Sen. Bob Singer

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to appropriate at least $10 million annually from the General Fund to the Department of Health for Public Health Priority Funding, starting July after the bill takes effect. It directly affects local health departments across the state, which lost this dedicated, unrestricted funding when it was eliminated in 2011 (previously accounting for about 15% of their budget). The funding must be spent as outlined in the existing "Public Health Priority Funding Act of 1977," restoring a flexible resource for local health needs. Currently, local health departments rely on fragmented funding sources like property taxes and purpose-limited grants, which this bill aims to supplement.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill S 1032 requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Children’s Services (DCS) to study workforce conditions for service providers in mental health, substance use disorder, and developmental disability programs, as well as child welfare services. It mandates annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for these providers based on the Consumer Price Index, effective October 1 each year. The studies must examine workforce vacancy rates, demographics, geographic distribution, care needs, and future supply-demand gaps. DHS and DCS must report findings and COLA evaluations to the Governor and Legislature annually, with public access to reports online. The bill directly affects contracted service providers delivering Medicaid-funded care in these sectors.

Maddy summaryS 2535 establishes a new minimum Medicaid reimbursement rate for structured day program services provided to Medicaid beneficiaries with brain injuries. The bill requires that these services be reimbursed at the average rate of $9.09 per 15 minutes (currently $3.65), aligning with reimbursement rates for similar services under the Division of Developmental Disabilities. This change directly affects approved brain injury service providers who deliver structured day programs to Medicaid beneficiaries. The policy applies to services provided on or after the bill's effective date, ensuring consistent reimbursement for brain injury care.

Maddy summaryS 3359, "CJ's Law," would criminalize the manufacture, sale, and possession of substances containing kratom (mitragyna speciosa korth), with penalties based on quantity. Possessing or distributing 1 ounce or more of kratom would be a second-degree crime punishable by 5-10 years in prison or a $150,000 fine, while smaller amounts would be third or fourth-degree crimes with lesser penalties. The bill directly affects individuals who use, sell, or distribute kratom products, which are currently legal in New Jersey but are warned against by the FDA for potential addiction and health risks. The law is named after Christopher James Holowach, who died from cardiac arrest related to kratom use combined with prescription medication. This bill aims to address public health concerns about kratom, which the FDA has identified as posing risks including addiction, abuse, and dependence.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey School Counts County College Scholarship Program, providing two years of tuition and book coverage at county colleges for qualifying high school graduates. Students must earn a "School Counts certificate" by meeting strict criteria: 95%+ attendance, C+ GPA, completing extra credits beyond graduation requirements, finishing high school in eight semesters (or per IEP), and passing Algebra I. Eligible students receive up to $2,000 annually ($4,000 total), covering tuition and books, but must apply for other aid first and enroll within six months of graduation. The program is funded through state money, county college contributions, and private donations, with colleges needing to match state funds via private support. It directly affects New Jersey high school graduates who meet the attendance and academic standards set by participating schools.

Maddy summaryS 3345 requires the president of each public New Jersey college or university to report all on-campus crime, fire, and emergency incidents to the institution's governing board at every regular board meeting. The report must include counts and types of criminal incidents (from campus security/police), campus alerts/threats, and fire incidents (from campus security/fire departments), plus optional details on investigations, disciplinary actions, and prevention programs. Non-public information (like ongoing investigations) must be shared in executive sessions, and the bill clarifies such reports won't become public records under New Jersey's open records law. This bill directly affects public higher education institutions' leadership and governing boards. It takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryS 3360 allows New Jersey public employees - including state workers, school district staff, and local government employees - to take unpaid leave to assist Israel's military or civilian government during the Hamas War. Employees must provide documentation from Israeli authorities (like the defense forces or government) to their employer before approval. The leave covers the conflict's duration plus travel time, and employees must be restored to their original job with all benefits upon return. This bill directly supports public sector workers who wish to volunteer in Israel's defense without risking their employment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship to support students at county colleges and vocational schools. It covers up to $5,000 annually for tuition, fees, course materials, and professional license costs (after other aid), limited to two years for non-degree programs or three years for associate degrees. To qualify, students must be New Jersey residents enrolled in programs aligned with state labor needs - such as health care, advanced manufacturing, or education - and either be employed or complete a financial literacy course. The program requires annual reporting on scholarship usage, recipient demographics, and job placement rates in targeted fields.

Maddy summarySJR 119 changes New Jersey's official designation from "Jewish Heritage Month" (observed in April) to "Jewish American Heritage Month" (to be observed in May each year). This aligns the state's observance with the national recognition established by President George W. Bush in 2006, which designates May as Jewish American Heritage Month. The bill amends existing law to update the month and name while maintaining the purpose of honoring Jewish Americans' contributions to New Jersey and the nation. No new programs or funding are created - this is solely a procedural adjustment to match the federal observance.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the renewal date for nursing licenses and certificates issued by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. Instead of renewing on fixed dates, licenses will now expire on the professional's birthday in the second year after issuance, or on the last day of the birth month if the birthday doesn't fall on a calendar day that year. The two-year renewal period remains unchanged, and the rule applies only to licenses issued after the bill takes effect (30 days post-enactment). It affects all licensed nursing professionals under the Board, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and advanced practice nurses.