Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3571) ensures certain volunteer workers in New Jersey receive the maximum workers' compensation benefit for work-related injuries or death, regardless of their income from other jobs. It directly affects volunteer firefighters, first aid/rescue squad workers, emergency management volunteers, healthcare workers registered with the Emergency Health Care Provider Registry, and volunteers for state parks, fish and wildlife, and historic trusts. Key provisions include setting compensation equal to the maximum benefit under state law (bypassing calculations based on outside earnings) and eliminating the standard seven-day waiting period for these workers. The bill clarifies existing law following a 2019 Supreme Court ruling that confirmed volunteers should receive maximum benefits irrespective of outside employment.
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Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 106) declares that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) "Protecting Against Climate Threats" rules - adopted January 20, 2026, and known as NJPACT-REAL - are inconsistent with legislative intent. The resolution argues the DEP overstepped its authority by adopting these rules without explicit legislative approval, as the DEP claimed authority under outdated laws that never intended to cover climate regulations. The rules significantly expand flood hazard areas, restrict development rights for property owners, and impact housing costs and property values. This resolution does not change the rules but formally states the Legislature’s position that the DEP must await future legislative action on climate policy.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3691) grants patients with developmental disabilities in New Jersey hospitals the right to have a designated caregiver - such as a family member, guardian, direct support professional (DSP), or other caregiver - accompany them throughout their entire hospital stay, except during active surgical procedures where safety concerns apply. It requires hospitals to provide patients or their legal representatives the opportunity to choose this caregiver at admission, document the choice in medical records, and ensure the designated person can remain with the patient. The law directly affects individuals with developmental disabilities receiving inpatient hospital care across New Jersey, ensuring their support network can be present during treatment. Key mechanisms include standardized definitions for terms like "developmental disability" and "DSP," mandatory hospital procedures for designation, and clear exceptions for surgical settings.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Cop 2 Cop Sustainability Fund" to provide stable, ongoing funding for a confidential 24-hour crisis hotline supporting New Jersey law enforcement officers and sheriff's officers. It appropriates $500,000 annually from the General Fund starting in fiscal year 2025 to sustain the existing "Law Enforcement Officer Crisis Intervention Services" program, which currently receives $400,000 from Body Armor Replacement Funds. The hotline offers confidential peer support for officers experiencing psychological stress, trauma, or emotional distress related to their work. Operators must be trained in law enforcement-specific mental health issues, and the program ensures caller confidentiality while allowing limited tracking for severe cases. The fund will also accept additional revenues from other sources to support the program's long-term operation.
Maddy summaryThis bill permits licensed organizations in New Jersey, such as charities, churches, and civic groups, to conduct a specific raffle game called "Queen of Hearts." It defines the game as one where participants draw cards from a board of 54 shuffled cards until they select the Queen of Hearts. If a non-Queen card is chosen, the participant wins a cash prize; if the Queen is selected, they receive 50% of the prize with the rest going to the organizer. The Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission must create regulations for this game, but the bill does not change existing licensing rules for eligible organizations.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 50% tax credit for New Jersey employers subject to Corporate Business Tax (CBT) or General Income Tax (GIT) who pay for certain child care expenses related to their employees' children. It covers costs for building/maintaining on-site child care centers, contracting external providers, or subsidizing employees' child care payments, with a $100,000 annual limit per employer. Employers must apply for the credit through the state, submit documentation, and agree to use the funds for eligible child care services. The total credit pool across all employers is capped at $10 million yearly. The bill does not change existing tax rates but reduces tax liability for qualifying employers.
Maddy summaryS 3394 requires all New Jersey food service businesses - including restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, food trucks, and movie theaters - to provide clear written notice of major food allergens (like milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, soy, wheat, and sesame) for every menu item, including temporary offerings. Businesses must display this information directly on menus, via a scannable QR code linking to an online resource, or on separate written materials like charts or booklets, using common allergen names or approved symbols. The law excludes prepackaged foods already covered by federal labeling rules. Enforcement will be handled by the Department of Health or local health boards upon complaint.
Maddy summaryThis bill changes how unclaimed money in inactive online gambling accounts is handled in New Jersey. After three years of inactivity, funds in these accounts will be treated as "unclaimed property" under state law instead of being split 50/50 between casinos and the casino control fund. Casinos must attempt to contact account holders via mail, phone, or email before closing dormant accounts. The policy directly affects online gamblers who leave money unused in their accounts for over three years. The bill was introduced in 2026 but withdrawn before committee consideration.
Maddy summaryThis bill exempts stipends paid to volunteer first responders (such as firefighters or EMTs who serve without regular pay) from state payroll and income taxes. It specifically excludes these stipends from gross income calculations under New Jersey's tax laws. Volunteer first responders may still receive nominal fees, expense reimbursements, or reasonable benefits without losing their tax-exempt status. The bill clarifies that this exemption applies to payments made for emergency services, as long as volunteers receive no regular remuneration for their service.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state and local agencies to follow strict procedures before outsourcing public services to private contractors. It mandates competitive bidding with public documentation, ensures contractor services meet or exceed current quality and quantity standards, and requires comparable wages/benefits for contractor workers. The law applies to contracts worth $500,000+ for local agencies or $1 million+ for state agencies, excluding certain service types like legal work or disability rehabilitation contracts. Agencies must also publish quarterly reports on service quality, fees, and contractor compliance to maintain public transparency.