Maddy summaryThe "Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act" (S 3340) would withhold New Jersey state funding from colleges and universities that support antisemitic events or organizations, fail to enforce anti-harassment policies, or do not appropriately punish antisemitic behavior. It defines antisemitism using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's 2016 working definition and requires institutions to address such incidents through academic, professional, or legal consequences. This law directly affects all New Jersey institutions of higher education receiving state aid, including public and private colleges. The bill aims to ensure campuses uphold safety for Jewish students, faculty, and staff by linking state funding to compliance with these standards.
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Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public and independent colleges to provide specific academic support to students serving in the National Guard, Reserves, or active duty. It mandates schools to offer accommodations for missed classes (like lecture notes, tutoring, and five days to complete work), establish written contracts between students and professors about academic obligations, and accept up to 30 college credits for military training via the American Council on Education. Students must notify professors of military duties early, and schools must display these rights on their websites. Violations will be enforced by the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey volunteer firefighters, first aid squad members, and rescue squad members who meet specific service and training requirements to claim a $2,000 deduction from their state gross income tax. To qualify, volunteers must complete either 10% of rescue duty (with EMS training or EMT certification) or 60% of fire duty (with Firefighter I certification), while serving the entire tax year. The exemption applies directly to qualifying volunteers who meet these thresholds, adding to existing state tax exemptions. It does not create new benefits but provides a concrete tax deduction for eligible volunteers.
Maddy summaryS 3243 allocates an additional $500,000 to New Jersey's Department of Health for the Huntington's Disease Grant Program, increasing total funding to $700,437. This supplemental funding supports grants to institutions of higher education, non-profits, and New Jersey-based research organizations to provide services like pre-symptomatic testing, neurological and psychiatric care, treatment, and counseling. The program directly assists approximately 900-1,200 New Jersey residents living with Huntington's Disease and an estimated 7,000 at-risk individuals. Huntington's Disease is a fatal, inherited condition causing progressive neurological decline without a cure.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the display or flying of flags belonging to U.S. Department of State-designated terrorist organizations on any New Jersey state property, including schools, hospitals, parks, and government offices. State entities violating this rule would face immediate loss of state funding, with penalties determined by the Secretary of State and budget officials. The law explicitly allows such flags for news, historical, educational, or theatrical purposes. It defines "state property" broadly to cover all land and buildings owned or leased by the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey colleges and universities from creating scholarship programs or student aid limited to students who are citizens or permanent residents of countries or territories controlled by a foreign terrorist organization designated by the U.S. Secretary of State. It directly affects higher education institutions that might otherwise restrict aid based on students' nationality from such regions. Violating institutions lose access to state operating funds, state bond proceeds (including from the New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority), and state scholarship funds distributed through the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3212 prohibits public universities from forming partnerships or transferring intellectual property with institutions in Palestinian-controlled West Bank or Gaza territories. The bill bans contracts, joint ventures, or collaborative agreements with these foreign institutions, including the licensing of research data or patents. Non-compliant universities would lose state funding for operational and capital costs, as determined by the Higher Education Secretary. This directly affects all New Jersey public colleges and universities seeking international academic collaborations.
Maddy summarySJR 27 designates the third full week in May each year as "Roxie’s Wish: Drowning Prevention Week for Children" in New Jersey. This resolution encourages counties, cities, school districts, and residents to promote drowning prevention awareness and support existing safety strategies. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation urging public observance through activities like pool safety education and swimming lessons. The resolution focuses on raising awareness about preventing child drownings, which the CDC identifies as a leading cause of death for young children, emphasizing supervision, pool barriers, and swimming education. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to reinforce proven prevention methods.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey colleges and universities to create a policy governing camping on campus. It mandates that anyone or any group seeking to camp must get prior approval from the institution. The policy defines "camping" broadly to include pitching tents, using sleeping bags overnight, or setting up shelters or vehicles like RVs. The policy applies directly to students, campus groups, and any individuals wishing to camp on higher education campuses. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.
Maddy summaryThis resolution condemns Rutgers University for accepting eight of ten demands made by student protesters during an April 2024 encampment on campus. The protesters had demanded actions including divesting from companies supporting Israel, ending partnerships with Tel Aviv University, and adopting a pro-ceasefire statement. The New Jersey Senate resolution states Rutgers' acceptance of these demands, which included anti-Israel actions and anti-Semitic rhetoric, created a hostile environment for Jewish students and staff. The resolution is addressed to Rutgers' leadership and serves as a formal expression of disapproval.