Sen. Bob Singer

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey state and certain local government employees to work on Good Friday in exchange for a day off on another pre-approved religious holiday during the same calendar year. It requires the Civil Service Commission to create a list of acceptable holidays based on the existing list used by schools (per N.J.S.18A:36-16), excluding school employees from this option. Employees must notify their employer by January 1 to use the alternate holiday, and failure to do so results in the leave defaulting to Good Friday. The policy directly affects eligible government workers while maintaining existing paid holiday structure for other days.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1931) increases penalties for reckless vehicular homicide when the driver was intoxicated. It elevates the offense to a first-degree crime if the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating a vehicle near schools or school zones, including: within 1,000 feet of school property, through designated school crossings, near school crossings with juveniles present (even if unmarked), or in highway construction zones. Convictions under these circumstances require a minimum prison term of one-third to one-half of the sentence or three years (whichever is greater), with no parole eligibility during that period, plus a license suspension of 5 years to life. The law applies directly to drivers convicted of causing death while driving intoxicated in these specific locations.

Maddy summaryS 838 creates a three-year pilot program to provide NJ FamilyCare health coverage to children with special needs who would qualify for federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits if not for their parents' income or assets. It directly affects middle-income families with children under 21 who meet federal disability criteria (blindness or disability as defined by SSI) but are ineligible for NJ FamilyCare due to parental financial factors. The Department of Human Services must annually verify each child's SSI eligibility, terminate benefits if they no longer qualify, and establish an appeals process for families. After the pilot, the department must report enrollment numbers, costs, and recommendations on whether to make the program permanent.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends New Jersey's tuition benefit to children and surviving spouses of U.S. Armed Forces members who died while on active duty (previously limited to New Jersey National Guard members). It allows eligible dependents to attend public colleges tuition-free for up to 16 credits per semester, subject to applying for all other available state, federal, and VA education benefits first. Additionally, it provides a new monetary award equal to 10% of tuition costs for non-tuition expenses like housing, meals, or supplies. The benefit applies to public institutions listed in state law and takes effect immediately for the next academic year.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Department of Veterans Affairs to partner with qualified law firms to provide free legal help to eligible disabled veterans facing denied disability claims at the federal level. It specifically covers veterans with service-connected disabilities and a net worth under $2 million, who need representation before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims after losing at the VA Board of Appeals. Law firms must specialize in veteran benefits, have 10+ years of experience, maintain a New Jersey office, and meet strict case-quantity requirements. The program requires no fees for veterans and will begin July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the definition of "child" under New Jersey's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) and State Police Retirement System (SPRS). It adds two specific scenarios: children aged 18+ enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester at a college or university, and children of any age with a documented disability preventing substantial gainful work for 12+ months. These changes directly affect the children of retired or deceased police officers and firefighters who previously might not have qualified for benefits under the old definition. The bill modifies eligibility criteria for retirement benefits but does not change benefit amounts or other system mechanics.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to allow home-schooled students to join school-sponsored activities like sports, clubs, and theater in their resident district, using the same rules as public school students. To participate, home-schooled students must prove residency, meet activity-specific eligibility criteria, and follow all district policies. For sports, students must also show they didn’t switch to homeschooling for athletic benefits, and districts must provide access to required physical exams if offered to enrolled students. The law applies immediately to all public school districts in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 779 requires high school students in grade 11 and above to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as part of their graduation requirements, starting in the first full school year after the bill takes effect. Students may request an exemption by submitting a signed form from a parent/guardian or, if 18+, by their own request. The bill also mandates that the state education commissioner provide schools and families clear resources with step-by-step instructions for completing the FAFSA. This policy directly affects New Jersey public high school students and aims to increase access to federal financial aid by integrating FAFSA completion into graduation pathways.

Maddy summaryS 829, titled "CJ's Law," would make it illegal to manufacture, sell, or possess substances containing kratom in New Jersey. The bill amends state drug laws to explicitly include kratom under prohibited "controlled dangerous substances," creating new criminal penalties for these activities. This change would directly affect individuals who use or sell kratom products, as current law does not ban kratom. The law would apply to all kratom-containing substances, including those sold as dietary supplements or recreational products.

Maddy summaryS 778 authorizes New Jersey school districts to administer specific motor vehicle services for prospective school bus drivers, including knowledge tests, license manuals, identification verification, fee processing, and endorsement applications. It does not permit schools to conduct road tests, which must still be handled by the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). The bill requires the MVC to develop rules and coordinate with school districts to implement this program, streamlining access to licensing for school bus drivers. This change directly affects school districts, prospective school bus drivers, and the MVC's administrative process.