Maddy summaryThis bill creates a permanent commission to study New Jersey's inconsistent legal definitions of "veteran," "disabled veteran," and "service-disabled veteran." The commission will analyze over 20 existing definitions across state statutes to identify confusion that prevents veterans from understanding their eligibility for benefits like tax deductions, education aid, and special license plates. It will recommend changes to create clearer, more uniform definitions and submit annual reports to the Governor and legislature. The commission consists of five members appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders, with staff support from the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs. This study aims to improve veterans' access to benefits but does not change current eligibility rules.
Sponsored bills
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 summaryS 362 directs 10% of funds allocated to local governments for recreation and conservation projects under New Jersey's Green Acres program to develop or retrofit "completely inclusive playgrounds." This applies specifically to local government units (municipalities and counties) managing public parks and recreation spaces. The bill amends existing law to require that 10% of the 38% of Green Acres funds designated for local government grants must be used for inclusive playgrounds - covering both new construction and updates to existing facilities. The provision ensures these playgrounds meet accessibility standards for children of all abilities, without creating new funding streams.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school students who suffer a concussion to get a medical evaluation and written clearance from a physician trained in concussion management before returning to school or school-related physical activities. It directly affects students, school districts, and healthcare providers, mandating that schools cannot allow concussed students to participate in recess, physical education, sports, or other physical activities until cleared. Schools must also implement any restrictions recommended by the physician and inform all relevant staff about these limitations. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.
Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Jobs Protection Act (S 1847) requires employers in New Jersey to verify the work authorization of all employees using the federal E-Verify system, aiming to prevent the hiring of individuals without legal permission to work in the U.S. It directly affects all employers in the state - including businesses, local governments, and self-employed individuals - who would face penalties for intentionally or knowingly employing unauthorized workers. Key provisions include a $10,000 fine per unauthorized employee for first violations, mandatory termination of such employees, and a three-year probation period requiring quarterly E-Verify reports for employers. The bill focuses on holding employers accountable, not on immigration enforcement against workers, and mandates that work authorization verification be done through federal channels, not state officials. The bill was introduced in January 2024 and referred to the Senate Labor Committee.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 731 prohibits state agencies and local governments from allowing foreign companies created under the laws of a "foreign adversary" to participate in critical infrastructure projects. A "foreign adversary" is defined as a country determined by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to pose significant security threats to the U.S. The bill specifically bars these companies from construction, maintenance, or control of infrastructure including power grids, water systems, gas pipelines, and communication networks. Existing agreements conflicting with this law cannot be renewed, though pre-enactment agreements remain valid until expiration.
Maddy summaryS 728 prohibits New Jersey state agencies and local governments from buying or using technology products, services, or systems from companies owned by, controlled by, or based in foreign countries identified as posing significant cybersecurity threats by U.S. or New Jersey security agencies. It directly affects all state and local government entities that purchase technology, requiring them to avoid vendors linked to specified threat countries. The law takes effect immediately upon passage, using threat designations from agencies like the U.S. Director of National Intelligence and New Jersey's Office of Homeland Security. It focuses on preventing procurement of technology from entities deemed high-risk for cyber espionage, without naming specific countries.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates two bodies to address veteran-related issues in New Jersey. A 13-member task force (including state agency heads, veterans' representatives, and public members) will study challenges faced by service members returning from Afghanistan/Iraq deployments - such as mental health, employment, and family needs - and recommend solutions within six months. A separate permanent commission (appointed by state leaders) will review and standardize state definitions of "veteran," "disabled veteran," and related terms across statutes to reduce inconsistency. The task force will hold public hearings statewide, while both bodies will submit reports to the Governor and Legislature with recommendations, including potential legislative changes. The bill directly affects active-duty military, National Guard members, reservists, and their families navigating post-deployment transitions.
Maddy summarySJR 16 designates October of each year as "Eczema Awareness Month" in New Jersey. The resolution requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the month with activities that raise awareness about eczema. It directly affects New Jersey residents living with eczema (affecting over 13% of the state's population) by promoting greater public understanding of the condition. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but aims to reduce stigma and foster community support through annual recognition.
Maddy summaryS 389 removes demand side management programs - such as energy efficiency initiatives, plug-in electric vehicle incentives, and renewable energy projects - from the list of costs electric and gas utilities can recover through the societal benefits charge on customer bills. This amendment deletes a specific statutory provision that previously allowed utilities to fund these programs via a mandatory charge added to all customers' rates. The bill does not eliminate the programs themselves but changes their funding mechanism, requiring alternative approaches for cost recovery. As a result, utilities will no longer include these program costs in the societal benefits charge, potentially affecting future program funding and customer rate structures.