Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to restore the death penalty in New Jersey for specific murder convictions, such as intentional killings or causing serious injury that results in death. It would require the legislature to create a law setting a high standard: a jury or court must find "without any doubt" that severe crime circumstances outweigh factors that might reduce the sentence, and any lingering doubt would prevent a death penalty. The amendment also establishes strict appeal deadlines, including a 150-day limit for the New Jersey Supreme Court to rule on death penalty cases and a one-year window for post-conviction appeals after the U.S. Supreme Court’s final decision (except for innocence claims). The amendment must be approved by voters to take effect and would apply only to crimes committed after the year following voter approval, overriding the 2007 law that abolished the death penalty.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 1880 expands the Commission on Human Trafficking's duties to specifically promote coordinated efforts between state and local law enforcement agencies (including the Attorney General, county prosecutors, and police departments) to improve human trafficking investigations and prosecutions. This amendment adds to the Commission's existing responsibilities of evaluating trafficking laws, reviewing victim services, and developing public awareness. The key mechanism requires the Commission to actively facilitate communication and collaboration among these agencies to strengthen responses to trafficking cases. The bill directly affects the Commission's operations and the law enforcement entities it engages with.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $2.5 million grant program administered by New Jersey's Economic Development Authority to expand broadband access in rural areas lacking minimum service speeds (25 Mbps download/3 Mbps upload). It provides grants of up to $75,000 per project to qualified applicants like internet providers or local governments, requiring 25% private matching funds for infrastructure projects in "unserved areas." The program prioritizes projects addressing these unserved areas, with applicants submitting detailed proposals on service gaps and project plans. The EDA must report annually on grant distribution, including the number of projects funded and locations served.
Maddy summaryS 1845 requires Type II school districts in New Jersey without a board of school estimate to hold school elections in November and obtain voter approval for the base budget. This bill directly affects these specific school districts by mandating that their budget approval process must occur during a November election rather than other times. The key mechanism is the requirement for November elections and voter consent, which standardizes how these districts secure approval for their base budget. The bill does not alter budget content but changes the timing and approval process for the base budget.
Maddy summaryS 1835 requires New Jersey's Pension and Health Benefits Review Commission to review **all** legislation affecting public employee pensions or health benefits, expanding its current scope. The bill mandates the Commission to analyze bills modifying retirement plans (including defined benefit, defined contribution, or deferred compensation plans) or health care benefits financing, procedures, or operations - previously some such bills were not reviewed. The Legislative Budget Office must identify qualifying bills within 20 days, and the Commission must submit written comments within 45 days (or with extension), preventing legislative action until review is complete unless deemed urgent. This directly affects state and local government pension/health benefit bills introduced in the legislature.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Board of Education to obtain legislative approval before changing core curriculum standards or statewide assessments. The Board must submit revisions to the Legislature, which then has 45 days to approve or disapprove them via a concurrent resolution. If approved, changes take effect; if disapproved, they do not. This applies to both updates of existing curriculum standards and new or revised statewide assessments.
Maddy summarySCR 36 proposes a constitutional amendment to guarantee New Jersey registered voters the right to vote in person at their local polling place on election day. It also requires voters to submit a written request before receiving a mail-in ballot, preventing automatic mail-in ballot distribution to all voters. The amendment would bar the state legislature or governor from passing laws or issuing orders that limit in-person voting for those who wish to vote that way or automatically send mail-in ballots to all registered voters. This change would take effect only if approved by voters in the next general election following its submission.
Maddy summarySCR 71 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring New Jersey's state budget to be balanced using only regularly collected recurring revenue (like income tax) rather than one-time or nonrecurring sources. It allows exceptions for crises like disasters or war only with a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers. The bill also limits annual budget growth to the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and directs unspent recurring revenue into a "rainy day fund" (Surplus Revenue Fund). This would constrain how the state funds operations and prevent using temporary revenue to cover ongoing expenses.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state, county, municipal, and other government entities from accepting or using private funds (from individuals, corporations, nonprofits, or political parties) for election administration, including voter registration. It also bans private individuals from holding supervisory roles in election processes like determining ballot eligibility, unless authorized under existing election laws. Government entities may still use state or federal funds for elections. Violations would be punishable as third-degree crimes. The bill directly affects government election offices and private funders involved in election-related activities.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1867) would allow residents to apply for special license plates displaying "Protect the Second Amendment" with a militiaman image. Owners would pay a $50 one-time application fee and a $10 annual fee, with all proceeds deposited into a special fund to support state-owned gun ranges through the Fish and Game Council. Initial program costs (design, production, etc.) must be covered by private donations (up to $25,000), not public funds. The Motor Vehicle Commission would manage the program under specific guidelines, with fees subject to annual review.