Maddy summaryThis bill creates a single online pre-application system for New Jersey residents to apply for multiple affordable and senior housing options at once, including rental, for-sale, and temporary housing. It consolidates applications for 10 state and federal housing subsidy programs - such as Section 8 vouchers, rental assistance, and homelessness prevention programs - into one streamlined platform. The system serves only as an initial pre-eligibility check for waitlists, not a final approval, and allows users to select specific locations like municipalities or counties. It directly affects low-income residents, seniors, and individuals seeking housing assistance by simplifying access to multiple housing resources. The New Jersey Housing Agency must implement this by updating its website and adopting necessary rules.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1630) amends New Jersey's Safe Dam Act to require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to consider potential impacts to natural resources - such as wildlife, fish, habitat, plants, and historic sites - when classifying dams based on hazard potential. Currently, DEP's classification system only considers potential loss of life and property damage. The bill mandates that the DEP update its classification criteria to include natural resource impacts alongside existing factors. This change affects dam owners (who must comply with inspection requirements) and the DEP (which must revise its classification process). The legislation does not alter dam inspection procedures but adjusts how dams are categorized by risk level.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to cancel classes on election days when a school building serves as a polling place. School boards may instead use the time for staff training or professional development. The law aims to improve student safety by preventing large crowds of voters from entering school grounds during class hours. It takes effect immediately and applies first to the November 2021 general election.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2262) requires health care providers and insurers to obtain a patient’s explicit written consent before sharing medical records related to reproductive health care services - including pregnancy, contraception, or abortion care - with anyone outside the care team, unless specific exceptions apply. Patients must be informed of their right to withhold consent before receiving care or when sharing information about past services. Limited exceptions allow disclosure during medical emergencies, for legal compliance (like court orders), to protect against liability claims, or for investigations into abuse. Violations could trigger $1,000 penalties per incident, but the law explicitly preserves existing HIPAA protections.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits force-feeding ducks, geese, or other poultry to produce foie gras (a food product made from enlarged liver), except when done for a bird's health. It also bans the sale or distribution of foie gras unless the product comes from a state or jurisdiction that already prohibits force-feeding. Violations carry a written warning for the first offense, followed by $100 civil penalties for repeat violations (with each day of ongoing violation counting separately). The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill lowers the minimum uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage required for transportation network company drivers (like Uber or Lyft drivers) and their companies when providing rides. It reduces the current $1.5 million coverage limit to $25,000 per person for injury/death (increasing to $35,000 after 2026), $50,000 total for multiple people (increasing to $70,000 after 2026), and $25,000 for property damage. The change applies to insurance plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2023, with gradual increases over time. This directly affects drivers and companies using personal vehicles for ride services in New Jersey.
Maddy summaryThis bill permanently designates the 21.5-acre Caven Point Peninsula in Liberty State Park (Jersey City, Hudson County) as protected natural habitat. It preserves the area’s coastal wetland ecosystem, critical bird breeding grounds, and urban environmental education resource by overriding previous land use rules. The designation ensures the peninsula remains undisturbed for wildlife conservation and public education. The bill directly affects only this specific peninsula within Liberty State Park, with no broader geographic or policy implications.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey county colleges to partner with county social services boards to help low-income students access essential support programs like food assistance (SNAP), childcare subsidies, and cash aid (TANF). It mandates colleges and social services agencies to collaborate on streamlining application processes, providing direct student assistance, and identifying gaps in meeting basic needs. The bill also directs colleges and workforce boards to form partnerships connecting unemployed residents with career-focused college programs. These provisions aim to increase enrollment in social services and improve access to educational pathways for low-income students.
Maddy summaryS 751 transfers responsibility for inspecting on-farm dairy processing operations from the Department of Health (DOH) to the Department of Agriculture (DOA). It requires DOA to collaborate with DOH and local health boards for inspections and transfers all related records, equipment, and DOH employees who conduct these inspections to DOA. The bill does not change inspection standards or requirements for dairy processors but reorganizes oversight authority and resources between state agencies. This is a procedural transfer affecting agency operations, not a new policy for dairy businesses.
Maddy summarySCR 65 is a symbolic resolution passed by New Jersey's Senate condemning Hinduphobia - defined as prejudice or hatred against Hinduism and Hindus - and anti-Hindu bigotry. It declares New Jersey a welcoming state for Hindu Americans, recognizing their contributions to U.S. society and citing documented hate crimes against the community. The resolution has no binding legal effect but directs copies to the governor, New Jersey's congressional delegation, and the Hindu American Foundation. It serves as a formal statement of support, not a policy change.