Maddy summaryThis bill requires Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) of the Office of Administrative Law within the Department of State to enroll in the Workers Compensation Judges Part of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) instead of the current Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP). It mandates that ALJs currently enrolled in the DCRP be transferred to the Workers Compensation and Administrative Law Judges Part of PERS within 90 days of the bill's effective date, while those already in PERS will be moved into this specific part of the system. The bill also specifies that the unfunded liability for benefits provided by this transfer will be paid by appropriations from the State General Fund. This change makes PERS enrollment a condition of employment for ALJs, aligning their retirement system with that of Workers' Compensation Judges.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2295) amends New Jersey law on reckless vehicular homicide to strengthen penalties for drivers causing death while operating vehicles under the influence (DUI), with a suspended license, or near schools. It mandates a license suspension of 5 years to life for these offenses, requires courts to consider pretrial detention for certain DUI-related cases, and allows vehicle forfeiture unless hardship is proven. The law also increases penalties to a first-degree crime for driving under the influence near schools (within 1,000 feet or through designated crossings), with no defense for ignorance of school zones. These changes directly affect drivers convicted of vehicular homicide involving DUI, license violations, or school zone offenses.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special enrollment period of at least 30 days for New Jersey residents with individual health insurance plans when their current health care provider becomes out-of-network during their coverage period. The state's health insurance board must set this period, and insurance carriers are required to notify affected enrollees about the start and end dates. This allows individuals to switch health insurance plans immediately without waiting for the annual open enrollment period. The law applies to plans delivered, issued, or renewed on or after the effective date, 90 days after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's bereavement leave provisions under the Family Leave Act (P.L.1989, c.261) and Temporary Disability Benefits Law (P.L.1948, c.110) to include leave for the death of a child, miscarriage, stillbirth, termination of pregnancy for medical reasons, unsuccessful adoption, and failed fertility treatments. Employees who meet eligibility requirements can take up to 21 days of leave for circumstances where they wouldn't otherwise qualify for leave, or up to 7 days for circumstances where they would otherwise qualify. The leave applies to employees who are biological parents, adoptive parents, or parents through a gestational carrier agreement, as well as their spouses, domestic partners, or civil union partners. This legislation specifically addresses bereavement needs not previously covered under existing leave provisions for these specific personal losses.
Maddy summaryThis bill adds $30 million in supplemental funding from the General Fund to New Jersey's Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Program, administered by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). It directly affects community nonprofit organizations that develop revitalization plans for low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, as these groups qualify for tax credits when investing in local improvements. The funding increases the annual limit for tax credits available under the program, which was previously capped at $15 million per year by permanent law. This additional $30 million brings the total available funding for the program to $45 million annually, supporting more projects in targeted communities. The bill does not change the tax credit structure itself but expands the available funding to meet demand.
Maddy summaryThis bill would allow restaurants and licensed alcoholic beverage retailers (including bars, wineries, breweries, and distilleries) to operate in designated outdoor spaces adjacent to their business premises, including on public sidewalks. It creates a "premises expansion permit" process requiring applications to either the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (for licensed businesses) or municipal zoning officers (for restaurants without alcohol licenses), with requirements for security plans and property descriptions. Municipalities may regulate hours of operation but must allow outdoor service outside specific hours (10pm-11am on Sundays-Wednesdays, and 12am-11am on Thurs-Sat), and cannot prohibit outdoor service for businesses already operating under legal or disciplinary restrictions. The bill specifies that State-owned rights-of-way require separate approval from the New Jersey Department of Transportation, with setback requirements for roads intersecting state highways.
Maddy summarySJR 33 designates March 16 each year as "Paws Healing Heroes Day" in New Jersey to raise public awareness of service dogs that assist veterans with conditions like PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, and seizures. The resolution recognizes that 29% of veterans from recent conflicts experience PTSD and 28% experience TBI, and highlights how service dogs - trained by nonprofits like Paws Healing Heroes - help manage these conditions at a cost of $3,000-$5,000 per dog (not covered by insurance). It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance of the day. This is a recognition resolution, not a law creating new requirements or funding.
Maddy summaryThis bill would exclude tips from being counted as taxable income for New Jersey state income tax purposes. Currently, tips are included in the definition of gross income alongside wages, salaries, and other compensation. The bill would amend New Jersey's tax code to remove "tips" from the list of taxable income categories and specifically treat tips as "property acquired by gift," which is already excluded from gross income. This change would directly affect service industry workers who receive tips as part of their compensation. The bill would apply to taxable years beginning on or after January 1 following its enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "Type S School Bus Certificate" that would allow certain qualified drivers to operate specific school buses without needing a commercial driver's license, passenger endorsement, or school bus endorsement. To qualify, drivers must be at least 21 years old, have held a basic driver's license for three years, pass physical and eye exams, complete a knowledge exam, and finish special training for students with special needs. The certificate would apply to "Type S school buses," defined as vehicles designed for nine passengers or less (excluding driver) with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more, used for transporting students to and from school. This would streamline school bus operations for qualified drivers while maintaining safety standards for student transportation. The bill amends existing school bus regulations to include this new certification pathway.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to establish a two-year pilot program providing additional bus service for commuters traveling from Cumberland and Cape May counties to Atlantic City. The program must include user-friendly policies to reduce barriers and increase service frequency, with NJT tracking ridership through ticket sales. After the pilot, NJT must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature analyzing the program's success (based on ticket sales), costs, feasibility of expanding service, alternative transportation options, and recommendations for future routes. The bill expires upon report submission.