Sen. Andrew Zwicker

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill streamlines the process for filling vacancies in the state's U.S. House of Representatives seat. It requires the Governor to issue a writ within 10 days of a vacancy and eliminates primary elections for all vacancies. The bill establishes three specific scenarios for election timing: using the next general election if the vacancy occurs between July 1 and 70 days before the general election, or holding a special election 70-80 days after the writ issuance if the vacancy happens before July 1 or after 70 days before the general election with an unexpired term exceeding one year.

Maddy summaryS 2950 gradually reduces the employee threshold for New Jersey's Family Leave Act, lowering the minimum number of workers an employer must have to be covered from 30 to 5 employees over two years. Starting immediately, businesses with 20+ employees must comply, then 10+ employees after one year, and finally 5+ employees after two years. This change extends job protection rights to employees of smaller businesses, ensuring workers can return to their jobs after family leave for reasons like birth, adoption, or caring for a sick family member. Previously, employers with fewer than 30 employees were exempt from these reinstatement requirements.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3853 revises election audit procedures to require annual independent audits of paper ballots for all federal, statewide, and county/municipal elections in counties with 100+ districts. The bill mandates that audits - conducted either by hand or via independent third-party electronic machines (not linked to official tabulation systems) - must begin 13 days after an election and conclude before results are certified. It replaces specific statistical accuracy requirements with a process requiring audit methods to be published publicly for public comment before each election. This directly affects county election officials, the Secretary of State, and voters by increasing transparency and standardizing post-election verification processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey county prosecutors to collect and report specific data about firearm-related incidents that did not cause bodily injury. Prosecutors must gather details like incident location, date, charges, and whether the firearm was used lawfully, then submit this information quarterly to the Attorney General for three years. After the reporting period ends, the Attorney General must compile and publish a comprehensive report for the Governor and Legislature online. The bill does not change existing laws but creates a new data collection system focused on non-injury firearm incidents.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Innovation Authority, a new state agency within the Department of the Treasury, to lead technology innovation across state government. The authority will consist of 13 members, including nine public members with expertise in digital technology, data science, and public engagement, and will be led by a Chief Innovation Officer appointed by the Governor initially and then by the authority. The authority's key responsibilities include advising state agencies on modernizing government services, developing metrics to measure innovation progress, and preparing annual reports to the Governor and Legislature. It will have the authority to contract directly with technology providers without standard public bidding requirements under certain circumstances and can transfer funds to nonprofit organizations like the National Center for Civic Innovation to support its work.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $15,815,984 from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues to fund historic preservation projects across New Jersey. The funds will support 33 capital preservation projects (totaling $12.1 million) and 36 historic site management projects (totaling $1.6 million), plus $100,000 for emergency preservation needs and $1.98 million for administrative costs. The New Jersey Historic Trust will administer the grants for properties listed or eligible for listing in the New Jersey or National Register of Historic Places, with recipients required to provide matching funds. Projects include preservation work on sites like the Atlantic City Convention Hall, USS New Jersey, and various historic districts across 15 counties. This legislation implements the constitutional dedication of CBT revenues for historic preservation established by the Preserve New Jersey Act.

Maddy summaryS 5016 allows dual-use solar facilities - solar installations that also support agricultural activities like crop growing - to join New Jersey's community solar program. This expands the program's eligibility to include these projects, directly affecting solar developers and utility customers who can now access bill credits from dual-use solar farms. The bill does not alter existing program rules for standard solar facilities but explicitly adds dual-use projects as a new category of eligible participants. The community solar program continues to let customers receive bill credits for solar energy generated at remote sites within their utility territory.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's Allied Health Care Professional Loan Redemption Program through the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. It provides partial reimbursement of student loans for licensed allied health professionals (such as nurses, therapists, technicians, and home health aides) who work full-time in the state for at least one year. To qualify, applicants must be New Jersey residents, hold a relevant license or credential, and agree to a service contract with the Authority for up to four years. The program covers loan balances for education costs required to enter the profession, with reimbursement tied to annual service commitments.

Maddy summaryS 4012 establishes the "New Economy Opportunity Skills System Pilot Program" to improve collaboration between local workforce development boards, community colleges, and county vocational school districts in New Jersey. The pilot program, launching in three areas, requires joint development of workforce training with industry credentials, coordinated marketing, and integrated funding planning to better align services with employer needs. Community colleges are designated as the preferred providers for workforce training and adult literacy programs under state workforce services. The State Employment and Training Commission must submit annual reports on program outcomes and develop a statewide strategy to expand the pilot, with funding prioritizing federal sources before state funds. The program expires after three years but allows for anticipatory implementation steps.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to create and regularly update a public list of industry-valued credentials - such as certificates, diplomas, or certifications that employers actively seek and that lead to better wages, career advancement, or job security. DOLWD must base the list on state labor market data and direct employer feedback, updating it annually and making it available online as both a list and a downloadable file. The list will help workers identify credentials that align with employer needs and job market demands across New Jersey.