Sen. Teresa Ruiz

Maddy summaryS 2137 requires New Jersey's Civil Service Commission to add test questions to entry-level law enforcement exams that identify implicit racial bias in candidates. This applies to all applicants for municipal and county police, correctional officers (adult and juvenile), and sheriff's positions. The bill mandates the Commission, working with testing experts, to include these questions starting four months after enactment. The goal is to assess unconscious biases that could affect officer behavior, as defined in the bill's statement. The change directly affects all new law enforcement hires across New Jersey's public safety agencies.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1005 prohibits businesses from charging different prices for substantially similar products or services based solely on the gender of the intended consumer, targeting practices often called the "pink tax." It directly affects retailers selling consumer goods and specific service providers like tailors, salons, and dry cleaners. The bill requires these businesses to clearly disclose all standard service prices in writing (posted in 14-point bold type) and display a prominent 24-point sign stating gender-based price discrimination is illegal. Price differences based on gender-neutral factors like materials, labor, or manufacturer pricing remain permitted.

Maddy summaryThis bill would create a pilot program through New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to provide state-backed loan guarantees for eligible non-profit organizations. It directly affects non-profits that are federally tax-exempt (501(c)(3)), have operated for at least 10 years, received prior state assistance, and plan to create 10+ full-time jobs through new physical space construction. The program would fund guarantees up to $15 million per organization (max 20 years) using a dedicated revolving fund, with repayment requiring the project to generate sufficient income to cover loan costs. The bill is pending in the Senate Budget Committee and has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryS 1350 repeals a $100,000 annual spending cap on sales and use tax exemptions for businesses participating in New Jersey's Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) program. This bill directly affects certified UEZ businesses that make qualifying capital improvements to their property, such as building construction, major repairs, or renovations. The key provision removes the previous limit, allowing these businesses to claim full tax exemptions for all eligible improvements - regardless of cost - starting January 1, 2022. The change applies retroactively, meaning businesses can now claim exemptions for qualifying projects completed since 2022 without the prior $100,000 restriction.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2187) allows common law public nuisance lawsuits targeting lead paint manufacturers and distributors under New Jersey law. It specifically exempts the Attorney General from needing to prove physical control over lead paint or demonstrate special injury when suing these entities for damages or abatement. The bill amends existing laws to clarify that the Attorney General can pursue such cases without being restricted to injunctive relief alone. It directly affects lead paint manufacturers, distributors, and the Attorney General’s office in enforcement actions. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $70 million in federal pandemic relief funds to New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to support arts and culture organizations negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The EDA will award $50 million in grants for general financial recovery (including $10 million specifically for arts education programs in schools and after-school settings) and $20 million for placemaking projects that beautify public spaces like sidewalks and parks with art installations. Qualifying groups include both for-profit and nonprofit arts organizations that experienced pandemic-related revenue losses. The funds come directly from New Jersey's allocation of federal "Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund" money under the American Rescue Plan Act.

Maddy summaryS 1037 creates the New Jersey STEM Entrepreneur Fellowship Program, requiring the Secretary of Higher Education to establish it in partnership with the Labor Commissioner and Economic Development Authority. The program will fund at least 20 three-year fellowships for individuals with proven STEM business ideas that benefit society and can become self-sustaining businesses. Fellows will receive support primarily for commercializing their ideas and building viable businesses, with priority given to applicants backed by state-supported incubators. The program targets STEM entrepreneurs at New Jersey's county colleges and four-year institutions.

Maddy summaryS 2173 expands New Jersey's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program to include taxpayers who use Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) instead of Social Security numbers. Currently, federal EITC rules require a Social Security number, excluding many low-income residents - including undocumented immigrants and some other groups - from qualifying for both federal and state credits. The bill modifies eligibility under New Jersey law to allow ITIN holders to claim the state credit if they meet federal eligibility criteria. This change directly affects low-income New Jersey residents who lack Social Security numbers but qualify under federal EITC rules. The policy change takes effect immediately for future tax years.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1995) expands eligibility for direct support professional services under New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) to individuals with disabilities aged 18-21. Currently, these services are only available starting at age 21, leaving young adults who graduate high school early without access. The bill requires DHS to provide daily, non-medical support to help these individuals integrate into communities, access employment, make informed choices about their health/safety, and lead independent lives. It mandates DHS to adopt implementing rules within 90 days of enactment.

Maddy summaryS 2012 requires all New Jersey public school districts, charter schools, and vocational/county special services schools receiving state aid to begin high school instruction (grades 9-12) no earlier than 8:30 AM local time starting in the 2024-2025 school year. The law directly affects school districts that receive state funding, with exceptions for students with individualized education plans under IDEA or Section 504. It mandates this start time based on health research showing adolescents need 8-10 hours of sleep and face risks like poor academic performance when sleep-deprived. The bill does not apply to existing individualized education programs but requires compliance for all other high school students to receive state funding.