Sen. Bob Singer

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates legal immunity for New Jersey prosecutors who fail to disclose evidence that could help a defendant (exculpatory evidence) in criminal cases, as required by state guidelines based on federal court rulings. It directly affects state, county, and municipal prosecutors, as well as defendants who were denied such evidence. Key mechanisms include requiring courts to notify ethics officials within 24 hours of a violation, allowing victims to sue prosecutors and their employers for damages, and removing immunity for these failures. The law also mandates that courts award attorney fees to successful plaintiffs and specifies that prosecutors must follow clear disclosure standards set by the Attorney General.

Maddy summaryS 1133 allows volunteer firefighters, first aid squad members, and rescue squad members in New Jersey to claim a $5,000 deduction from their state income tax if they meet specific service requirements. To qualify, firefighters must perform 60% of fire duty (e.g., 400 duty hours yearly with ≤50% for drills or 60% attendance at alarms/drills) and hold Firefighter I certification by January 1. First aid/rescue volunteers must complete 10% of rescue duty (400 hours yearly or 10% alarm attendance with 60% drill participation) and have approved training or EMT certification. The deduction applies only to those who volunteered full-time during the tax year and must be claimed with verification from their department.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes licensed outpatient substance use disorder treatment programs in New Jersey to provide housing to patients receiving treatment, specifically for individuals needing both services. Programs must offer housing through a separate contract requiring patients to acknowledge repayment of housing subsidies, and must inform patients that housing and treatment are independent services not contingent on each other. The bill maintains existing criminal penalties for programs accepting payment for patient referrals while allowing treatment programs to own, lease, or manage housing units under state zoning and safety regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's colleges and universities to create written policies governing the use of campus grounds and facilities for camping. It mandates that any individual or group seeking to camp must first get approval from the institution. The bill defines "camping" broadly to include pitching tents, using sleeping bags overnight, or occupying motor homes, campers, or makeshift shelters. This policy would directly affect students, organizers, and others seeking to camp on campus grounds.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 789) requires courts to set monetary bail for carjacking charges at least equal to the vehicle's value (double that amount if combined with eluding police). It also adds carjacking to the list of offenses that allow prosecutors to seek transferring juvenile cases to adult court without the juvenile's consent. The bill directly affects defendants charged with carjacking and juveniles aged 15+ accused of carjacking, requiring automatic adult court referral if probable cause exists. Key mechanisms include mandatory bail amounts tied to vehicle value and expanded eligibility for juvenile waiver based on the severity of the offense. The bill is pending in the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires public schools to have certified school nurses develop individualized health care plans and emergency plans for students with life-threatening allergies or anaphylaxis. Parents must provide annual written authorization for these plans, including permission for emergency epinephrine use and, if permitted, student self-management. The plans must detail symptoms, treatment protocols, activity accommodations (like school trips and parties), staff training on recognizing and responding to reactions, and communication procedures. School nurses are responsible for updating the plans annually and ensuring all relevant staff - including those at after-school programs - are trained in managing these conditions.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 318) criminalizes three specific acts related to vacant dwellings: forcibly entering without permission to take residence ("housebreaking"), occupying without permission ("unlawful occupancy"), and reentering after a court-ordered eviction ("unlawful reentry"). All are classified as fourth-degree crimes punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine. The law presumes occupants know they lack permission unless they have a notarized written rental agreement with the owner's current contact details. It directly affects property owners seeking to evict unauthorized occupants and occupants in vacant properties without documented authorization.

Maddy summaryS 827 creates the New Jersey Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship to support students at county colleges and vocational schools. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and required course materials up to $5,000 annually after other aid is applied, for up to three years in degree programs or two years for certificates/diplomas. It targets students pursuing credentials in high-demand fields like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and education, requiring NJ residency, enrollment in approved programs aligned with state labor needs, and either employment or completion of a financial literacy course. Priority is given to high-need fields, with 5% of funds reserved for dual-enrollment students. The program mandates annual reporting on scholarship usage and job placement outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools in New Jersey from requiring students to wear face masks indoors or outdoors on school grounds, or while riding school buses. It directly affects all K-12 students attending these schools by eliminating mandatory mask policies. The law allows students to voluntarily wear masks if they choose, but does not require schools to enforce mask-wearing. The policy change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryS 833 requires all degree-seeking students at New Jersey's public colleges and universities to complete a course on American government and civic engagement before graduating, starting with the 2024-2025 academic year. This applies directly to students enrolled in institutions like Rutgers or the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. The bill mandates that each public institution's governing board establish this course requirement as a graduation condition. The stated purpose is to ensure students gain foundational knowledge about U.S. democracy and civic participation to make informed decisions.