Maddy summaryThis bill would provide property tax rebates to New Jersey veterans with service-connected disabilities, allowing them to receive a rebate equal to their disability percentage (e.g., a 30% disability rating would get a 30% rebate on property taxes). It directly affects veterans who are honorably discharged, have a VA-rated disability, live in their primary residence (homestead), and have gross income under $200,000. The rebate is capped at $5,000 annually, with special provisions for renters (18% of rent counted as property taxes) and mobile home owners (18% of site fees counted as property taxes). Veterans with 100% disability are already exempt from property taxes and would not qualify for this rebate. Funding for the program would depend on annual legislative appropriations.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to provide a property tax exemption for the primary residence of a surviving spouse whose first responder spouse (law enforcement officer, firefighter, or first aid/ambulance/rescue squad member) died while performing regular duties. The exemption applies only if the death resulted directly from duty (not willful negligence), the property was the deceased's primary residence at the time of death, and the surviving spouse continues to live there as their primary residence. The exemption ends if the surviving spouse remarries. It would require voter approval to become law.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "EMS Part" within New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), specifically for certified emergency medical services (EMS) workers. It directly affects EMTs, paramedics, nurses, and other licensed EMS personnel who provide basic or advanced life support services under state health department certification. Key provisions include enhanced retirement benefits - such as a pension equal to 50% of final salary for those with 20+ years of service, mandatory retirement at age 70, and state coverage of increased pension costs for counties/municipalities. The bill ensures these employees receive retirement benefits comparable to other public-sector groups under PERS.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3397 provides a tax credit to employers who hire qualified workers with disabilities. Employers can claim a 15% credit on wages paid to these employees (capped at $2,000 per employee annually), provided the worker has a disability recognized under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, works at least 35 hours weekly, and earns $15+ per hour. To qualify, employers must submit an application to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services for certification, which must be approved within 90 days or deemed automatic. The credit excludes independent contractors and cannot reduce tax liability below zero, with unused credits potentially carried forward for up to seven years.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to appropriate at least $10 million annually from the General Fund to the Department of Health for Public Health Priority Funding, starting July after the bill takes effect. It directly affects local health departments across the state, which lost this dedicated, unrestricted funding when it was eliminated in 2011 (previously accounting for about 15% of their budget). The funding must be spent as outlined in the existing "Public Health Priority Funding Act of 1977," restoring a flexible resource for local health needs. Currently, local health departments rely on fragmented funding sources like property taxes and purpose-limited grants, which this bill aims to supplement.
Maddy summaryThis bill removes a $10,000 annual salary threshold for retired public school teachers returning to teaching positions at New Jersey's public colleges and universities. Currently, these retirees avoid having their retirement benefits canceled only if their new salary exceeds $10,000 per year. The bill eliminates this specific dollar amount, meaning the exemption applies automatically regardless of salary. It directly affects retired educators who return to teaching roles at public higher education institutions. The change simplifies the rule by removing an outdated reference, aligning with legislative intent.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health to launch a mobile cancer screening program using staffed vehicles deployed across all three regions of the state within 180 days. The program must be staffed by licensed healthcare professionals who perform screenings for various cancers based on their expertise and available equipment. The state appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund to fund this initiative, with the Department required to submit a report on program results and recommendations to the legislature within two years. The bill directly affects residents in underserved communities by expanding access to preventive cancer screenings.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill S 1032 requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Children’s Services (DCS) to study workforce conditions for service providers in mental health, substance use disorder, and developmental disability programs, as well as child welfare services. It mandates annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for these providers based on the Consumer Price Index, effective October 1 each year. The studies must examine workforce vacancy rates, demographics, geographic distribution, care needs, and future supply-demand gaps. DHS and DCS must report findings and COLA evaluations to the Governor and Legislature annually, with public access to reports online. The bill directly affects contracted service providers delivering Medicaid-funded care in these sectors.
Maddy summaryS 2535 establishes a new minimum Medicaid reimbursement rate for structured day program services provided to Medicaid beneficiaries with brain injuries. The bill requires that these services be reimbursed at the average rate of $9.09 per 15 minutes (currently $3.65), aligning with reimbursement rates for similar services under the Division of Developmental Disabilities. This change directly affects approved brain injury service providers who deliver structured day programs to Medicaid beneficiaries. The policy applies to services provided on or after the bill's effective date, ensuring consistent reimbursement for brain injury care.
Maddy summaryS 3346 requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Transportation to create and maintain a searchable website displaying information about federally funded transportation infrastructure projects. The website must include project details like cost, dates, responsible entities, and data on minority and women-owned business participation and employment impacts. The State Comptroller will monitor the website's operation and publish annual reports on its effectiveness and the employment statistics related to these projects. This bill applies to all state agencies administering federal transportation funds and aims to increase transparency in how these funds are allocated and spent.