Sen. Parker Space

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits employers from hiring unauthorized aliens and mandates the use of the federal E-Verify system to confirm work eligibility. It requires all employers with 100 or more employees to use E-Verify for new hires after December 31, 2020, and smaller employers to comply after December 31, 2021. The state will conduct random audits and investigate complaints, imposing civil penalties of $100 to $1,000 per violation for non-compliance. Employers who intentionally or knowingly hire unauthorized aliens face criminal investigation by the Attorney General or county prosecutor, with work authorization status verified through federal channels rather than state officials.

Maddy summaryThis bill expresses the Legislature's intent to revise the School Funding Reform Act of 2008 to prevent significant reductions in state aid to school districts, particularly those in the Highlands Region. The resolution highlights that previous changes eliminated adjustment aid, a mechanism designed to protect districts from sudden funding losses, and notes that development restrictions in the Highlands make it harder for local districts to offset aid cuts through tax increases. It calls for legislative action to stabilize state aid levels and ensure districts in areas with limited development capacity are not disproportionately affected by funding reductions.

Maddy summaryS 3593, the "New Jersey Works Act," allows businesses to earn tax credits for creating paid pre-employment training programs in partnership with schools, nonprofits, or educational institutions. These programs must provide at least 12 weeks of training covering skills like math, communication, resume writing, and job readiness, targeting individuals from low- and moderate-income households. Businesses in non-construction industries can apply for tax credits after their programs are approved by the Department of Labor. The bill specifically excludes construction trade businesses from eligibility for these credits.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 106) declares that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) "Protecting Against Climate Threats" rules - adopted January 20, 2026, and known as NJPACT-REAL - are inconsistent with legislative intent. The resolution argues the DEP overstepped its authority by adopting these rules without explicit legislative approval, as the DEP claimed authority under outdated laws that never intended to cover climate regulations. The rules significantly expand flood hazard areas, restrict development rights for property owners, and impact housing costs and property values. This resolution does not change the rules but formally states the Legislature’s position that the DEP must await future legislative action on climate policy.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1123 requires all public and nonpublic schools to have at least one FDA-registered portable anti-choking device (a suction-based airway-clearing tool) available in cafeterias, school nurse offices, and similar locations during school hours and events. The devices must be unlocked, easily accessible, and marked with clear signage. Schools must train all nurses and staff in airway management and device use, while the state will reimburse schools for related costs. This bill directly affects school districts and nonpublic schools across New Jersey, aiming to improve emergency response to choking incidents.

Maddy summaryS 1731 renames New Jersey's "Blue Star Memorial Highway Council" to "Blue and Gold Star Memorial Highway Council" and updates the "Blue Star Memorial Highway system" to "Blue and Gold Star Memorial Highway system." The bill specifically aims to honor Gold Star families (those who lost members in military service) by including "Gold Star" in the official names. It requires the Department of Transportation to update all state highway signage within 90 days of the bill's effective date to reflect these new names. This is a procedural renaming bill with no new funding or policy changes beyond the name updates and signage correction.

Maddy summaryThe "Road to Relief Act" (S 3675) creates a $1 million grant program administered by New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to reimburse increased transportation costs for specific groups affected by highway projects. It directly assists commuters, full-time retail business employees, and retail businesses operating within areas blocked by highway construction (like the ongoing Interstate 80 project), during the project's active period. Applicants must document their regular pre-project transportation expenses and prove increased costs during the "relief period" caused by the project. Grants cover the difference between these costs, paid as a reimbursement based on submitted evidence. The program is limited to $1 million in total funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides tax relief to small businesses (defined as having ≤50 full-time employees) located within areas impacted by public highway construction projects, such as the Interstate 80 project. It creates two refundable tax credits: one for sales tax remittances collected during the project (Section 1), and another for revenue losses due to restricted access (Section 2). Businesses must apply for approval from the Director of Taxation, providing documentation to verify their location within the "impacted construction zone" (defined as areas where traffic flow is blocked). Relief applies only during the project's active period, ending when the project concludes.

Maddy summaryS 3689 (Sponsored by Senator Bucco) expands New Jersey's pension and retirement income exclusion to include taxpayers earning over $150,000 annually, while increasing the maximum exclusion amount. Currently, taxpayers with incomes above $125,000 but under $150,000 receive reduced exclusions (e.g., 25% for married couples filing jointly), but this bill removes the $150,000 cap. Qualifying taxpayers - those receiving pension/retirement income and filing New Jersey taxes - would see higher tax savings under the revised rules. The bill amends existing tax code provisions (N.J.S.54A:6-10) to implement these changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates New Jersey's Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act to protect active-duty military members, National Guard personnel, reservists called to duty, and their dependents. It allows courts to pause civil proceedings (like debt collection or evictions) during military service and prevents creditors from denying or changing credit terms solely because someone is serving. Dependents may also seek relief if military service harms their ability to meet lease or contract obligations. The law ensures New Jersey's protections meet or exceed federal standards for military members' civil and property rights.