online in both display and downloadable formats. The bill directly affects workers seeking career advancement and employers looking for qualified candidates, with no new funding or mandates for businesses. (Note: This bill was withdrawn after being approved as part of P.L.2025, c.372.)

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a permanent Office of New Americans within New Jersey's Department of Human Services. It directly serves immigrants, refugees, and their families - over two million people representing nearly a quarter of the state's population - by providing refugee resettlement services, legal assistance, health screenings, and workforce development programs. The office will act as a central hub for coordinating state services, offering technical assistance to other agencies, and ensuring programs are culturally responsive. The Director, appointed by the Human Services Commissioner, will lead these efforts with staff prioritizing lived experience in immigrant communities. The bill formalizes existing initiatives from Executive Order 74 (2019) to improve access to resources and build trust between immigrant communities and state government.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a one-time tax credit to New Jersey organic farmers who paid certification fees between May 30 and December 31, 2022. Eligible farmers receive a credit equal to the difference between fees paid to private certification companies and fees paid to the state Department of Agriculture during that period. The credit applies to farmers certified by both systems (state and private) and meeting federal organic standards. It covers only the 2022 certification period and does not create ongoing tax benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $1.5 million grant program to support wine and grape education at New Jersey's four-year public colleges. It directs the Secretary of Higher Education to award up to $500,000 each to three institutions (one in each of the state's regions) to create or expand degree or certificate programs in wine science, grape growing, winemaking, and industry business operations. The program allows students under 21 to enroll in these academic programs, but prohibits participation in alcohol-related coursework or events requiring a 21+ age limit. Institutions must submit detailed applications outlining program plans, student support, and industry partnerships, and the Secretary must report on the program's implementation and outcomes to the Governor and Legislature before its conclusion.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1633 requires all state agencies to update public forms, applications, and documents to collect optional demographic data on sex, gender identity, gender, and sexual orientation. The bill mandates that these questions be clearly marked as voluntary, use sensitive language that accommodates non-binary identities, and avoid conflating sex with gender. Individuals (or their parents/guardians for minors) retain full control over whether to provide this information, with no state employee or third party allowed to deny services based on non-disclosure. This applies to all state forms currently used for official business, aiming to modernize data collection practices that previously lacked inclusivity for LGBTQ+ individuals.