Sen. Vince Polistina

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 357) clarifies the rights of juveniles aged 14+ (or younger for murder charges) who voluntarily choose to be tried as adults in New Jersey. It requires courts to hold a hearing ensuring juveniles understand the sentencing differences between juvenile and adult systems before approving such a transfer. Juveniles who elect adult trial retain the right to request remand back to juvenile court if it serves their interests or public safety. If convicted, they must serve custodial sentences in juvenile facilities until age 21, unless transferred to adult corrections or they consent to continue in juvenile facilities after age 21.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5018) gives juveniles aged 14 or older (or younger for murder charges) the right to request being tried as adults in criminal court, subject to court approval. Before approving such a request, the court must hold a hearing to ensure the juvenile understands the differences in sentencing between juvenile and adult systems and that their decision is made knowingly and voluntarily. If approved, the case proceeds as an adult case, but the juvenile is presumed to serve any prison time in a juvenile facility until age 21, with limited exceptions for safety or age. The court may also allow the case to return to juvenile court later if it serves the juvenile's best interests and public safety.

Maddy summaryS 4040 requires New Jersey state agencies, counties, municipalities, school districts, and other public entities to purchase 5% of their goods and services from the Central Nonprofit Agency (CNA). The CNA distributes products made by rehabilitation facilities that employ people who are blind or have severe disabilities, supporting their employment through guaranteed market access. The bill mandates training for purchasing agents on the CNA program and grants the agency a right of first refusal for goods/services within 15% of fair market value. Public entities must report compliance with these requirements to the State Treasurer and the Legislature annually.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state program to permanently restrict development on qualifying privately-owned woodlands through easement acquisitions. Landowners with woodlands meeting specific criteria (minimum 20 acres, used for agriculture/forest products, or managed under approved stewardship plans) can participate. The State Agriculture Development Committee will administer the program using existing farmland preservation funds and seek federal programs like the Forest Legacy Program, with easements recorded similarly to property deeds. The goal is to preserve forested lands for agricultural, silvicultural, and conservation purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school staff (including those in after-school programs) to complete epilepsy and seizure disorder care training every five years. It directly affects school boards, administrators, and all school personnel who interact with students. The key provision mandates that training must be provided through a Department of Health-approved course from a nonprofit epilepsy support organization. This ensures staff can recognize seizures, provide appropriate care, and know when to seek help, as outlined in individualized health plans developed with parent input and physician guidance. The law applies to all schools in the state and takes effect at the start of the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies eligibility rules for New Jersey's State small business set-aside program, which helps direct state government contracts to small businesses. It specifies that employee count requirements apply only to businesses without a federal revenue standard (13 CFR §121.201), and changes how gross revenue is calculated: businesses must now use a 5-year average (instead of 3 years) of revenue history for eligibility. This directly affects businesses seeking state contracts under the program, requiring updated revenue reporting. The changes update the existing Set-Aside Act (P.L.1983, c.482) and supersede certain existing regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Department of Agriculture to promote state-produced aquaculture products (farm-raised fish and shellfish) through the existing Jersey Fresh Program. It requires an annual $100,000 appropriation from the General Fund to fund advertising and promotion of these products, which must meet department-established quality standards. The Department must also create a specific quality grading system for aquaculture products, distinct from wild-caught seafood, to verify their quality under the program. This directly benefits New Jersey aquaculture businesses by expanding market access for their products through state marketing efforts.

Maddy summaryThe bill (A4182) establishes labor protections for cannabis workers in New Jersey who are not covered by federal labor laws. It requires cannabis employers to provide employee contact information to worker organizations seeking representation and allows those organizations to meet with workers on premises. The bill prohibits both employers and worker organizations from engaging in unfair labor practices, including interference with organizing efforts or refusal to negotiate. Employers who violate the law face penalties up to $5,000 per day and must compensate affected workers. This extends rights similar to those provided to most private sector workers under federal law to cannabis workers who were previously excluded.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a special exception that allowed political subdivision employees (like local government workers in cities, towns, or counties) to have a shorter 3-month working test period. Currently, most civil service employees face a 4-month test period (extendable to 6 months), but political subdivision employees had a 3-month exception. The bill eliminates that exception, requiring all such employees to serve the standard 4-month working test period (with possible extension to 6 months). This change affects all political subdivision employees in New Jersey who are subject to civil service rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state agencies and local governments (including counties, municipalities, school districts, and public authorities) to purchase 5% of their goods and services from the Central Nonprofit Agency (CNA). The CNA distributes products made at rehabilitation facilities that employ people with disabilities. Key provisions include mandating training for purchasing agents on the CNA program, requiring quarterly reporting on compliance, and granting the CNA a "right of first refusal" for goods/services if priced within 15% of fair market value. The law aims to support employment for people with disabilities by ensuring a steady market for goods produced at rehabilitation facilities.