Sen. Vince Polistina

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 318) criminalizes three specific acts related to vacant dwellings: forcibly entering without permission to take residence ("housebreaking"), occupying without permission ("unlawful occupancy"), and reentering after a court-ordered eviction ("unlawful reentry"). All are classified as fourth-degree crimes punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine. The law presumes occupants know they lack permission unless they have a notarized written rental agreement with the owner's current contact details. It directly affects property owners seeking to evict unauthorized occupants and occupants in vacant properties without documented authorization.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures pediatric NJ FamilyCare beneficiaries transitioning from the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) program to the Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) program automatically retain their previous weekly private duty nursing hours and can carry forward unused hours. It requires managed care organizations to justify any reduction in nursing hours solely based on changed medical need (not other factors) and mandates that benefits continue during appeals for 30 days after an adverse decision. The bill also directs the state to review past transitions (within 5 years) to identify beneficiaries eligible for increased nursing hours and expands appeal protections by extending the appeal window from 10 to 30 days. These changes aim to prevent coverage gaps and streamline access to necessary nursing services during program transitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey professional licensing boards to issue licenses to veterans who hold equivalent credentials (including education, training, and experience) from another state, provided they were honorably discharged and their out-of-state license is in good standing. It mandates boards to evaluate equivalent qualifications without requiring identical experience hours, while still allowing for standard requirements like examinations. The law directly affects veterans seeking to work in licensed professions (such as nursing, engineering, or cosmetology) who face barriers due to non-portable licensing standards. It aims to facilitate veterans' transition into civilian careers by recognizing their military-earned credentials.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides two annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to retired police and fire personnel and their beneficiaries (surviving spouses, children, or other designated recipients) who receive monthly payments from New Jersey’s Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS). Eligibility is limited to those whose original monthly benefit was at or below 450% of the federal poverty level for a single person (approximately $61,155 annually in 2022). The adjustment amount is calculated using a formula based on the regional Consumer Price Index, capped between 1% and 3% of the index, and paid on January 1 of the year after the bill’s effective date and the following year. The state would appropriate funds from the General Fund to cover these increases, with no impact on those receiving benefits above the eligibility threshold.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 181) allows juveniles aged 14 or older charged with certain offenses to request, with court approval, to be tried as adults in criminal court instead of juvenile court. It requires a hearing to ensure juveniles understand the differences in sentencing and consequences before making this choice. If approved, the case proceeds under adult sentencing rules, but with a presumption that any custodial sentence is served in a juvenile facility until age 21, with limited exceptions for safety or age 21+. The bill also permits a later transfer back to juvenile court with consent if it serves the juvenile's best interests or public safety. Note: The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was approved as part of P.L.2025, c.368.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2043) revises New Jersey's reckless vehicular homicide law to increase penalties for drivers causing death while operating a vehicle recklessly. It directly affects drivers convicted of such crimes who were driving under the influence (DUI), with a suspended license, or near schools (within 1,000 feet of school property or school crossings). Key provisions include: a mandatory minimum prison term (one-third to one-half of sentence or three years, whichever is greater), automatic pretrial detention, a license suspension of 5 years to life, and vehicle forfeiture (unless the defendant proves hardship). The law also specifies that ignorance of school proximity or lack of students present does not excuse violations near schools.

Maddy summarySR 38 is a Senate Resolution urging the New Jersey Department of Health to increase public awareness about the dangers of xylazine, a non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer misused as a street drug. It directly affects New Jersey residents by calling for educational resources on xylazine's risks, including its link to overdose deaths (as it cannot be reversed by naloxone), skin ulcers, and dangerous combinations with fentanyl or other drugs. The resolution does not create new laws but requests the health department develop public outreach materials. It highlights xylazine's role in the Northeast overdose crisis, noting its use via injection, snorting, or mixing with opioids.

Maddy summaryS 2037 requires New Jersey public employers - including municipalities, counties, state agencies, and school boards - to add a Roth contribution option to their existing deferred compensation retirement plans. This option allows public employees to make after-tax contributions (with future earnings withdrawn tax-free in retirement), unlike traditional pre-tax retirement plans. The bill mandates this change for all public entities currently offering such retirement plans, ensuring employees have this tax-free savings choice. It does not alter existing plan structures but expands participation options for public workers saving for retirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's tax lien foreclosure process to require returning excess proceeds from property sales to former owners after lienholders are reimbursed for unpaid taxes and interest. It directly affects property owners facing tax lien foreclosures and both municipal and private lienholders under current tax sale law. The change responds to court rulings (Tyler v. Hennepin County and a New Jersey Appellate Division case) finding that retaining all sale proceeds violates constitutional protections against uncompensated property takings. The law would end the practice of "equity theft" by mandating that property equity beyond the tax debt must be returned to the original owner.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows school districts that send students to Atlantic City School District to maintain a seat on its school board even if their student enrollment falls below the legal threshold. It applies only to sending districts that held representation on Atlantic City's board during the 2022-2023 school year. The exception specifically covers districts sending students to Atlantic City, which receives special state funding, ensuring continued local input on education decisions. The change takes effect immediately and affects no other school districts.