Sen. Andrew Zwicker

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 35% tax credit against New Jersey corporation business and gross income tax for production companies staging pre-Broadway or post-Broadway theater shows at qualifying venues (350+ seats). The credit covers eligible production costs like sets, costumes, payroll, and advertising, up to a $10 million annual cap. Companies must apply to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority with details about their production, venue, and expenses, and the credit cannot reduce taxes below the state’s minimum. It directly affects theater production companies seeking to offset costs for shows targeting or following Broadway runs.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases New Jersey's monthly personal needs allowance (PNA) for low-income residents in specific facilities - from $50 to $140 - to cover personal expenses like phone calls, meals out, or hobbies. It directly affects individuals receiving medical assistance under Medicaid who live in nursing homes, state psychiatric hospitals, or state developmental centers. The allowance will automatically rise annually starting January 1 after enactment, matching the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) percentage. This change ensures the PNA remains aligned with inflation while being disregarded income for Medicaid eligibility calculations. The bill amends existing state laws to implement this increase and adjust future payments.

Maddy summaryS 249 establishes a three-year oral health pilot program (the "MOM Project") in New Jersey's Department of Health, targeting low-income pregnant women and new mothers who live in medically underserved areas and are not enrolled in Medicaid. The program provides free oral health education (at least three hours covering hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention), followed by one year of dental care including cleanings, risk assessments, and necessary treatments through community health centers. It appropriates $4.15 million to fund outreach, education, and dental services, requiring participating centers to partner with nonprofit maternal health groups to develop personalized treatment plans. The initiative aims to improve oral health outcomes for mothers and infants while collecting data on the program's impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2187) revises New Jersey's process for filling vacancies in the U.S. House of Representatives. It requires the governor to issue a special election writ within 10 days of a vacancy, unless the remaining term is less than 135 days. The bill also clarifies procedures for ballot placement and special election timing, aligning with existing statutes. Note: The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was already enacted in P.L.2025, c.275.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $1.5 million from New Jersey's Workforce Development Partnership Fund specifically to support the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. (or its successor). It directly affects the program by providing dedicated funding for its operations, as specified in subsection (11) of the amended statute. The funding is drawn from the state's workforce development budget and must be used exclusively for the program's activities. This is a procedural funding allocation, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryS 2264 establishes the "New Jersey Reproductive Health Care Equitable Access Fund" within the state Treasury. Taxpayers can voluntarily add a contribution to their New Jersey gross income tax return to support this fund, with net contributions (after administrative costs) deposited into it. The Legislature would annually allocate all funds in the account equally to the three largest Medicaid reproductive health care providers in the state, requiring them to use the money to provide services (including pregnancy-related care and pregnancy termination) to low-income individuals who cannot afford them. The bill defines "reproductive health care services" broadly to cover medical, surgical, counseling, and referral services related to the human reproductive system. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 13, 2026, and referred to the Health Committee.

Maddy summaryS 2599 requires companies, research facilities, and institutions using cats, dogs, or ferrets for product testing, research, or educational purposes in New Jersey to assess each animal for adoption suitability after testing ends and offer it to rescue organizations or private individuals if suitable. These entities must register with the state health department, report animal details (like type, number, and adoption status), and document efforts to place animals for adoption. Noncompliance results in civil penalties of up to $50,000 for repeated violations, with a third offense potentially leading to a court-ordered ban on animal testing. The bill establishes clear reporting procedures and enforcement mechanisms to ensure animals used in testing have adoption opportunities.

Maddy summaryThis bill legalizes personal cultivation and possession of marijuana plants for adults aged 21 or older in New Jersey. It allows individuals to grow and possess up to six marijuana plants for recreational use (with a maximum of 12 plants per household), and qualifying medical patients or their designated caregivers to grow and possess up to 10 plants for medical use (also capped at 12 plants per household). The bill amends criminal law to remove penalties for these specific amounts, making such activity not a crime, offense, or civil violation. It applies only to personal use and does not authorize commercial sales or cultivation beyond these limits.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 333) expands the legal definition of agricultural trespass to cover more types of farmland and activities. It broadens "lands" to include orchards, nurseries, cranberry bogs, equipment storage areas, and land used for farming activities like crop processing or soil management. The bill makes it a violation to enter or remain on these lands without written permission - whether on foot, horseback, or using any vehicle/equipment - and increases civil penalties from $100 to $1,000 for damaging property like crops or fences. It directly affects farmers (who gain stronger legal protections) and anyone entering agricultural properties without authorization.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes programs to support neurodiverse students at New Jersey county colleges, appropriating $1.475 million. It creates a two-year pilot program to hire accessibility coordinators at three county colleges (one per region), who will provide academic advising, resource navigation, and career connections. The bill also requires professional development for faculty/staff on supporting neurodiverse students and funds grants for STEM facility modifications like sensory-friendly spaces and assistive technology. These programs are pending approval and will be evaluated after completion, directly affecting neurodiverse students enrolled in county colleges statewide.