Sen. Joe Cryan

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJT) from implementing automatic fare increases for regular bus routes and rail services. It defines "automatic fare increase" as a fare hike triggered by time passing, without new approval, that NJT had previously planned. The law directly affects NJT passengers by preventing unannounced fare hikes tied to pre-set schedules. NJT must now seek new legislative approval for any fare increases, rather than applying them automatically. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires members of governing boards at New Jersey's public colleges and universities to complete annual training on governance, ethics, legal requirements (including open meeting laws), and financial responsibilities. The training must be completed within six months of appointment and every two years thereafter, with institutions arranging or providing the program. Failure to complete training results in automatic resignation from the board and disqualification from future appointments for two years. The bill also appropriates $350,000 annually to fund implementation through the Secretary of Higher Education.

Maddy summarySJR 123 designates May each year as "Nurse's Month" in New Jersey to recognize the contributions of nurses. The resolution asks the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance through activities celebrating nurses. It directly affects all New Jersey residents by creating a formal, recurring recognition period for nurses, who provide essential healthcare services across the state. The bill contains no new funding, regulations, or policy changes - only a symbolic designation and call for Governor's proclamation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "EMS Part" within New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), specifically for certified emergency medical services (EMS) workers. It directly affects EMTs, paramedics, nurses, and other licensed EMS personnel who provide basic or advanced life support services under state health department certification. Key provisions include enhanced retirement benefits - such as a pension equal to 50% of final salary for those with 20+ years of service, mandatory retirement at age 70, and state coverage of increased pension costs for counties/municipalities. The bill ensures these employees receive retirement benefits comparable to other public-sector groups under PERS.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public employers to provide free cancer screenings every three years for firefighters who are eligible for the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) but have waived enrollment in it. The screenings must cover 11 specific cancers, including colon, lung, and breast cancer, and must be conducted without any out-of-pocket cost to the firefighter. Employers can be reimbursed by the state up to $1,250 per firefighter per three-year period for these screenings. This extends existing coverage and reimbursement requirements to firefighters who are eligible for SHBP but chose not to enroll, ensuring they receive the same preventive care as those enrolled in the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the filing deadline for New Jersey public safety workers and retirees to apply for accidental disability retirement benefits related to 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations. It allows two years after the bill's effective date for filing a written statement about their service, with the possibility of two-year extensions, and modifies medical documentation requirements to accept evidence from medical exams performed within a reasonable time before or after entering public service. The bill applies to members of the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS), State Police Retirement System (SPRS), and certain members of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) who participated in 9/11 operations for at least eight hours. It ensures individuals with health conditions resulting from 9/11 exposure can access appropriate retirement benefits without strict timeline constraints.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Council for Community Recovery and Family Success to shift New Jersey's focus from crisis-based child and family services to preventive, holistic support. The council, composed of 25 members including state agency leaders and community representatives, will develop a statewide initiative centered on four pillars: positive family relationships, financial security, quality education, and health well-being. It will identify gaps in current services, recommend policy improvements, and establish county-level councils to coordinate preventive programs for at-risk infants, children, and families. The bill appropriates $4.0 million from the General Fund to implement these efforts, with the council required to submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public and independent colleges to provide specific academic support to students serving in the National Guard, Reserves, or active duty. It mandates schools to offer accommodations for missed classes (like lecture notes, tutoring, and five days to complete work), establish written contracts between students and professors about academic obligations, and accept up to 30 college credits for military training via the American Council on Education. Students must notify professors of military duties early, and schools must display these rights on their websites. Violations will be enforced by the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases pension benefits for New Jersey police and fire department members who become disabled or die in the line of duty when the disability or death is caused by a weapon. It raises accidental disability pensions from 66% (2/3) to 100% of the member's actual annual compensation, and accidental death pensions from 70% to 75% of the compensation base. The increased benefits apply to members of the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) whose injuries or deaths are caused by weapons as defined in New Jersey law. The pension amounts will continue to adjust until the member would have reached age 65 under continuous service assumptions. This bill amends existing provisions in the Police and Firemen's Retirement System to provide these enhanced benefits for first responders injured or killed by weapons while performing their duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $44.7 million Stabilized School Budget Aid Grant Program to help eligible New Jersey school districts affected by state aid cuts in the 2024-2025 school year. It provides grants covering two-thirds of each district's state aid reduction (capped at 9.9% of their prior year's tax levy) and allows eligible districts to temporarily exceed normal tax increase limits to offset these cuts. Districts receiving aid must maintain staff levels from the previous year unless enrollment declines, requiring commissioner approval for reductions. The program specifically excludes SDA districts (special needs districts) from the tax levy exception but does not affect their existing tax authority.