Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1138 requires the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs (DMVA) to assist former service members who received an "other than honorable," bad conduct, or dishonorable discharge and have a diagnosed service-connected mental health condition (linked to military service by a licensed professional). The DMVA must provide free help with federal forms to petition for a discharge redesignation as "honorable," including creating uniform processes and distributing information to public agencies. Former service members whose discharge is changed will gain access to state benefits available to honorably discharged veterans, and all related information will remain confidential. This expands existing DMVA assistance - which previously covered discharges based on sexual orientation or gender identity - to include mental health conditions.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2047) changes how the New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students (NJCLASS) Loan Program determines eligibility for student loans. It requires the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to consider the *combined income* of all cosigners (like parents or guardians) when evaluating a student’s application, rather than assessing each cosigner’s income individually. This directly affects students who rely on multiple cosigners to meet the program’s income requirement - preventing denial when individual cosigners fall short but their combined income meets the threshold. The key provision amends the program’s rules to explicitly mandate this combined income calculation for eligibility decisions. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 3112) prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks or disguises during public interactions while performing official duties. Exceptions include undercover work, face shields that don’t hide the face, medical masks with a physician’s written approval, and masks for smoke protection during emergencies. Violating the rule is a disorderly persons offense punishable by fines up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both. The law applies broadly to all state, county, municipal, and federal officers empowered to enforce laws in New Jersey.
Maddy summaryS 3147 prohibits most people in New Jersey from owning or possessing body armor without registering it. It requires existing owners to register within 90 days of the law taking effect and mandates a permit for new purchases. Eligible individuals (including law enforcement, military personnel, and those with documented job-related risks) can obtain permits, while sellers must register each sale and face fines for non-compliance. Exceptions apply to government employees using armor for work and licensed body armor dealers.
Maddy summaryS 1516, the "End Hedge Fund Control of New Jersey Homes Act," would impose a 50% tax on hedge funds managing $50 million or more in pooled investor assets when purchasing single-family or small multi-family homes (1-4 units) in New Jersey. It includes exemptions for properties used as primary residences, foreclosed homes, or those built with public funding, and sets annual ownership limits that gradually decrease over five years (e.g., hedge funds could own 90% of current holdings in year one, dropping to 50% by year five). The tax applies to acquisitions after the bill’s effective date, with the Division of Taxation requiring reporting to enforce compliance. This bill directly affects large investment entities managing residential property portfolios, not individual homeowners or small landlords.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1447 establishes a state heat stress safety standard and prevention program for workers. It requires employers across all industries (including agriculture, construction, and indoor settings without climate control) to implement written heat safety plans by June 1, 2025. Key provisions include providing potable water under 59°F, mandatory rest breaks in shaded/cool areas, heat exposure monitoring, emergency response protocols, and heat alert systems for forecasted heatwaves. The law mandates employer-developed plans to prevent heat-related illness, requiring worker input and language accessibility for non-English speakers.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all legal firearm owners in New Jersey to store unloaded guns in locked safes or containers and ammunition separately in locked containers. First-time violations mandate 10-40 hours of community service with approved gun violence prevention organizations, while repeat violations or incidents where improperly stored firearms cause injury/death escalate to criminal charges. The bill repeals prior laws about minors accessing firearms, appropriates $500,000 for an Attorney General-led public awareness campaign, and mandates retailers to provide written warnings and display signage about storage requirements. It directly affects firearm owners storing guns at their homes or premises.
Maddy summaryS 2530 requires all New Jersey firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to complete specialized training on electric vehicle (EV) fire safety. Firefighters must finish the training within 36 months of the bill's effective date, while EMTs must complete it before certification (for new EMTs) or within 36 months (for existing EMTs). The training covers unique EV fire risks, such as the intense, prolonged heat from lithium-ion batteries, which differ from traditional gasoline fires. This policy change directly affects first responders who manage fire scenes and ensures they are prepared for the growing number of electric vehicles on New Jersey roads.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill S 2355 expands eligibility for Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO) payments to victims of motor vehicle crashes resulting in death or requiring ambulance removal from the scene. It adds these crashes to the list of qualifying incidents under the existing "Criminal Injuries Compensation Act," allowing victims to access compensation for medical bills, counseling, lost wages, and funeral costs. The bill also establishes a "Traffic Crash Victim’s Bill of Rights," granting victims free access to crash reports and evidence, notification of court proceedings, employer leave for related hearings, protection from intimidation by the other driver, and clear information about their rights and compensation options. These changes apply directly to crash victims and their families, not to the drivers involved in the accidents. The bill is pending in the Senate Transportation Committee after its January 2026 introduction.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey optometrists' scope of practice to include administering vaccines for coronaviruses, influenza, and shingles (for patients 18+), prescribing certain medications (including controlled substances under specific conditions), and performing limited eye procedures like laser treatments and minor surgeries. It requires optometrists to follow CDC vaccine guidelines, report immunizations to the state system, and avoid invasive surgeries or general anesthesia. The changes clarify that optometrists must adhere to medical standards for pharmaceutical use and cannot perform procedures requiring full-thickness eye incisions or orbital surgery. This modernizes optometric care while maintaining safety boundaries for patient treatment.