Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 932) prohibits public school districts from teaching concepts defined as "critical race theory" in classroom instruction or allowing teachers to use materials promoting those concepts. It specifically bans teaching ideas like race-based superiority, assigning historical guilt to individuals, or claiming the U.S. government is fundamentally racist. The bill also prohibits teachers from engaging in political, ideological, or religious advocacy in class, such as endorsing candidates or legislation, and requires balanced presentation of controversial issues. It directly affects all public school teachers and districts in New Jersey, with enforcement through potential loss of state funding for violations. Exceptions allow teaching ethnic history, impartial historical discussion, and historical documents.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill revises reimbursement rules when a law enforcement officer moves between agencies within 120 days of resigning. It requires the new employer to reimburse the former agency for training costs based on when the officer completed their police academy training: full costs if training was within 120 days of resignation, or half costs if training occurred between 120 days and two years prior. The policy applies to county/municipal police departments, educational institution police units, state law enforcement agencies, and NJ Transit Police. The new employer must notify the former agency and pay the reimbursement within 120 days of receiving certified cost documentation.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public meetings of New Jersey's State Board of Education to be accessible both in person and virtually. It mandates that the Board provide a publicly available virtual meeting link on its website and allows members of the public to submit comments remotely during sessions that accept public input. The law directly affects the State Board of Education in how it conducts meetings and the public who attend or comment on education policy discussions. These changes ensure broader public participation by removing physical attendance barriers for meetings about education policy.
Maddy summaryThis is a Senate resolution (SR 14) urging Congress to pass the "Safe and Open Streets Act" (pending as S.3492/H.R.6926). The resolution states the Act would make it a federal crime to intentionally block public roads or highways to obstruct commerce or delay movement of goods. It cites disruptions from protests - like those in New York City and Los Angeles - as justification, noting such blockages endanger people, disrupt emergency services, and divert law enforcement resources. The resolution itself does not create law but formally requests Congress enact the proposed federal criminal penalty.
Maddy summaryS 506 requires public school students in New Jersey who sustain a concussion to receive an evaluation and written clearance from a physician or licensed health care provider trained in concussion management before returning to school or participating in any physical activity at school (including recess, physical education, or sports). The bill mandates that school districts implement any restrictions recommended by the physician through their 504 team and notify all relevant staff. It prohibits students from engaging in physical activities until they have the required clearance. This bill directly affects all public school students in New Jersey who experience concussions and requires school districts to follow specific health protocols.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to issue up to $2 billion in state bonds to fund flood control, mitigation, and prevention infrastructure projects across the state. It directly affects all residents and businesses in flood-prone areas, particularly those in the Passaic River Basin, by financing structural projects like levees, dams, river channel improvements, and floodgate systems. The funds will cover construction, engineering, and related costs for projects identified in the Passaic River Basin Flood Advisory Commission's recommendations, excluding property buyouts or land preservation. The bonds require voter approval at a general election, with proceeds dedicated solely to flood infrastructure to reduce future damage and economic disruption.
Maddy summaryS 1337 establishes a dedicated Office of River Maintenance within New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to manage river health. This office will oversee all stream cleaning (removing debris/sediment) and bank stabilization projects across state waterways, replacing the previous system under P.L.1993, c.376. Key provisions require projects to preserve historic stream contours, protect vegetation on southern/western banks, coordinate with wildlife agencies near endangered species, and comply with wetlands and flood control laws. The bill directly affects DEP operations, local municipalities managing waterways, and ecosystems in protected waters like trout habitats and Category One waters.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a New Jersey scholarship program for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers studying plasma physics or fusion energy science at state institutions. It authorizes $125,000 annually to award ten $12,500 scholarships, requiring recipients to secure matching funds from their institution and maintain academic standing. Applicants must provide proof of institutional commitment and a statement detailing their dedication to fusion science. The program aims to support education and career development in advancing fusion as a future energy source. The bill is pending in the Senate Higher Education Committee.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires ticket issuers (like venues, promoters, or teams) to offer buyers a transferable ticket option at purchase if they use a system that restricts reselling or giving away tickets. It allows exceptions for targeted promotions (e.g., discounted group tickets for specific affiliations) but prohibits penalties or discrimination against buyers who resell tickets or use specific platforms. The bill also lets venues enforce conduct policies and ticket limits while banning restrictions based solely on resale activity. It exempts certain venues in cities with specific tax structures from these requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies and increases penalties for obstructing highways or public passages in New Jersey. It separates reckless obstruction (now a disorderly persons offense, punishable by up to 6 months in jail or $1,000 fine) from purposeful obstruction that affects commerce (now a fourth-degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months in jail or $10,000 fine). The bill also specifies that gathering to hear speech or communicate does not alone constitute obstruction, and makes it a violation to refuse a reasonable official order to move from a public passage. It directly affects individuals who block roads or public areas, whether alone or in groups, and updates existing penalties from current petty disorderly offense standards.