Maddy summaryS 178 establishes a state grant program to fund new apprenticeship programs in New Jersey's wind energy and nuclear power industries. The program, administered by the Department of Labor, provides grants to eligible organizations - including businesses, schools, and non-profits - that partner with industry to create accredited training. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate workforce need, secure industry partnerships, and detail program curriculum, recruitment, and outcomes. Grants require annual reporting on enrollment, completion rates, and job placements, with the Department submitting yearly evaluations to the Legislature on program effectiveness. This bill directly supports workers entering skilled trades in these growing sectors by addressing workforce shortages through structured training.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 185 establishes New Jersey's Elementary Home Reading Grant Program to improve reading proficiency among elementary students by increasing home reading opportunities and parental engagement. The program provides $500,000 in federal pandemic funds to the Department of Education, which will award competitive grants to school districts partnering with nonprofits to run home reading programs. These programs must mail weekly reading-level books to students' homes, use multilingual communication to engage parents, provide 6-9 books students can keep, and track metrics like reading progress and demographic data. School districts must submit detailed applications, and grants require 100% state matching for per-student costs, with a report due within two years evaluating program impact.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 11) urges Congress and the President to pass the "College Cost Transparency and Student Protection Act" (H.R. 9429). It does not change laws itself but advocates for federal legislation requiring colleges to standardize financial aid offers, clearly list direct costs first followed by itemized indirect costs, and publish a College Scorecard showing average costs per institution. The resolution cites a GAO report finding that most schools understate net costs or omit key details, making it hard for students to compare options. This would directly help students and families make informed college cost decisions.
Maddy summaryS 190 amends New Jersey's controlled substances laws to require sentencing for heroin offenses to consider both the weight and the number of "dosage units" (e.g., individual pills, packets, or typical single-use amounts) of heroin involved. This change directly affects individuals convicted of manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing heroin, as courts will now factor in how many discrete units were handled beyond just total weight. The bill adds a new definition of "dosage unit" to the statute, specifying it as either the smallest physical unit (like a pill) or the typical single-use amount consumed by a user. This adjustment aims to provide more precise sentencing criteria for heroin-related crimes under New Jersey law.
Maddy summaryS 162 (Establishes exceptions for emergency personnel operating personal watercraft during rescue services) amends New Jersey law to exempt certain emergency personnel from standard personal watercraft operation restrictions while performing official duties. The bill removes prohibitions that normally prevent jet ski operators from: exceeding minimum speed within 100 feet of shorelines, swimming areas, people in the water, or residential properties; or making the craft airborne near other vessels. This exemption applies specifically to law enforcement officers, firefighters (paid or volunteer), beach patrol members, and certified emergency medical personnel during active rescue operations. The change ensures emergency responders can use personal watercraft more effectively for life-saving services without violating existing safety rules.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded grant program to support commuter shuttle services for workers in rapidly growing areas. It appropriates $10 million annually to the New Jersey Department of Transportation for grants to local governments and nonprofits that operate shuttle services, covering costs like vehicle leasing and operations (but not capital purchases). To qualify, applicants must partner with employers who commit to funding the service and target high-traffic corridors. The program aims to reduce congestion by expanding shuttle access for employees of small businesses, nonprofits, and temporary staffing firms.
Maddy summaryS 197 establishes a grant program to provide up to $75 per funeral to qualified nonprofit veteran organizations that perform military funeral honors in New Jersey. To qualify, organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS sections 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) and provide funeral honors services. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will administer the program through a revolving fund, using state appropriations, donations, or other designated funds, with grants covering actual expenses like mileage. The bill requires organizations to apply for grants and submit proof of expenditures, and it allows reduced grants for multiple funerals on the same day. The program is pending before the Legislature and not yet law.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 166) expands the authority of Class Three special law enforcement officers to provide security at four-year public and private colleges in New Jersey. Currently, these officers - typically retired police officers with specific training - can work in K-12 schools and county colleges, but this bill adds four-year colleges to their authorized locations. The key change specifies that these officers may perform security duties on campus during normal operating hours or when students/faculty are present. It does not alter the training requirements or firearm authorization rules for these officers. The bill aims to extend existing security protocols to higher education institutions.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public colleges and universities to adopt test-optional admissions policies for undergraduate programs, meaning applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. Public institutions may still consider test scores if voluntarily submitted, or require them for specialized programs, honors tracks, or scholarship applications that specifically mandate test scores. The bill encourages private colleges and universities to also adopt similar test-optional policies, though it does not mandate this for them. It takes effect for the first full academic year after enactment, aiming to reduce barriers for students affected by pandemic learning disruptions or financial disparities in test preparation.
Maddy summaryS 164 requires health insurance plans in New Jersey to cover medically necessary hearing aids (for each ear) and cochlear implants for insured individuals under age 21. It applies to hospital service, medical service, health service corporation contracts, and individual health insurance policies. Insurers must cover the full cost of cochlear implant procedures and devices, while limiting hearing aid coverage to $1,000 per hearing aid per ear every 24 months - allowing patients to pay the difference for more expensive devices without penalty. This bill directly affects families of children and young adults needing hearing devices, ensuring insurance coverage for essential hearing healthcare under 21.