Sen. Bob Singer

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 1393, would allow registered medical cannabis patients in New Jersey to grow cannabis at home for their personal medical use. It specifically permits registered qualifying patients or their designated caregivers (who must be 18+, registered with the Cannabis Regulatory Commission, and not currently serving as a caregiver for more than one patient) to cultivate cannabis in their residence. The law explicitly excludes commercial entities, as home cultivation would not apply to permit holders like dispensaries or clinical registrants. This change would amend existing medical cannabis laws to add a personal cultivation option while maintaining registration requirements and background checks for caregivers.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to exclude disability payments from the U.S. Veterans Administration (USVA) from the income calculation for New Jersey's senior citizens and disabled persons property tax deduction. Currently, veterans receiving USVA disability income must count it toward the $10,000 annual income limit to qualify for the deduction. The amendment would specifically exempt these federal disability payments from that income threshold, allowing eligible disabled veterans to qualify for the tax break even if their total income (excluding USVA payments) exceeds $10,000. It directly affects disabled veterans with service-connected disabilities who receive USVA benefits and own property in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's legislature passed SCR 15 to request Congress call a state-led convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The convention would propose constitutional amendments to limit federal spending, reduce federal government power over states, and impose term limits on federal officials and members of Congress. This is a continuing application, meaning New Jersey's request remains active until at least two-thirds of states join the same effort. The bill itself does not change laws but seeks to initiate a process for potential constitutional amendments.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 58) provides property tax exemptions for New Jersey veterans with service-connected disabilities. It allows veterans with a 30% or higher disability rating (including specific conditions like blindness, amputations, or paralysis) to receive a tax exemption proportional to their disability percentage, up to 100%. Surviving spouses of eligible veterans or those who died in service also qualify for similar exemptions under defined conditions. Crucially, the bill requires the state to reimburse municipalities 102% of the lost tax revenue from these exemptions, ensuring local governments aren’t financially burdened. The policy directly affects honorably discharged veterans with qualifying disabilities and their surviving spouses.

Maddy summaryS 1274 would require New Jersey to redact home addresses of elected officials (like state legislators and mayors) and candidates running for office from public records. It amends the state's Open Public Records Act to explicitly add home addresses to the list of confidential information that must be withheld. This change means home addresses would automatically be removed from responses to public records requests. The bill directly affects all current and prospective state and local elected officials seeking public office.

Maddy summarySCR 61 creates a special 14-member joint committee of the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly to investigate costs in public employee health care programs. The committee will examine recent premium increases, the state's contract with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, allegations about Governor's Office influence on contract disputes, and implementation of a 2019 law creating new funding structures. It will review all related decisions and documents, then issue a report with recommendations for policy changes. This procedural bill directly affects state health care program oversight and does not enact new policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's school bus safety laws to authorize using school bus monitoring systems for enforcement. It changes penalties for drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses: violations captured by these systems will result in only a $250 civil penalty (instead of potential fines or jail time), with funds directed to municipalities and school districts for safety programs. The law applies to buses transporting children or individuals with developmental disabilities when stopped to load/unload. It does not create new monitoring systems but specifies how existing systems can be used to enforce stop laws through civil penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific 0.45-mile stretch of State Highway Route 71 (from milepost 3.25 to 3.70) in Spring Lake Heights as the "John Tarantino Highway" to honor Angelo John Tarantino, a WWII veteran who served in key campaigns including D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. The legislation requires the Commissioner of Transportation to install signs bearing this name but explicitly prohibits using state or public funds for the signs. Instead, it authorizes the Department of Transportation to accept private funding from organizations, groups, or individuals to cover all costs related to producing, installing, and maintaining the signs. The bill takes immediate effect upon passage.