Sen. Parker Space

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of the Treasury to conduct a comprehensive stress test analysis every three years, assessing the state's ability to maintain essential services during economic shifts like recessions. The analysis must project funding sources (taxes, federal aid), compare them to historical trends, evaluate spending changes, account for state reserves (including the Surplus Revenue Fund), and identify recession response options. The results must be published online and included in the Governor's annual budget proposal. This applies directly to state government operations and indirectly affects all New Jersey residents by ensuring fiscal transparency and preparedness for economic challenges.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $49.5 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues to fund land acquisition for recreation and conservation purposes across New Jersey. The funding supports specific projects including Blue Acres projects (which protect lands from flood and storm damage) and the Green Acres Program. The bill allocates $23.7 million for land acquisition in 14 designated project areas across multiple counties, with $23.7 million specifically for Blue Acres projects and $2.05 million for program administrative costs. This funding comes from a constitutional fund approved by voters in 2014 that's dedicated to open space and conservation initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $60 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues - funds voters approved in 2014 for open space and conservation - to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The funds will directly support state park, forest, and historic site development projects under the Preserve New Jersey Act, including repairs to bridges, buildings, and recreational facilities, as well as habitat improvements and camping access. Specific allocations cover projects like $10 million for health/safety upgrades, $13.5 million for recreational development, and $7 million for historic structure repairs. The funding comes from existing CBT revenue streams, not new taxes, and requires no additional legislative approval for DEP project spending.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $18,518,738 from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues to fund historic preservation projects through the New Jersey Historic Trust. The funds will support 43 capital preservation projects ($15.03 million total) including historic buildings and landmarks like fire stations and lighthouses, 34 historic site management projects ($1.47 million total) for preservation planning and heritage tourism, $100,000 for easement purchases, and $1.92 million for administrative costs. All projects must be listed or eligible for listing in the New Jersey and National Register of Historic Places, and recipients must provide matching funds. The funding comes from revenues constitutionally dedicated to historic preservation under the Preserve New Jersey Act, with changes to projects requiring Joint Budget Oversight Committee approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for New Jersey's homestead property tax reimbursement program to include disabled individuals receiving disability payments under the federal Railroad Retirement Act. Previously, only those receiving disability payments under the Social Security Act qualified. The amendment adds Railroad Retirement Act recipients to the definition of "disabled person" in the law, allowing them to claim the reimbursement if they meet other standard requirements like income limits and residency. This change directly affects disabled railroad workers who previously could not access this property tax relief.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants New Jersey state employees, including those at Rutgers and other public universities, one additional administrative leave day per year for each of the two Muslim holidays - Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha - without reducing their regular leave allowance. It also requires public school districts to excuse student absences for these holidays, ensuring such absences do not appear on transcripts or affect eligibility for awards, tests, or opportunities. Students must provide a parent or guardian’s written excuse to qualify for these protections. The law explicitly adds Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha to the list of religious holidays recognized for excused absences under state education rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $49.5 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for land acquisition and conservation efforts. The funds will be allocated as $23.7 million for acquiring lands across 14 specific recreation and conservation project areas throughout the state, and $23.7 million specifically for Blue Acres projects that protect properties from storm and flood damage. Additionally, $2.05 million is designated for administrative costs associated with the Green Acres program. The funding comes from revenues dedicated by voters in 2014 to support open space preservation, farmland protection, and historic conservation under the Preserve New Jersey Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires dental clinics connected to public university dental schools (like Rutgers) to give priority scheduling to 100% disabled veterans seeking care. It mandates that these clinics schedule appointments within 30 days of request, ensuring timely access to oral health services. The law defines "100% disabled veteran" as someone certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as permanently and totally disabled. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will create rules to implement this requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey optometrists' scope of practice to include prescribing pharmaceutical agents (including controlled substances for eye conditions), administering immunizations for coronavirus, flu, and shingles (for patients 18+), and performing minor procedures like removing superficial foreign bodies, treating chalazions, and simple ophthalmologic treatments (e.g., trabeculoplasty) using topical anesthesia. It explicitly prohibits invasive eye surgery, orbital procedures, or general anesthesia. The law requires optometrists to report administered immunizations to the state's immunization registry and mandates they follow CDC guidelines for vaccine administration. This directly affects optometrists by broadening their clinical capabilities and patients by increasing access to certain eye care services within defined limits.

Maddy summaryS 3904, the "S2 Appropriations Rescue Act," provides $106.5 million in emergency aid to New Jersey school districts negatively impacted by P.L.2018, c.67 (the "S2" funding formula). It targets districts receiving less than their calculated adequacy budget or $19,000 per resident student in 2024-2025, and either less than or no more than $200,000 above their 2023-2024 State school aid. Eligible districts receive $250 per resident student (based on enrollment as of October 16, 2023) to offset budget shortfalls. This aid aims to stabilize school budgets strained by years of S2-related funding reductions, helping districts avoid staff layoffs, program cuts, and facility closures.