Maddy summaryThis bill allows racetracks and off-track wagering facilities in New Jersey to accept bets on previously-recorded live horse races (not live races) through electronic terminals, for patrons physically present at those locations. It requires the Racing Commission to set rules ensuring recordings don’t reveal race details (date, horses, etc.), maintain security, and limit takeout rates to 20% - with 62% going to the facility, 15% to purses, and 1% to breeder awards. A 1.5% excise tax on these wagers funds state retirement systems (1.2%), Racing Commission operations (0.1%), Rutgers' Equine Science Center (0.05%), and equine drug testing (0.1%). The bill directly affects racetracks, off-track facilities, bettors at those sites, and industry stakeholders receiving revenue shares.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Department of Veterans Affairs to partner with qualified law firms to provide free legal help to eligible disabled veterans facing denied disability claims at the federal level. It specifically covers veterans with service-connected disabilities and a net worth under $2 million, who need representation before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims after losing at the VA Board of Appeals. Law firms must specialize in veteran benefits, have 10+ years of experience, maintain a New Jersey office, and meet strict case-quantity requirements. The program requires no fees for veterans and will begin July 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 933) amends New Jersey law to criminalize knowingly harboring or helping an undocumented immigrant who has an outstanding arrest or immigration warrant. It makes this a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months in prison or $10,000 fine), unless the person helped is a close family member (spouse, parent, child), in which case it becomes a lesser offense. The law also creates an exception: undocumented immigrants who are victims of human trafficking cannot be prosecuted for hindering their own apprehension. It directly affects individuals who knowingly assist undocumented immigrants evading lawful arrest or deportation.
Maddy summaryS 1682 requires public employers to verify that certain professional staff (attorneys, engineers, accountants, auditors, physicians, and architects) enrolled in New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) are properly classified as employees - not independent contractors - before enrollment. Certifying officers must complete an IRS-based eligibility checklist at enrollment, submit position creation documents, and avoid relying on the employee's self-representation. The bill mandates a new audit program to review existing enrollments within 12 months and requires all certifying officers to complete retroactive certifications for prior enrollments within six months of the bill's effective date. Violations resulting in ineligible enrollments trigger civil fines of $1,000 (first offense) up to $5,000 (third offense) for certifying officers or their supervisors. This bill directly affects public employers, certifying officers, and professional service employees in PERS.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases New Jersey's monthly personal needs allowance (PNA) for low-income residents in specific facilities - from $50 to $140 - to cover personal expenses like phone calls, meals out, or hobbies. It directly affects individuals receiving medical assistance under Medicaid who live in nursing homes, state psychiatric hospitals, or state developmental centers. The allowance will automatically rise annually starting January 1 after enactment, matching the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) percentage. This change ensures the PNA remains aligned with inflation while being disregarded income for Medicaid eligibility calculations. The bill amends existing state laws to implement this increase and adjust future payments.
Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $1.5 million from New Jersey's Workforce Development Partnership Fund specifically to support the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. (or its successor). It directly affects the program by providing dedicated funding for its operations, as specified in subsection (11) of the amended statute. The funding is drawn from the state's workforce development budget and must be used exclusively for the program's activities. This is a procedural funding allocation, not a new policy.
Maddy summarySJR 40 designates the first Sunday in May each year as "Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service Day" in New Jersey. The bill requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance and urges all state and local government agencies to fly U.S. and New Jersey flags at half-staff on this day to honor firefighters who died in the line of duty. It directly affects state agencies, local governments, and New Jersey's over 35,000 volunteer and career firefighters, including those who lost their lives (approximately 145 between 1990-2024). The measure has no funding or program requirements, focusing solely on ceremonial recognition.
Maddy summaryS 1727 requires New Jersey school districts to allow students receiving equivalent instruction outside public school (such as through homeschooling or private programs) to participate in district-sponsored extracurricular activities - including sports, clubs, and music - in their resident district. Students must provide residency proof, meet the same eligibility and tryout criteria as enrolled students, and follow all district rules. For interscholastic sports, students cannot transfer solely for athletic advantage, and districts must provide access to required physical exams if offered to enrolled students. This bill directly affects non-public school students seeking extracurricular access and mandates equal participation standards without creating new district obligations beyond current practices.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows small municipalities (under 12,000 population without a police department) to hire qualified candidates more quickly when civil service lists are delayed. If the Civil Service Commission doesn’t provide a certified list within 30 days, or if no suitable candidates are found on the list, the municipality may appoint a qualified person using a waiver form. The appointee must complete a working test period to gain civil service status, and the Commission cannot require the municipality to replace them later. The goal is to reduce unfilled positions caused by lengthy hiring processes.
Maddy summaryThis bill suspends New Jersey's 2004 "Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act" until the state establishes a dedicated funding source for buying land in the Highlands preservation area from specific landowners. It directly affects owners who have continuously held property in the area since the 2004 law's enactment (or their immediate family members), requiring the state to fund acquisitions using two appraisal methods: one based on current land use and environmental rules, and another based on rules in effect on August 9, 2004. The higher of these two appraised values must be used for negotiations with landowners. Once funding is established and these appraisal rules are followed, the original 2004 law resumes full effect.