Maddy summaryS 838 creates a sexual assault prevention and response program within New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, requiring the Adjutant General to appoint an independent coordinator who works outside the military chain of command. The program provides victim advocacy services, allows victims to file confidential complaints regardless of duty status, and refers cases to the Attorney General for investigation. It directly affects service members (including National Guard members) in New Jersey and mandates annual reports to the Governor and Legislature on program effectiveness, investigation statistics, and prevention efforts. The bill establishes specific protocols for protective orders and ensures victims receive information about compensation options.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 872) amends the state's tax code to exclude certain military bonuses from taxable income. Specifically, it removes reenlistment bonuses and voluntary extension-of-enlistment bonuses received by active-duty or reserve members of the U.S. Armed Forces from gross income calculations for New Jersey residents. The change applies to bonuses received during the taxable year, meaning eligible service members would not pay New Jersey state income tax on these payments. This policy directly affects New Jersey-resident military personnel who receive such bonuses as part of their service.
Maddy summaryS 418 allocates $17 million in supplemental funding to New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for Fiscal Year 2023 to provide grants for lake management. The bill directly affects qualified entities - including lake commissions (like Greenwood Lake Commission and Lake Hopatcong Commission), local governments, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits - that manage publicly-accessible lakes. Key provisions require the DEP to prioritize grants for projects improving water quality, preventing harmful algal blooms, and increasing recreational access, with funds covering stormwater management and lake maintenance costs. This is a funding mechanism, not a policy change, directing existing resources toward specific lake conservation activities.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 725) criminalizes squatting by creating three new offenses: "housebreaking" (forcibly entering vacant dwellings without permission to occupy), "unlawful occupancy" (taking up residence without permission), and "unlawful reentry" (returning to property after being evicted by court order). It presumes occupants know they lack permission unless they provide a notarized written rental agreement with the owner's current contact details. The law affects individuals occupying vacant properties without owner consent, making these acts fourth-degree crimes punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine. Currently, squatting isn't a criminal offense in New Jersey, requiring owners to seek court-ordered evictions instead.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2013) expands eligibility for New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) to include local government business administrators. Currently excluded from PERS, these administrators - such as city or county financial managers - would now qualify for membership and could transfer their retirement benefits from the Defined Contribution Retirement Program into PERS. The change specifically targets business administrators as defined in pending legislation, removing their prior exclusion from PERS. This policy shift directly affects local government employees in these administrative roles by providing access to PERS benefits instead of the alternative retirement program.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows state employees to purchase service credit in New Jersey's public retirement systems (PERS, TPAF, PFRS, SPRS) for time spent enrolled in military service academies like West Point or Annapolis. It specifically enables members to buy up to 10 years of credit (with possible additional years for veterans) for their military academy service, calculated based on their salary and actuarial factors. The credit purchase must be paid in installments over up to 10 years, with the state or employer not covering these costs. It directly affects current or former state employees who attended military academies before joining public employment. The bill amends existing retirement system rules to include military academy enrollment as eligible service for credit purchase.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's Traumatic Brain Injury Fund to cover transportation costs for eligible individuals with traumatic brain injuries to attend support group meetings. Currently, the fund covers transportation for medical appointments, treatment facilities, and vocational programs. The bill defines "support group meetings" as gatherings where individuals with traumatic brain injuries share information and perspectives about their injuries to improve their well-being. This change ensures the fund can now support transportation to these community-based meetings, which are part of the support network for TBI survivors.
Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Disability Savings Act (S 804) provides two state tax incentives for individuals with disabilities and their families: a one-time, dollar-for-dollar match of up to $750 for initial deposits into a New Jersey ABLE account (for taxpayers with gross income of $150,000 or less) and a state tax deduction for all contributions to these accounts. These incentives aim to help cover disability-related expenses like housing, education, medical costs, and assistive technology. The matching grant is subject to annual state funding, meaning it may be reduced or unavailable if appropriations fall short.
Maddy summaryThis bill, S 1393, would allow registered medical cannabis patients in New Jersey to grow cannabis at home for their personal medical use. It specifically permits registered qualifying patients or their designated caregivers (who must be 18+, registered with the Cannabis Regulatory Commission, and not currently serving as a caregiver for more than one patient) to cultivate cannabis in their residence. The law explicitly excludes commercial entities, as home cultivation would not apply to permit holders like dispensaries or clinical registrants. This change would amend existing medical cannabis laws to add a personal cultivation option while maintaining registration requirements and background checks for caregivers.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 563) makes it a third-degree crime to intentionally damage or deface military monuments. It directly affects individuals who purposely deface, damage, or pollute monuments erected to honor military personnel or commemorate battles. The law defines "military monument" specifically as any monument created to honor armed forces members or mark military history, and "desecrate" as defacing, damaging, or polluting such sites. The bill amends existing law to create this specific offense level, effective immediately upon passage.