Sen. Bob Singer

Maddy summaryThis bill extends New Jersey's tuition waiver benefit to dependents (children or surviving spouses) of any U.S. Armed Forces member who died while on active duty - not just New Jersey National Guard members. It allows eligible dependents to attend public colleges tuition-free for up to 16 credits per semester, while requiring them to apply for other grants and VA benefits first. Additionally, it creates a new 10% tuition-based monetary award for non-tuition costs like housing, meals, or supplies. The changes take effect immediately for the next full academic year.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits using fireworks on any property directly next to animal shelters, pounds, or kennels in New Jersey. It directly affects anyone who uses fireworks near these facilities, including residents, event organizers, or visitors. The key provision adds a new rule to existing fireworks law, making it unlawful to ignite or discharge fireworks on adjacent land, public roads, or alleys within that zone. Violating this rule is a disorderly persons offense punishable by up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. The law aims to protect animals from the stress and danger of nearby fireworks explosions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to provide customers with specific documents in-person on the same day as their appointment at any MVC office, provided they complete the application and pay fees. It directly affects residents seeking standard or REAL ID driver's licenses, permits, non-driver ID cards, commercial licenses, or vehicle registration certificates. The MVC must ensure each office has cameras and printers to enable same-day issuance of the 12 listed documents, including standard and REAL ID licenses, probationary licenses, and vehicle registrations. The policy change eliminates the need for customers to return for these documents after their initial visit.

Maddy summaryS 2963 creates the "New Jersey Private Contractor Registration Act," requiring contractors performing private construction work (excluding public work and home improvement) to register with the Department of Labor. Registrants must provide business details, proof of licenses, and disclose labor law violations, paying an initial $750 fee and $500 biennially (with possible reduced fees for nonprofits or based on revenue). Non-compliance can result in fines, suspension of registration, or other penalties. The bill appropriates $2 million from the state general fund to implement this registration system.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets minimum payment rates for ambulance services under New Jersey's Medicaid program. It requires $300 per emergency ambulance transport and $8.94 per loaded mile for ground ambulance services, with annual adjustments tied to Medicare rates. These changes directly affect ambulance providers serving Medicaid beneficiaries. The rates take effect July 1, 2024, and require state rule updates for implementation.

Maddy summarySCR 43 proposes adding a constitutional amendment to New Jersey's Constitution that grants every resident a fundamental right to a clean and healthy environment, including pure water, clean air, a safe climate, and ecologically healthy habitats. It requires the state to act as trustee of public natural resources - such as air, water, public lands, and wildlife - and mandates that these resources be conserved and maintained for all people, both present and future. The amendment specifies that these rights are self-executing, meaning they can be directly enforced in court without requiring new legislation. If approved by voters, this would become a permanent part of New Jersey's Constitution.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to prioritize energy security, diversity, and affordability when updating the state's Energy Master Plan. It mandates the BPU to conduct detailed cost and impact analyses for all energy generation projects and the Master Plan itself, including breakdowns of financial effects on ratepayers, state/local governments, and infrastructure costs. The plan must limit intermittent energy sources (like wind/solar) to no more than 50% of the state's energy portfolio and prioritize in-state energy generation to reduce subsidies for out-of-state sources. These changes directly affect the BPU, ratepayers (through potential cost impacts), and energy developers (requiring pre-approval analyses), while ensuring public transparency via online analysis publications and annual committee testimony.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 675) requires licensed adult day care centers in New Jersey to make reasonable efforts to accommodate participants' religious dietary needs, as long as it is within the center's capacity. It directly affects centers serving functionally or cognitively impaired adults, defined as facilities providing health, social, and support services for less than 24 hours daily. The key provision mandates centers to proactively address religious dietary requests through individualized care plans. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment and applies to all centers operating under the state's adult day health care licensing framework. It does not mandate specific accommodations but requires centers to make reasonable efforts within operational limits.

Maddy summaryS 2775 requires New Jersey public colleges and universities to post bias intimidation statistics and their anti-bias policy on their websites in a prominent, easily accessible location. Institutions must adopt a detailed policy prohibiting bias intimidation - including definitions, reporting procedures, disciplinary actions, and victim support resources - and incorporate a first-year student module on bias intimidation. The bill also mandates that all students receive information about these policies and statistics through email or orientation materials. This applies to any public institution receiving state funds for student assistance programs, aiming to increase transparency around campus bias incidents.

Maddy summaryS 2781 makes permanent the requirement for New Jersey high school students to complete a financial aid application as a prerequisite for receiving a high school diploma. Previously, this applied only to the 2023-2024 school year and the following two years, but the bill extends it indefinitely for all public and charter school students. Students may be exempt through a waiver signed by a parent/guardian (or the student if 18+), or if under 18 and parental consent cannot be obtained, a school counselor may authorize the waiver under state regulations. The bill also mandates that the state provide resources like guides and webinars to help students and families complete the application, with schools required to annually notify families of this requirement.