Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2199) removes a requirement that student representatives on boards of trustees at New Jersey public colleges and universities must be U.S. citizens. It directly affects eligible students seeking board representation at institutions covered by the law, including state colleges and universities like Thomas A. Edison State University. The key change eliminates the phrase "and citizens of the United States" from existing eligibility rules, while keeping other requirements intact (full-time enrollment, 18+ years old, good academic standing). Student representatives will still serve two-year terms with a first-year alternate role, and retain full participation rights except on specific matters like personnel decisions or confidential litigation. The bill aims to broaden eligibility for student board members without altering other structural provisions.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a pilot program through New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to provide loan guarantees for non-profit organizations. It directly affects qualifying 501(c)(3) non-profits that have existed for at least 10 years, received prior state assistance, and plan to build new physical spaces generating at least 10 full-time jobs. The program guarantees up to $15 million per organization for construction loans through participating banks, requiring proof of financial viability and job creation plans. Funding comes from the Economic Recovery Fund and repayments, with the program set to expire after 20 years, and it is currently pending in the Senate Budget Committee.
Maddy summaryS 3129 creates a $750,000 emergency grant program within New Jersey's Department of Education to support public school co-curricular activities, such as debate clubs, theater, and music programs, which operate outside regular school hours and supplement students' academic experiences. School districts, charter schools, and renaissance schools can apply for grants to fund specific activities, with priority given to those most impacted by pandemic-related revenue losses. The program requires applicants to specify which activities the funds will support, and the Commissioner of Education determines grant amounts and eligibility. This legislation directly affects public schools and their students by providing emergency financial support for non-academic, extracurricular programs.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2976 requires restaurants to provide a healthy beverage as the default option with meals specifically marketed for children. The default beverage must be water (without added sweeteners), low-fat milk (nonfat or 1% with ≤130 calories), or 100% fruit juice (≤8 ounces with no added sweeteners). Restaurants may still offer other beverages upon request but cannot automatically include sugary drinks like soda with children's meals. This bill directly affects restaurants selling "children's meals" (food and beverage combos priced together for kids) and aims to improve dietary choices for young diners.
Maddy summaryS 2271, "CJ's Law," amends New Jersey's controlled substances law to criminalize the manufacture and distribution of substances containing kratom under specific circumstances. This bill directly affects kratom businesses, distributors, and retailers by making these activities illegal under state law. The key mechanism adds kratom to the definition of "controlled dangerous substances" in N.J.S. 2C:35-2, treating it like other illegal drugs, while explicitly excluding hemp and cannabis products regulated under separate state laws. The law does not change existing legal status for hemp or cannabis products under the New Jersey Hemp Farming Act or Cannabis Regulatory Act.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2206 requires businesses and public buildings (like retail stores, schools, and government facilities) to install baby diaper changing stations in at least one men's and one women's public restroom per floor during new construction or substantial renovations costing over $5,000. Public buildings must add stations in all accessible restrooms within 37 months of the bill’s enactment, though K-12 schools only need one station per campus. Owners must also post clear signage directing visitors to these stations and face a $500 penalty per violation for non-compliance. The bill establishes a reimbursement program to help cover installation costs for eligible entities like schools and municipalities.
Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Fostering Success Voucher Act (S 1780) provides rental assistance and case management services to young adults aged 18-26 who have been in foster care or kinship care and are experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness. The bill establishes a voucher program administered by the Department of Community Affairs, offering rental assistance comparable to the state’s existing rental assistance program and requiring participants to engage with approved case management agencies. To qualify, applicants must reside in New Jersey, meet moderate-income guidelines, and voluntarily agree to case management services. The program is funded with a $10 million appropriation from the General Fund, effective immediately upon enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires that ultrasounds performed on pregnant women at "limited service pregnancy centers" must be conducted by a licensed health care professional. It directly affects organizations that provide pregnancy counseling or information without performing abortions, making referrals to abortion providers, or being state-licensed medical facilities. The key provision mandates that only individuals licensed under New Jersey's health care statutes (Titles 45 or 52) can perform these ultrasounds at such centers. The bill defines "limited service pregnancy centers" to exclude hospitals, abortion clinics, and family planning clinics that offer medical services or contraception.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1425) requires that after a property owner’s tax lien is foreclosed, any excess equity remaining from the sale - beyond what the lienholder paid in taxes and interest - must be returned to the former owner. It directly affects property owners who fell behind on taxes and both municipal and private lienholders involved in tax sale foreclosures. The bill amends New Jersey’s tax sale law to comply with the U.S. Supreme Court’s *Tyler v. Hennepin County* ruling, which found that keeping excess sale proceeds violates constitutional protections against uncompensated property takings. The key provision mandates that courts return excess funds to owners after reimbursing lienholders for taxes paid plus interest, ending the practice sometimes called "equity theft."
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Statewide Suicide Prevention Coordination and Oversight Council within the Department of Human Services. The council will collect and analyze non-personal data on suicide attempts and completions from all suicide prevention organizations across the state, including details like age, gender, race, method, and mental health history. It will develop standardized reporting requirements for these organizations and provide guidance on best practices for suicide prevention materials and programs. The council will include state agency representatives and appointed members with mental health expertise, including survivors of suicide, to coordinate statewide efforts and improve data-driven prevention strategies.