Sen. Vince Polistina

Maddy summaryThis bill requires law enforcement to place underage individuals (under 18) who illegally possess alcohol or cannabis into temporary custody on a first offense, then notify their parent or guardian. For subsequent violations (second or third), it mandates written warnings for all ages, with parents notified for minors and referrals to community services (like counseling) for both the minor and their guardian. It specifies that refusing these services won’t result in legal penalties. The law applies directly to minors caught violating underage alcohol/cannabis possession rules in public places, schools, or vehicles. It does not impose fines, jail time, or court action for non-compliance with service referrals.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Higher Education Student Advisory Commission, a 15-member body composed of student representatives from all types of New Jersey colleges and universities (including public, independent, county, and proprietary institutions). The commission advises the state education secretary on student concerns and annually reports to the legislature on student perspectives, experiences, and potential policy recommendations. It creates a formal channel for student input into higher education decisions, with members appointed based on institutional representation and geographic balance. The commission does not create new policies but provides structured student feedback to state education officials and lawmakers.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey's marriage and civil union licensing process. It requires licenses to be issued immediately upon application (replacing the current 72-hour wait to pick up the license), but maintains a 72-hour waiting period before the ceremony can occur. The 72-hour rule still applies to most applicants, except active-duty military members (who are exempt) and cases where a Superior Court waives the wait for emergencies with proper documentation. The bill aims to eliminate the need for couples to return to the licensing office after applying, without altering the ceremony wait period.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1228) requires public schools to create emergency policies for students with seizure disorders. It mandates schools to train at least two non-nurse staff members (in addition to the school nurse) to administer nasal seizure rescue medication and use a manual vagus nerve stimulator during emergencies, with parental consent and written documentation. Schools must also develop individualized emergency plans in collaboration with parents and healthcare providers, and ensure students receive hospital evaluation after treatment. The bill protects school staff from liability for good-faith actions under these protocols, provided they follow training and consent requirements. The bill was introduced to the Senate Education Committee in January 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2010) expands the locations where Class Three special law enforcement officers can provide security. Currently authorized to work at public/nonpublic schools and county colleges, these officers - typically retired police officers with specific training - would now also be permitted to secure four-year public and private colleges. The change modifies existing law to explicitly include "four-year public or independent institutions of higher education" in the list of authorized locations. It does not alter officer qualifications or duties but extends where these existing officers may be deployed during school hours or when students/teachers are present.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides tuition-free college credits for specific New Jersey public safety personnel and their families. Retired law enforcement officers or firefighters who retired due to a service-related injury or illness can receive up to 16 tuition-free credits per semester (max 8 semesters) at public or approved private colleges, provided they apply for all available federal and state grants first. Additionally, spouses or dependent children of officers or firefighters who died in the line of duty are eligible for the same tuition benefits, with spouses who already hold bachelor’s degrees qualifying for graduate programs (excluding medical, dental, or law fields). The state reimburses institutions for tuition costs not covered by existing grants, effective immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing certain Schedule I or II controlled substances (like heroin, methamphetamine, LSD, and phencyclidine) in New Jersey. It sets specific quantity thresholds that trigger higher felony classifications: for example, heroin over 5 ounces becomes a first-degree crime (with mandatory minimum prison time), while quantities between 0.5 and 5 ounces become second-degree offenses. The law also raises maximum fines for these offenses, up to $500,000 for first-degree crimes involving Schedule I/II drugs. It directly affects individuals convicted of these drug-related offenses based on the amount involved.

Maddy summaryS 434 prohibits pet shops in New Jersey from selling cats, dogs, or rabbits, directly affecting pet shops and their customers. It repeals the previous "Pet Purchase Protection Act" and requires pet shops to collaborate with animal shelters, rescues, and pounds to facilitate adoptions instead of selling animals. The bill defines "pet shop" separately from breeders and pet dealers, ensuring the law does not restrict responsible breeders or other sellers, but bans pet shops from obtaining animals from breeders or brokers for sale. The legislation aims to reduce sales of animals from puppy mills and increase adoptions from shelters, which the bill cites as having "unadopted" animals available.

Maddy summaryS 511 allows New Jersey taxpayers with gross income of $85,000 or less to deduct qualified higher education tuition and fee expenses paid during the tax year. The deduction covers costs for the taxpayer, their spouse, or dependents enrolled as matriculated students at accredited public or private colleges or universities. It applies to expenses paid for accredited institutions recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. This policy change directly affects low-to-moderate income families with students in higher education.

Maddy summarySCR 61 creates a special 14-member committee (with balanced political representation) to investigate costs and decisions affecting New Jersey's public employee health care programs. The committee will examine premium increases in state health programs, contract disputes with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, allegations of executive branch influence on Treasury staff regarding a $34 million contract, and implementation of a 2019 law establishing fund subaccounts and third-party reviews. It will gather evidence through hearings and subpoenas (with joint approval of co-chairs and leadership) and issue a report with findings and recommendations. The committee directly affects state health care program administration and the Department of the Treasury's operations.