Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Senate resolution (SR 17) urges the U.S. Congress to pass the federal "Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act." It directly addresses infants born alive during abortion procedures who may not receive medical care, as current federal law (BAIPA) protects their legal personhood but lacks penalties for providers who neglect them. The resolution states the federal bill would impose criminal penalties for failing to provide care or intentionally harming such infants. It cites evidence that some providers still deny these infants adequate care, with only 26 states having care mandates as of 2014. The resolution does not create new law but seeks to prompt federal action requiring states to comply with the proposed protections.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $4.32 billion from New Jersey's Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund to all municipalities and counties for two key purposes: retiring existing local debt or funding capital projects (like infrastructure) without issuing new debt. It directs $3 billion to municipalities on an equal per capita basis (same amount per resident) and $1.32 billion to counties similarly. The funds, partially drawn from $1.97 billion in unallocated balances already in the fund, must be distributed within 30 days of enactment. The bill aims to provide immediate, efficient financial relief to local governments facing debt burdens.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 855) amends election law to clarify police presence near polling places. It specifically allows police officers to travel to, remain at, or work from a police station located within 100 feet of a polling place during election-related duties. The bill also permits Class Three special law enforcement officers (defined under existing law) to be assigned to polling places at public schools for security. These changes update prior restrictions that generally prohibited police from being within 100 feet of polling places, except for emergencies or specific election tasks. The bill directly affects election operations, police assignments, and polling place security protocols.
Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates New Jersey's requirement that public school teachers must live in the state. It specifically removes the residency rule for teachers hired by school districts, charter schools, or renaissance school projects to teach mathematics or science. The change makes explicit an existing exception in the law (currently listed in R.S.52:14-7) that already exempted these teachers from the general residency rule. This affects only math and science teachers in public schools, not other educators or state employees.
Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey's civil service process for veterans applying for state jobs. It allows veterans to submit a personal statement confirming their veteran status instead of obtaining an official "determination of status" from the state's Veterans' Affairs office *before* being placed on an employment list. However, veterans must still provide the official determination of status *before* being hired. The bill directly affects veterans applying for state civil service positions under New Jersey's veterans' preference program.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide public boat access to State-owned lakes where boats are permitted, within two years of enactment. It mandates the DEP to build access points, contract with private marinas (via public bidding), or take other actions to enable public boating. The bill appropriates $1 million from the General Fund specifically for this purpose. If access cannot be provided due to funding shortages, the DEP must report the affected lakes and required funding to the Governor and Legislature.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "New Jersey Pandemic Bill of Rights for the Welfare of Individuals," granting specific protections to all New Jersey residents during pandemics, disease outbreaks, or public health emergencies. It directly affects vulnerable groups like nursing home residents (who faced high mortality during COVID-19) and requires healthcare facilities to provide medical evaluations before discharge, adequate care/nourishment, visitation rights, and safeguards against disease spread. The bill also mandates that attorneys be designated as essential workers to ensure continued access to legal services, including honoring medical directives like do-not-resuscitate orders. The Commissioner of Health must publish these rights online, and all healthcare facilities must post them prominently. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.
Maddy summaryThis bill raises the income limit for qualifying for utility fee reductions or abatements from $10,000 to $15,000 annually (adjusted yearly for inflation based on NYC/Philadelphia area consumer prices). It directly affects seniors aged 65+ and disabled residents (with a 60% VA disability rating or Social Security disability) who either receive PAAD program assistance or have income below $15,000. The key provision amends existing laws to allow municipal and county utility authorities to offer fee reductions or full abatements to these residents without counting certain federal or state benefits toward the income limit. The change makes it easier for more low-income seniors and disabled residents to qualify for reduced utility costs under current programs.
Maddy summaryS 404 requires certain high-risk sex offenders already in New Jersey's satellite-based monitoring program to pay for their equipment and monitoring costs. It directly affects individuals convicted of specific sex offenses (like those involving victims under 18 or over 60) who are deemed high-risk by the State Parole Board and placed under continuous geographic tracking. The bill amends existing law to mandate that these offenders cover the expenses for the monitoring devices and service, shifting costs from the state to the individuals. This policy change applies only to those already enrolled in the program under current eligibility criteria, not to new cases. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to issue up to $2 billion in bonds to fund flood control, mitigation, and prevention projects across the state. It directly affects all New Jersey residents by financing infrastructure like levees, river improvements, and drainage systems to reduce flood damage. Key provisions include requiring a public referendum for bond approval and directing funds toward structural projects (e.g., river walls, flood gates) while excluding property buyouts. The bill does not create new regulations but provides the financial mechanism to advance existing flood control plans identified by state commissions.