Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Secretary of Higher Education to create guidelines ensuring colleges provide clear, standardized financial aid offers to students. The guidelines mandate that institutions disclose direct/indirect costs, total and net price of attendance, standardized terms for aid types, student rights to accept/decline offers, contact information for assistance, and ban the term "award" in offers. It directly affects all New Jersey colleges and universities (including proprietary institutions) that receive state funding, aiming to address transparency gaps identified in a 2022 GAO report where most schools failed to provide key cost information. The guidelines must align with federal requirements and existing state law on financial aid transparency.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill adds xylazine to New Jersey's Schedule III controlled substances list, meaning it is now classified as a controlled drug with specific legal restrictions. The exception explicitly allows veterinarians to prescribe, administer, or dispense xylazine for animal care without violating the law. Illegally possessing, distributing, or using xylazine would become a third-degree crime, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines up to $35,000. This change directly affects people who misuse xylazine outside of veterinary contexts, while leaving veterinary practice unaffected.
Maddy summaryS 2016 requires New Jersey's public colleges and universities to adopt a test-optional admissions policy for undergraduate programs, meaning students can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Public institutions may still require tests for applicants to honors/specialized programs, those with equivalent high school instruction elsewhere, or for scholarship applications that specifically demand test scores. The bill does not prevent schools from considering voluntary test submissions and encourages private colleges to adopt similar policies. This directly affects public higher education institutions in New Jersey and their prospective undergraduate students.
Maddy summaryS 2063, the "Political Donation Transparency Act," prohibits candidates, political committees, and related entities from automatically enrolling donors in recurring political contributions without explicit consent. It requires that any recurring contribution must: (1) not be the default option, (2) require the donor’s explicit agreement, and (3) clearly disclose the contribution’s frequency, amount, and nature. Violations are classified as a fourth-degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months in jail, a $10,000 fine, or both. The bill directly affects all political fundraising operations in New Jersey and empowers the Election Law Enforcement Commission to create implementing rules.
Maddy summaryThis bill changes how revenue from casino hotel room occupancy fees is distributed. Currently, $1.00 per day of the $3.00 fee goes to the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), while $2.00 goes to the Casino Revenue Fund (which supports senior citizens and disabled residents). Starting in fiscal year 2026, the bill would redirect all $3.00 per day to CRDA's dedicated fund instead of splitting the revenue. This means CRDA would receive 100% of the fee revenue for its projects, ending the current allocation to the Casino Revenue Fund.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1188) amends New Jersey's "Extended Employment Act" to modernize support for people with significant disabilities. It revises key definitions - such as replacing "sheltered workshop" with "extended employment" to describe nonprofit-run programs providing work opportunities for individuals with disabilities who cannot compete in the open labor market. The bill updates funding mechanisms to tie annual increases to the CPI-W index (not fixed amounts) and requires contracted providers to submit detailed annual reports on participant outcomes. It directly affects nonprofit service providers administering these programs and people with significant disabilities who qualify for extended employment services. The changes aim to better align program structure with current vocational rehabilitation standards.
Maddy summaryThis bill removes an existing exception in New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act that allowed smoking in casinos and casino simulcasting facilities. Currently, the law permits smoking in areas of casinos with at least 150 slot machines or 10 table games, and in simulcasting facilities with dedicated seating for 50+ patrons. The bill deletes this exception from the statute, meaning smoking would be prohibited in all indoor public areas of these facilities under the general smoke-free law. It directly affects casinos and simulcasting venues that currently operate under the smoking exemption.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a program to help mental health professionals working with children and adolescents in New Jersey reduce student loan debt. It provides two direct financial incentives: (1) up to $1,000 per year in loan redemption payments (capped at four years total) for licensed professionals employed full-time in this field, and (2) a $1,000 tax credit against state income tax for qualifying professionals. To qualify, participants must be New Jersey residents, hold relevant licenses, maintain full-time employment serving minors, and have outstanding eligible student loans. The program is administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority and requires annual proof of residency and employment. The bill is pending before the Senate Higher Education Committee.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special enrollment period for New Jersey residents enrolled in individual health insurance plans when their healthcare provider leaves the plan's network during their current coverage period. It directly affects individuals and their dependents who lose access to a provider they previously used. The key provision requires the state health board to create a minimum 30-day window for affected enrollees to switch plans, with insurers responsible for notifying them of the enrollment dates. The policy change ensures people aren't locked into coverage when their providers become out-of-network, aligning with existing open enrollment rules.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 2046) expands the Family Leave Act to provide up to 21 days of protected leave for employees experiencing specific bereavement events, including the death of a child (including stillbirth), miscarriage, or failed fertility treatment. It directly affects employees working for employers with 30+ staff (down from 50 under previous rules), covering situations like pregnancy loss or a child’s death, whether through birth, adoption, or gestational carrier arrangements. The leave is available through the existing Temporary Disability Benefits system, with 21 days for cases not covered by other leave types (like miscarriage) and 7 days when other leave applies (like stillbirth). This change ensures employees can take time off without job loss for these deeply personal losses, aligning with New Jersey’s broader family leave protections.