Maddy summarySJR 93 is a symbolic resolution recognizing New Jersey's commitment to the right to adequate food for all residents. It formally declares that the state should promote food security through principles like nutritional quality, cultural appropriateness, physical and economic access, sustainability, and food sovereignty - without creating new laws or funding. The resolution defines key terms (e.g., "economic access" and "food sovereignty") and emphasizes that these principles should guide future policies. It does not impose new requirements on government or businesses but serves as a declarative statement of legislative intent. As a resolution, it affects no specific groups through policy changes, only affirming a foundational value for future decision-making.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySCR 104 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase New Jersey's veterans' property tax deduction from $250 to $500 annually, phased in over time starting in 2027. The deduction would rise to $300 in 2027, $350 in 2028, $400 in 2029, $450 in 2030, and $500 beginning in 2031. It directly affects honorably discharged veterans, their surviving spouses (including those whose spouses died on active duty), and veterans living in continuing care retirement communities. The amendment requires voter approval after legislative passage to become law.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey would join the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, a multi-state agreement that simplifies licensing for cosmetologists to practice across participating states. This bill directly affects licensed cosmetologists seeking to work in multiple states, as well as state licensing authorities managing professional regulations. The key mechanism creates a uniform framework where cosmetologists meeting standardized requirements can practice in any compact member state without obtaining separate licenses, while enabling states to share disciplinary information and support military families relocating. It aims to improve workforce mobility, reduce licensing barriers, and ensure consistent public safety standards for cosmetology services.
Maddy summaryS 3650 establishes the Autism Education Council within New Jersey's Department of Education to address educational needs for autistic students. The council, composed of seven members including the Education Commissioner, two qualified teachers (with specific certifications and experience), and representatives from parent and advocacy groups, will develop strategies to expand autism education services and workforce capacity. It requires the council to meet at least six times annually and will provide recommendations to improve public school support for students with autism spectrum disorders. This bill directly affects autistic students, their families, and school districts across New Jersey by creating a dedicated body to coordinate autism education resources.
Maddy summaryThis bill revises window guard requirements for residential rental units and apartment buildings in New Jersey. It requires landlords to install and maintain approved window guards on windows in units where children 13 years or younger, or people with disabilities, reside or spend significant time. Key changes include expanding the age limit from 10 to 13 years, adding disability protections, mandating audible alerts (chimes) on guards, and specifying that guards must prevent openings larger than 4 inches. The bill also clarifies that rigid window stops cannot replace compliant guards and establishes different notification rules for condo communities versus standard rental buildings.
Maddy summaryS 3394 requires all New Jersey food service businesses - including restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, food trucks, and movie theaters - to provide clear written notice of major food allergens (like milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, soy, wheat, and sesame) for every menu item, including temporary offerings. Businesses must display this information directly on menus, via a scannable QR code linking to an online resource, or on separate written materials like charts or booklets, using common allergen names or approved symbols. The law excludes prepackaged foods already covered by federal labeling rules. Enforcement will be handled by the Department of Health or local health boards upon complaint.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3013 imposes a $0.40 monthly fee per mobile line on residents using commercial mobile or IP-enabled voice services (excluding Lifeline program participants). Telecom companies collect this fee from customers and remit it quarterly to a new "9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Hotline Trust Fund Account" in the state Treasury. Funds in the account will finance specific crisis services including 9-8-8 call center operations, mobile crisis response teams, crisis stabilization centers, and public awareness campaigns. The bill mandates annual reporting on fund usage and requires the Legislature to review fee adjustments based on service needs.
Maddy summaryS 2977 requires chain restaurants with 20 or more locations in New Jersey to meet specific nutritional standards for children's meals (sold as a single-price combo for kids). The bill mandates that these meals contain no more than 550 calories, 700mg sodium, 15g added sugar, and 0g trans fat, while including at least ½ cup of fresh fruits/vegetables and healthier beverage options like water or milk (not sugary drinks). Restaurants must clearly display the nutritional content of compliant meals on menus or signage. Violations can result in fines up to $1,000 per offense, enforced by the Department of Health.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals with traumatic or acquired brain injuries to voluntarily add a notation to their New Jersey driver's license, ID card, and the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) registry. It creates a secure registry where users can provide emergency contact information and vehicle details to help law enforcement communicate more effectively during traffic stops. The registry is accessible only to law enforcement during vehicle-related interactions, and users can remove or update their information at any time. The bill also requires training for officers on interacting with people who have brain injuries, ensuring the system prioritizes safety and clear communication without compromising privacy.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "charter school payment reserve account" that New Jersey school districts can establish to cover unexpected increases in payments to charter schools. It directly affects school districts that budget less for charter school payments than the state department projects, as the reserve funds would finance the difference between the initial budget and actual payments based on October enrollment. Districts can fund the reserve through their annual budget or year-end transfers of unspent revenue. The bill amends existing law to add this specific reserve account, ensuring districts have a mechanism to manage these payment shortfalls without disrupting other funding.