Maddy summaryS 2396 upgrades burglary of a residence to a second-degree crime and elevates it to a first-degree crime if committed while armed with a weapon or explosives. This directly affects individuals convicted of burglarizing homes (dwellings or structures adapted for overnight stays), changing their sentencing level based on whether they were armed during the offense. Under the bill, second-degree burglary (unarmed residence burglary) carries a 5-10 year prison term, while first-degree burglary (armed residence burglary) would now carry a higher penalty. The bill amends New Jersey’s burglary statute (N.J.S.2C:18-2) and aligns sentencing with existing parole requirements for serious crimes. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 13, 2026.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's affordable housing law to permit municipalities to establish a preference for low and moderate income veterans who served during wars or emergencies in affordable housing projects. It allows cities and towns to agree with developers to reserve up to 50% of affordable units for these veterans, giving them priority during the first 90 days of a project's marketing period. After the initial 90 days, remaining units become available to the general public until the end of a 120-day marketing period. Veterans who qualify are placed on a special waiting list to maintain the preference level as units become available, without requiring municipalities to adopt this preference.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey municipalities to offer residents and businesses the option to receive property tax bills, construction permits, and payment receipts via email, rather than by mail. Municipalities must adopt an ordinance to provide this email option but cannot require it - taxpayers and permit applicants can still choose to receive all documents by traditional mail at no extra cost. The bill specifies that paper copies must remain available for those who prefer them, and it does not mandate any municipality to eliminate physical mail delivery. The Director of the Division of Local Government Services will establish the procedure for implementing this electronic delivery option.
Maddy summaryS 877 exempts municipal electric utilities from oversight by New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) regarding their rates and operations. Currently, if a municipality provides electricity beyond its city limits, it is treated as a public utility subject to BPU rate regulation; this bill removes that requirement. Municipal electric utilities would no longer need BPU approval for rates, charges, or operations, though the BPU would retain authority to resolve disputes over service territories. This directly affects cities operating electric utilities that serve customers outside their corporate boundaries. The bill amends existing laws (R.S.40:62-24 and P.L.1983, c.78) to create this exemption.
Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies the authority of the New Jersey State Police Superintendent to change personnel ranks and grades. It specifies that rank changes for troopers, detectives, first-line supervisors, mid-level managers, and executives can be made without Attorney General approval. However, changes to command staff positions (majors and lieutenant colonels) still require Attorney General approval. All personnel adjustments must stay within existing budget limits, consistent with current law. The bill directly affects State Police staff and the Attorney General's oversight role.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to develop a mobile application that provides veterans and their families with guidance on available state and federal resources. The app would consolidate information about benefits, healthcare, housing, education, and other support services into a single accessible tool. It specifically mandates the DMVA to create this mobile resource as a new method for delivering the existing public information requirement currently covered by subsection (y) of N.J.S.38A:3-6. The bill directly affects all New Jersey veterans and their families who rely on state and federal veteran support programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a $15 fee for special license plates designated for firefighters and members of first aid or rescue squads in New Jersey. It directly affects compensated, partially compensated, and volunteer members of fire departments or first aid/rescue squads who currently pay this fee in addition to standard vehicle registration costs. The bill amends existing law (P.L.1977, c.369) to remove the $15 charge, meaning applicants will only pay standard vehicle registration fees. The special plates (featuring a Maltese Cross with "F.D." for firefighters or a similar design for first aid/rescue members) remain available under the same eligibility rules.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows families or guardians of individuals up to age 21 with developmental disabilities to save unused after-school care hours provided by their contracted service agency for use during holidays or weekends. It directly affects families receiving family support services through agencies contracted with New Jersey's Division of Children's System of Care. The key provision requires the Division to permit setting aside unused "agency-after school care" hours - defined as social/recreational activities provided by community agencies during non-school hours outside the home - for holiday and weekend use. The bill does not create new services but changes how existing unused hours may be utilized. It takes immediate effect upon passage.
Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens oversight of facilities providing care to people with developmental disabilities in New Jersey. It creates a "Residential Facility Quality of Care Improvement Fund" in the Department of Human Services (DHS), funded by fines collected from service providers who violate rules. Key provisions include imposing penalties up to $25,000 for serious violations like administrative neglect, failure to conduct required background checks, or not reporting abuse, and requiring providers to submit internal investigation reports within 180 days. The bill directly affects licensed residential providers and authorized service agencies operating under DHS contracts, enhancing DHS's authority to enforce standards through fines and corrective actions.
Maddy summaryS 3366 eliminates a $15 fee for special license plates designated for firefighters and members of first aid or rescue squads in New Jersey. The bill amends existing law (P.L.1977, c.369) to remove the additional charge, meaning eligible members will no longer pay extra for these plates beyond standard vehicle registration fees. It directly affects compensated, partially compensated, or volunteer firefighters and first aid/rescue squad members who apply for these plates. The change applies immediately upon enactment, requiring no additional cost for the special plate design.