Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2565) changes New Jersey's gross income tax rules to exclude certain retirement savings contributions from current taxation for specific employees. It directly affects public school employees and workers at federally tax-exempt organizations (like hospitals, churches, and schools) who use retirement plans under federal Section 403(b). The key provision aligns New Jersey's tax treatment with federal rules, allowing these employees to defer income tax on retirement contributions - similar to private-sector workers using Section 401(k) plans - until funds are withdrawn. This creates a tax incentive for retirement savings that currently exists for for-profit business employees but not for these public and non-profit workers. The change applies to taxable years starting after the bill's enactment.
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Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey pharmacists to provide a one-time emergency supply of a chronic maintenance drug (like those for diabetes or hypertension) without a current prescription under specific conditions. It applies when a patient has a prior prescription that has expired or lacks refills, the pharmacist cannot reach the prescribing doctor, and the pharmacist determines that delaying the medication would endanger the patient's health. The emergency supply is limited to a 30-day amount (or standard unit if larger), cannot include controlled substances, and cannot be provided more than once per drug per patient within 12 months. Pharmacists and their employers are granted civil immunity for actions taken under this provision, unless gross negligence or intentional misconduct occurred.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $500,000 fund to reimburse New Jersey municipalities for police costs incurred managing crowds and traffic at Motor Vehicles Commission (MVC) locations during the COVID-19 emergency period. It applies to expenses paid by municipal police departments from March 9, 2020 (when the pandemic emergency began) through the end of the declared emergency. Municipalities must apply to the Division of Local Government Services for reimbursement using procedures they will establish. The fund is financed with $500,000 from federal CARES Act funds allocated to the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill would allow New Jersey students receiving financial aid through the state's Educational Opportunity Fund (a program for low-income college students) to qualify for SNAP food assistance without meeting the standard 20-hour weekly work requirement that applies to most student SNAP recipients. Currently, federal SNAP rules require student beneficiaries to work 20 hours per week to maintain eligibility, but this bill would exempt those receiving Educational Opportunity Fund awards from that requirement. The state cannot implement this change until the federal government approves it, as SNAP is governed by federal law, and the bill requires the state to seek necessary waivers or approvals. Once approved, the state must apply for federal permission and launch a public awareness campaign to inform eligible students about the new eligibility rules.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to collect and coordinate data on the language skills and educational progress of children who are deaf or hard of hearing, from birth through age 10. The data will be gathered using a centralized platform, shared with the Departments of Human Services and Education (with parental consent), and used to develop better support programs. It directly affects children aged 0-10 diagnosed with deafness or hearing loss in New Jersey. The law mandates privacy compliance with federal and state laws and requires parental written consent before sharing any data.
Maddy summaryThis bill lowers the minimum age requirement to become a licensed radiologic technologist in New Jersey from 18 to 16 years old. It allows applicants aged 16 or older to qualify if they are enrolled in an approved four-year secondary school program or alternative education program leading to a high school diploma. The bill maintains existing 24-month education requirements for specific radiologic technology specialties (like diagnostic x-ray or radiation therapy) but adjusts the foundational age and education entry point to help address workforce shortages in the field.
Maddy summaryThis bill protects employees from workplace discrimination based on off-duty cannabis use. It prohibits employers from refusing to hire, firing, or taking adverse employment actions against employees who use cannabis outside of work hours, with limited exceptions for safety-sensitive roles. Employers may conduct drug tests only with reasonable suspicion of impairment during work hours or after workplace accidents, using scientifically reliable testing methods. The bill also establishes standards for Workplace Impairment Recognition Experts to help employers assess employee impairment, though employers aren't required to use these experts. Exceptions permitting workplace restrictions include critical infrastructure facilities, public utility work, or roles requiring federal compliance.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state grant program within New Jersey's Department of Education to help public schools provide essential technology for remote learning. It directly assists students lacking access to connected devices (like laptops or tablets) or home internet by funding the purchase of devices, Wi-Fi hotspots, mobile broadband service, device peripherals (such as cases and headsets), and insurance. Grants, funded primarily through federal pandemic relief funds, require schools to return all equipment within five days after remote instruction ends and dedicate 95% of funds to devices (not administration). Schools must also report on equipment usage and remaining access gaps within one year of receiving funds.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2570) requires New Jersey cable TV companies to create and maintain a toll-free phone number for customers. It directly affects cable TV subscribers and the companies providing service, mandating that customers can report outages, get real-time updates on outage status, and receive estimated restoration times. Companies must prominently display this number on every customer bill and on their website homepage. The law takes effect immediately but has a 60-day delay before enforcement.
Maddy summaryS 2629 requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to establish and periodically update criteria for designating school districts as SDA (School Development Authority) districts. The criteria will include economic factors like equalized valuation per student and district income, as well as school facilities needs such as overcrowding and health/safety issues. The commissioner must recommend these criteria and a list of qualifying districts to the Legislature by March 1, 2025 and every five years after. The bill also ensures districts previously designated as SDA but losing that status will continue to receive full state funding for school facility projects already in design or construction.