Sen. Andrew Zwicker

Maddy summarySCR 24 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase New Jersey's annual property tax deduction for veterans from $250 to $1,250, effective 2024. It directly affects honorably discharged veterans and their surviving spouses who reside in New Jersey. The key mechanism adjusts the deduction amount annually (cancelling taxes if below $1,250) and extends eligibility to surviving spouses after a veteran's death. This amendment requires voter approval at the next general election to take effect.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1585 establishes ranked-choice voting for statewide and federal elections, including races for Governor, State Senate, General Assembly, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House, as well as presidential primaries and general elections. Voters would rank candidates in order of preference on ballots (with a minimum of six rankings allowed), and ballots would be counted in rounds: candidates needing 50%+1 votes win immediately in single-winner races, while multi-winner Assembly races use a 33%+1 threshold with vote transfers. The bill requires ballot design accommodating rankings and mandates implementation after voting machines are certified for ranked-choice use, with Governor elections requiring a separate constitutional amendment approved by voters. This directly affects all voters participating in these elections across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies state aid calculations for school districts participating in regionalization feasibility studies (studies exploring merging school districts). Districts with positive state aid differentials that are actively pursuing regionalization through approved grant programs will have their aid reductions phased more slowly (30% to 100% over years) compared to other districts. To maintain this reduced-rate aid, these districts must hold voter referendums on regionalization within two years of grant approval and secure final voter approval for a regionalization plan within three years. The bill directly affects participating school districts engaged in regionalization studies, altering their state funding adjustments based on their progress toward consolidation.

Maddy summaryS 773 allows New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to postpone a school district's annual comprehensive review under the New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (NJQSAC) for one year if a school building is damaged, destroyed, or lost due to a disaster or hazardous weather event. This directly affects school districts impacted by such events, giving them temporary relief from the standard accountability review process. To request a postponement, a school district's board of education must pass a resolution directing the superintendent to apply, and the Commissioner must decide within 15 business days. The bill does not change the NJQSAC's overall purpose, which is to monitor school district performance, but provides a one-year delay for disaster-affected districts. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 9, 2024.

Maddy summaryS 1617 establishes a three-year pilot program in New Jersey public schools for project-based learning (PBL) in grades 9-12. It directly affects school districts with students in those grades, requiring them to apply to participate by submitting course proposals, student estimates, and other details. The Commissioner of Education will select up to six districts - two from each of the state's three regions, with diversity across urban, suburban, and rural areas - to implement PBL courses. After the pilot, the Commissioner must report to the Governor and Legislature on implementation and recommend whether to continue or expand the program. The bill defines PBL as student-driven projects involving real-world design, development, and implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Commissioner of Human Services to seek federal Medicaid funding to create new graduate medical training positions focused on behavioral health care (such as mental health and substance use treatment). It requires the state to apply for federal waivers allowing Medicaid funds to support these new residency slots. If approved, the state would establish a process for medical programs to request and use Medicaid funds to expand behavioral health training. The bill directly affects New Jersey's medical residency programs seeking to grow behavioral health training capacity.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires every New Jersey county to install at least one drive-up ballot drop box accessible 24/7, with security cameras and ADA-compliant access. It mandates specific locations for all ballot drop boxes, including county government buildings, municipalities over 5,000 residents, and large colleges/universities, while ensuring at least one box serves areas with lower median incomes. The bill also prohibits boxes within 100 feet of police station entrances (unless pre-approved), bans political materials near boxes, and requires county boards to establish a minimum of 10 secure drop locations per county. These changes directly affect all New Jersey voters who use mail-in ballots, ensuring accessible and secure drop-off options statewide.

Maddy summaryS 1646 prohibits New Jersey employers from paying subminimum wages to workers based on age, disability, injury, or status as a student, apprentice, or learner. It eliminates the current system where the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) issued special licenses allowing lower pay for these groups. The bill requires all workers to receive the full state minimum wage regardless of these factors. This change applies to all employers covered by New Jersey's minimum wage law, effective upon the bill's implementation date.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1468) prohibits public school districts from holding classes on election days when their schools serve as polling places. It directly affects school districts using public schools as voting locations, requiring them to cancel classes that day. Instead, districts may use the time for staff in-service training or professional development. The law aims to enhance student safety by reducing public access to school grounds during elections, as stated in the bill's purpose. It takes immediate effect and applies to all subsequent elections, including the November 2021 general election as referenced in the text.

Maddy summaryS 1580 proposes creating the "Innovation Partnership" program to fund nonprofit organizations that support emerging technology businesses in New Jersey. The program would provide grants to certified nonprofits working with the state's Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology to help businesses in fields like cybersecurity, biotechnology, and renewable energy. It specifically prioritizes funding for minority-owned and women-owned emerging tech businesses (defined as having at least 51% ownership by minorities or women, respectively). The bill establishes a dedicated fund and requires nonprofits to be certified by the commission to qualify for these grants. This would directly affect eligible tech startups and their supporting nonprofit partners across the state.