Maddy summaryThis bill creates two key programs in New Jersey. First, it establishes an Air Traffic Controller Loan Redemption Program, allowing eligible NJ-resident controllers employed at approved airports to have up to $100,000 of their student loans redeemed over four years of service (16% after year one, 26% after year two, etc.). Second, it appropriates $2.5 million to fund a grant program for public colleges to join the federal Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative, support a Center for Unidentified Aerial Phenomena studies, and develop non-engineering aviation degrees with air traffic control coursework. The bill requires participating colleges to already be in the federal Unmanned Aircraft Systems program and prioritizes institutions in counties of the first class. Total funding is $3.5 million ($1 million for loan redemptions, $2.5 million for college grants).
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill allows chiropractic medicine students in their final year or two semesters to complete supervised clinical training under a New Jersey-licensed chiropractor, known as a preceptorship. Students must apply for a non-renewable limited license through the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, providing proof of good academic standing and paying a fee. The student's chiropractic school must also be approved by the board. The goal is to support New Jersey chiropractic program graduates in transitioning to licensure and practicing within the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill exempts stipends paid to volunteer first responders (like firefighters or EMTs) from being counted as taxable income under New Jersey's income and payroll tax laws. It specifically excludes payments for volunteer emergency services from gross income calculations, meaning these stipends won't be subject to state income tax or payroll taxes. The bill amends existing unemployment compensation law (R.S.43:21-19) to clarify that such stipends aren't considered "wages" for tax purposes. This directly affects volunteer emergency personnel who receive small payments for their service, reducing their tax burden on those stipends. The policy change is purely administrative, adjusting how existing tax laws apply to volunteer compensation.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1067) requires the state's Department of Human Services to conduct a landscape analysis of mental health services accessible to deaf and hard of hearing residents. It mandates that mental health services be provided in a client's primary communication method (like sign language or speech), delivered by professionals certified in that method and trained in culturally appropriate care for the deaf community. The bill also requires the creation of a resource guide listing providers meeting these standards and defines key terms like "culturally affirmative mental health services." It directly affects deaf and hard of hearing individuals seeking mental health care across New Jersey.
Maddy summaryThis bill provides labor protections for cannabis workers who are currently excluded from federal and state labor law protections. It establishes that cannabis employers (those not covered by the National Labor Relations Act) must allow employee organizations to represent workers, negotiate contracts, and access employees for meetings. The bill prohibits unfair labor practices by cannabis employers, such as discriminating against employees who join unions or refusing to negotiate in good faith. Employers who violate these provisions face fines up to $5,000 per day and must make employees or organizations whole for losses. The bill applies to workers employed by cannabis cultivators, manufacturers, dispensers, and other cannabis businesses operating under New Jersey's cannabis regulations.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 196) allows chiropractic medicine students in their final year or two semesters to complete supervised clinical training under a licensed New Jersey chiropractor. It creates a "limited license" requiring students to apply through the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, provide proof of academic standing, pay a fee, and pass a background check. The Board must establish rules for preceptor qualifications, direct supervision standards, and scope of practice during these training periods. The program expires upon graduation or program withdrawal, directly affecting students nearing completion of chiropractic programs in New Jersey.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes two key programs in New Jersey. First, it creates an Air Traffic Controller Loan Redemption Program that allows eligible NJ resident air traffic controllers (employed by the FAA at approved sites) to repay up to $100,000 of their student loans in exchange for 4 years of service (16% repayment for year one, increasing to 30% for year four). Second, it appropriates $2.5 million to fund grants for public colleges to establish aviation training programs, including a Center for Unidentified Aerial Phenomena research, non-engineering aviation degrees, and participation in federal air traffic training initiatives. The total appropriation is $3.5 million, with $1 million for the loan program and $2.5 million for college grants. The bill directly affects NJ air traffic controllers and public institutions of higher education.
Maddy summaryS 3153 prohibits New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) from using federal benefits - such as Social Security or veterans' payments received by children in foster care - to cover the state's costs for their care. Instead, DCF must use these benefits to pay for the child's unmet needs (like medical or educational expenses) beyond what the state is obligated to cover, or save them in a dedicated account for the child's future. DCF is also required to apply for federal benefits on behalf of eligible children, notify the child, parents, and courts, and provide annual reports on how the funds are managed. This ensures children's federal benefits are preserved for their direct benefit rather than being used to reimburse the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill changes the probation period for local government workers in New Jersey. Currently, employees of cities, towns, and counties (political subdivisions) have a 3-month working test period, while most other civil service employees have a 4-month standard. The bill removes this exception, requiring all political subdivision employees to serve the standard 4-month working test period (extendable to 6 months at the commission's discretion). This applies to all such employees hired under civil service rules.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2511 prohibits pet shops from selling cats, dogs, or rabbits, repealing the previous "Pet Purchase Protection Act." Pet shops may still sell other animals, pet supplies, or collaborate with shelters to showcase adoptable animals without exchanging payment. Violating this prohibition would result in a $500 fine per violation. The bill also prohibits shelters, rescues, and pet shops from obtaining animals from breeders or brokers in exchange for payment, and defines "unfit for purchase" for animals sold by breeders or brokers.