Maddy summaryS 845 creates a $1 million grant program administered by New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to reimburse small retail businesses for increased operating costs caused by public highway projects. It directly affects small businesses (≤50 employees) located in areas immediately surrounding highway construction zones where traffic flow is blocked or access is restricted. The program reimburses the difference between normal business expenses and increased costs during the project's duration ("relief period"), requiring applicants to document pre-project expenses and project-related financial impacts. Funds are appropriated from the General Fund, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis as long as money remains available. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Economic Growth Committee.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 797) requires New Jersey Medicaid to cover ovulation-enhancing drugs and related medical services for eligible beneficiaries experiencing infertility. It directly affects low-income New Jersey residents enrolled in Medicaid who face infertility challenges. The key mechanism adds these fertility treatments to Medicaid's list of covered services under "medical care not included in subsection a.(5)," expanding existing coverage categories. The bill specifies coverage for the drugs themselves and associated medical services administered to manage infertility, without detailing specific eligibility thresholds beyond the beneficiary's infertility status.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 832 establishes rules for selecting and overseeing the state's commissioners to an Article V constitutional convention. It requires commissioners to meet specific eligibility criteria (e.g., U.S. citizenship, New Jersey residency, no federal lobbying history) and prohibits them from supporting changes to state voting rules or amending key constitutional protections like the Bill of Rights. Commissioners must follow strict instructions outlined in a joint legislative resolution, including an oath to uphold these limits, and can be recalled by the legislature or advisory committee for violations. The bill directly affects New Jersey's delegation to any future constitutional convention, governing their selection, duties, and accountability.
Maddy summaryS 787 requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs to offer a basic land use law and planning training course for planning and zoning board members in both online and in-person formats. It mandates that new members and current members must complete this course within 18 months of joining or when the course becomes available. The bill allows board members to fulfill their training requirement online, removing the need to attend in-person sessions during work hours or weekends. This change applies to all local planning boards, zoning boards of adjustment, and combined boards as defined by New Jersey law.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Developmental Disabilities to create guidelines for placing individuals with developmental disabilities in two types of group homes: Level 1 (for those with minimal behavioral needs) and Level 2 (for those requiring more intensive care due to persistent challenging behaviors posing safety risks). The guidelines must ensure placements align with clinical needs, behavioral frequency, and safety risks to others, with specific criteria for both initial placement and transfers between levels. Transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 require documented progress over 18 months, meeting behavioral goals, and having support systems in place. Level 2 group homes must also provide services to help residents transition to less restrictive settings. The bill directly affects individuals with developmental disabilities in group homes, their care teams, and licensed group home operators.
Maddy summarySCR 23 proposes a constitutional amendment to guarantee New Jersey registered voters the right to vote in person at their local polling place on election day. It would require voters to submit a written request before receiving a mail-in ballot, preventing automatic mail-in ballot distribution to all registered voters. This amendment, if approved by voters, would establish these voting rights in the state constitution and bar future laws or executive orders from limiting in-person voting or sending mail ballots without a specific request. It directly affects all registered voters in New Jersey who qualify to vote.
Maddy summaryS 764 (New Jersey) creates a rebuttable presumption that defendants charged with certain violent crimes must be detained before trial, unless the court finds they can be safely released. It directly affects individuals charged with offenses like murder, life imprisonment crimes, or specific violent offenses (e.g., domestic violence, human trafficking involving minors). The bill clarifies that courts must assume no bail or conditions can ensure public safety or court appearance for these cases, but defendants can challenge this presumption by proving otherwise. It amends existing bail laws to streamline detention hearings for these charges while maintaining the right to seek release conditions.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey courts to notify victims when a sex offender's registration obligation ends, ensuring victims are informed about changes in the offender's status. It also mandates courts to enter or continue restraining orders for victims of sex offenses under specific circumstances, such as when the offender's registration is terminated. The law directly affects victims of sex offenses and sex offenders whose registration requirements are ending. Key mechanisms include automatic victim notification upon termination of registration and court orders for restraining protections. These changes aim to enhance victim safety and awareness without altering existing registration requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to provide information about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to students in grades 11 and 12 as part of career readiness education. It mandates schools to encourage students and their parents or guardians to complete the FAFSA application. The Commissioner of Education must also publish a resource list with step-by-step instructions for completing the FAFSA, in collaboration with the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. The law takes effect in the first full school year after enactment.
Maddy summarySCR 62 is a concurrent resolution (not a bill) declaring the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development's proposed rules for applying the ABC test inconsistent with legislative intent. The resolution targets specific proposed rule changes (e.g., N.J.A.C. 12:11-1.3(c)(2)(i)(3), 12:11-1.5(h)) that would make it harder for workers, particularly in the gig economy (like ride-share drivers), to qualify as independent contractors by redefining standard business practices (e.g., using apps or insurance) as indicators of employer control. It asserts these rules contradict the original ABC test’s purpose - establishing clear, consistent standards for worker classification under unemployment compensation law (R.S.43:21-19) - by creating an unintended presumption of employee status. The Legislature has formally instructed the Department to withdraw or revise the rules within 30 days.