Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $71.4 million Stabilized School Budget Aid Grant Program to help eligible New Jersey school districts offset state aid reductions for the 2024-2025 school year. It provides grants covering up to two-thirds of a district’s state aid reduction, but requires districts to first fully use all available tax authority (including "banked" tax capacity) before receiving aid. Districts receiving aid may also increase local tax levies by up to one-third of the aid amount, but cannot exceed a 9.9% tax levy growth limit relative to the prior year. The program directly affects school districts facing state aid cuts, with eligibility based on positive state aid differentials and subject to specific spending and staffing requirements.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 3240 would allow 16 and 17-year-olds who are U.S. citizens and residents of a New Jersey school district (for at least 30 days before the election) to vote *only* in local school board elections. The bill directs the Secretary of State to create a registration process and ballot design for these voters that mirrors existing systems for all other eligible voters. It does not change voting eligibility for state, federal, or other local elections, and school boards or municipalities are not required to take any action to implement it. The law would take effect January 1 following its enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $9 million from New Jersey's General Fund to fund a three-year pilot program for project-based STEM education in nine school districts. It specifically targets at-risk students in grades six through eight, focusing on hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math learning through curriculum development, teacher training, and classroom resources. Four of the nine participating districts may include Camden, Newark, Paterson, and Trenton school districts. The program requires the state education commissioner to submit a final report evaluating its implementation and recommending whether it should be expanded statewide.
Maddy summaryS 3175 removes the requirement that public work contractors must participate in a registered apprenticeship program to bid on or perform construction projects covered by New Jersey's prevailing wage laws. The bill repeals a previous provision (P.L.2021, c.423, section 6) that mandated this participation. Instead, it establishes standards for apprenticeship programs that contractors may choose to use, requiring that any such program's training requirements meet or exceed U.S. Department of Labor standards. This change directly affects contractors bidding on or working on public construction projects subject to prevailing wage requirements.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey S 3164 establishes a 11-member Reparations Task Force to study the historical and ongoing impacts of slavery and systemic racial discrimination on Black communities in New Jersey. The task force, appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders, will examine New Jersey's role in slavery, review current racial disparities in voting, housing, wealth, education, and youth justice, and develop recommendations for reparative policies. The task force will hold six public meetings across the state and issue an interim report within 12 months and a final report within 24 months. The bill creates a formal process for New Jersey to address its historical role in slavery and its lasting effects through research, community input, and policy recommendations.
Maddy summarySCR 104 is a symbolic resolution (not a law) passed by the New Jersey Senate condemning hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry. It formally declares New Jersey's opposition to prejudice against Hinduism and Hindus, recognizing the religion's global significance and Hindu Americans' contributions to society. The resolution defines hinduphobia as "antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes" toward Hinduism and Hindus, citing documented hate crimes. Copies will be sent to the Governor, New Jersey's Congress members, and the Hindu American Foundation. It has no legal effect beyond expressing the state's stance.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires all filled beverage containers sold in the state to be returnable with a $0.10 deposit. Consumers would pay this deposit at purchase and receive a full refund when returning empty containers to retailers or designated redemption centers. The system mandates that retailers accept all eligible containers for return and refund, and distributors who collect more in deposits than they issue in refunds must pay the difference to the state. Funds collected would support environmental cleanup and pollution prevention programs through designated state funds.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires drivers in New Jersey to safely pass pedestrians, cyclists, and users of mobility devices like wheelchairs, scooters, and skateboards. Drivers must either change lanes (if safe), maintain at least four feet of distance, or slow to 25 mph when passing these road users. It specifically defines "personal conveyance" to include devices such as electric scooters, manual wheelchairs, and skateboards, and expands "pedestrian" to cover workers and emergency responders on roadways. Violating these rules results in fines of $100 (without injury) or $500 (with injury), plus penalty points for serious violations. The law, now effective as P.L.2024, c.11, aims to improve safety for vulnerable road users.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the State Treasurer to sell surplus property located at 1600 Brooks Boulevard (4.30 acres, former Hillsborough Social Services Office) in Hillsborough Township, Somerset County. The property must be sold to the Manville Borough Board of Education for $870,000, or to the highest bidder via internet auction with that as the minimum price if the Board declines. It directly affects the State (as owner), the Manville Board of Education (as potential buyer), and local taxpayers (through the sale process). The bill is procedural, requiring no new policy changes beyond this specific property transaction, and took effect immediately upon approval.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands the types of investments that New Jersey school districts and local government units can make with their funds. It allows investments in negotiable certificates of deposit (up to 3 years maturity), corporate debt obligations (up to 5 years), bankers' acceptances (up to 180 days), and commercial paper (up to 270 days), provided the issuers meet specific rating requirements. To make these new investments, school district treasurers or local government financial officers must complete approved training sessions - at least four hours before making such investments and at least once every two years. These changes provide additional investment options while maintaining safeguards through mandatory training requirements.