Sen. Angela McKnight

Maddy summaryS 3759 amends New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on "source of lawful income" in housing and employment. The bill defines "source of lawful income" to include housing assistance vouchers (like Section 8), disability benefits, veterans' benefits, child support, and other legal income sources. It clarifies that this prohibition applies specifically to income used for rental or mortgage payments, making existing protections more consistent throughout the law. The bill also increases the retirement benefit threshold from $27,000 to $44,000 and makes certain language gender-neutral.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the delivery of electronic smoking devices and tobacco products to anyone under 21 years old. It requires that when delivering such products to a residence, the delivery person must obtain the signature of a resident who is at least 21 years old (with an exception for U.S. Postal Service employees acting in their official duties). Violations by retailers result in civil fines starting at $250 for the first offense, increasing to $1,000 for third or subsequent violations, and may lead to license suspension after a second violation. The law directly affects retailers, online sellers, and delivery services that handle these products.

Maddy summaryS 4012 establishes the "New Economy Opportunity Skills System Pilot Program" to improve collaboration between local workforce development boards, community colleges, and county vocational school districts in New Jersey. The pilot program, launching in three areas, requires joint development of workforce training with industry credentials, coordinated marketing, and integrated funding planning to better align services with employer needs. Community colleges are designated as the preferred providers for workforce training and adult literacy programs under state workforce services. The State Employment and Training Commission must submit annual reports on program outcomes and develop a statewide strategy to expand the pilot, with funding prioritizing federal sources before state funds. The program expires after three years but allows for anticipatory implementation steps.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3864) allows families or guardians of individuals aged 19-21 with developmental disabilities to save unused after-school care hours provided by contracted agencies. Specifically, it permits redirecting unused hours from regular after-school service schedules to holiday or weekend hours without needing new authorization. The policy applies only to existing agency-provided after-school care services (defined as social/recreational activities outside the home during non-school hours) already authorized for these individuals. It requires the Division of Children’s System of Care to implement this change, effective immediately.

Maddy summarySJR 151 designates July 30 of each year as "Brian Sicknick Day" in New Jersey to honor Officer Brian Sicknick, a U.S. Capitol Police officer who died protecting the Capitol on January 6, 2021. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation recognizing this day, commemorating Sicknick's life and service as a New Jersey native who served over 12 years with the Capitol Police. It has no policy impact or direct effect on residents, as it is purely a symbolic observance. The bill honors Sicknick's background, including his birth in New Brunswick, service in the New Jersey Air National Guard, and role patrolling the Capitol grounds.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill allows limited liability companies (LLCs) to terminate a registered alternate name before the five-year registration period ends. Previously, LLCs had to wait out the full five years, unlike corporations which could terminate early, creating a regulatory disparity. The bill requires LLCs to file a termination certificate with the State Treasurer stating they've ceased using the name, with a $50 fee. This change aligns LLC regulations with corporate rules for managing alternate names under New Jersey's limited liability company law.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2511 prohibits pet shops from selling cats, dogs, or rabbits, repealing the previous "Pet Purchase Protection Act." Pet shops may still sell other animals, pet supplies, or collaborate with shelters to showcase adoptable animals without exchanging payment. Violating this prohibition would result in a $500 fine per violation. The bill also prohibits shelters, rescues, and pet shops from obtaining animals from breeders or brokers in exchange for payment, and defines "unfit for purchase" for animals sold by breeders or brokers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Real Estate Appraiser Board to adopt the Appraisal Qualifications Board's Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal (PAREA) program as an alternative option for meeting experiential requirements. Currently, aspiring appraisers must find a licensed supervisor to gain required experience, which is often difficult. Under this bill, applicants could fulfill up to 100% of their experience requirement through virtual real-world simulations combined with mentor supervision via the PAREA program. It directly affects prospective real estate appraisers seeking licensure or certification in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2867 requires the Department of Education (DOE) to create and maintain a free, publicly searchable online registry for tutoring services. The registry will list individuals and organizations (like certified teachers, college students, industry professionals, and relevant nonprofits) offering free tutoring to students, including their contact details, subject expertise, and availability. To join, applicants must undergo criminal background checks (except for currently certified teachers), and organizations must verify their tutors' checks. The DOE must include a disclaimer stating the registry isn't an endorsement of service quality.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey State Police to create a maternity leave policy for troopers who provide proof of pregnancy. It mandates at least eight weeks of continuous paid leave after childbirth, with full pay and benefits that do not count against sick leave balances. The policy also prohibits residency restrictions or integrity checks during this leave period. The Superintendent must post clear details about the policy - including required forms, FAQs, and contact information - on the State Police intranet. The policy applies directly to pregnant State Police troopers and takes effect immediately.