Sen. Patrick Diegnan

Maddy summaryThis bill adds boardwalks to New Jersey's definition of "public highways" under transportation funding programs, making them eligible for state support. It creates a new "Local Aid Infrastructure Fund" specifically for grants to municipal boardwalk projects, including construction and repairs. The change directly affects coastal and recreational municipalities (like Atlantic City or Asbury Park) that maintain boardwalks as part of their transportation infrastructure. Key provisions allow these communities to access state transportation funds previously reserved for roads, bridges, and pedestrian pathways. The policy formally recognizes boardwalks as critical transportation infrastructure, not just tourist amenities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to consult with the Department of Agriculture and local County Agriculture Development Boards when creating the state's annual transportation capital project list. It mandates DOT to develop a method for incorporating agricultural transportation needs identified through these consultations into its infrastructure evaluation systems. The policy directly affects farmers and agricultural businesses by ensuring their infrastructure concerns are considered in project selection. DOT must then integrate these needs into its standard processes for identifying and prioritizing transportation projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to issue special windshield stickers for electric vehicles (EVs) that are exempt from emission inspections. The stickers will indicate to law enforcement that the vehicle qualifies for this exemption, and there will be no fee for obtaining them. Owners or lessees must display the stickers visibly and return them to the MVC within 30 days if they no longer own or lease the EV. The bill defines "electric vehicle" as any vehicle powered solely by electricity without an on-board engine or generator, including plug-in electric vehicles but excluding plug-in hybrids.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to maintain nasal rescue medication (like diazepam or midazolam spray) and portable oxygen devices in accessible locations throughout school buildings for students with seizure conditions. It mandates that school nurses designate trained staff to administer these treatments during emergencies when the nurse is unavailable, following standardized training protocols. Parental written consent and a liability waiver are required for staff to administer medication, with school districts reimbursed for related costs. The policy applies to all schools during regular hours and school-sponsored events, focusing on immediate response to seizure emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "Type S School Bus Certificate" allowing qualified drivers to operate smaller school buses (defined as vehicles with max 9 passengers plus driver, used by schools for student transportation) without needing a commercial driver's license. To qualify, drivers must be 21+, hold a valid license for 3+ years, pass medical/vision exams, pass a knowledge test, and complete disability-specific training. The certificate holder faces penalties including license suspension for operating while suspended, leaving students unattended, or accumulating traffic violations, and must complete 10-hour safety training for reinstatement. This directly affects school bus drivers, school districts, and the Motor Vehicle Commission, streamlining operations for smaller school transportation vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a requirement for teachers in New Jersey to pass basic skills tests (like the Praxis Core) to obtain most teaching licenses. It specifically eliminates the need for these tests for candidates seeking certificates of eligibility, provisional licenses, or standard teaching credentials, affecting educators pursuing certification. The law repeals a 2023 law that previously mandated these tests, though limited certificates for specific programs remain exempt. This change directly streamlines certification for most new teachers by removing a testing barrier.

Maddy summaryS 2181 temporarily removes a residency requirement for new hires by New Jersey school districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects. For three years after the bill takes effect, these employers may hire out-of-state residents without requiring them to live in New Jersey, provided the position was advertised to New Jersey residents for at least three months and the new employee was not a New Jersey resident employed by such a school in the past year or during the three-year period. This exemption applies only to new hires meeting these conditions and does not affect current employees or positions that do not qualify. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly after passing the Senate unanimously.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the filing deadline for New Jersey public safety workers and retirees to apply for accidental disability retirement benefits related to 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations. It allows two years after the bill's effective date for filing a written statement about their service, with the possibility of two-year extensions, and modifies medical documentation requirements to accept evidence from medical exams performed within a reasonable time before or after entering public service. The bill applies to members of the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS), State Police Retirement System (SPRS), and certain members of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) who participated in 9/11 operations for at least eight hours. It ensures individuals with health conditions resulting from 9/11 exposure can access appropriate retirement benefits without strict timeline constraints.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Council for Community Recovery and Family Success to shift New Jersey's focus from crisis-based child and family services to preventive, holistic support. The council, composed of 25 members including state agency leaders and community representatives, will develop a statewide initiative centered on four pillars: positive family relationships, financial security, quality education, and health well-being. It will identify gaps in current services, recommend policy improvements, and establish county-level councils to coordinate preventive programs for at-risk infants, children, and families. The bill appropriates $4.0 million from the General Fund to implement these efforts, with the council required to submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $15 million in additional funding from the state General Fund to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation. The funds are specifically designated for expanding the Vietnam Era Museum's facilities by 11,850 square feet. The expansion will support accreditation, modern artifact preservation equipment, and improved educational programming. The Foundation, which serves over 10,000 New Jersey students annually, will use the funds to complete its museum facility upgrades. This is a direct funding allocation for a specific infrastructure project, not a broader policy change.