Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new sentencing consideration for defendants who were victims of domestic violence and whose abuse contributed to their criminal behavior. It amends New Jersey's sentencing guidelines to allow courts to impose reduced sentences when this factor is present, with specific sentencing ranges for different crime degrees (e.g., up to 10 years for first-degree crimes). The bill also creates a process for people currently incarcerated for 8+ years for crimes committed before the law's effective date to apply for resentencing, requiring evidence of domestic violence victimization at the time of the offense. Additionally, it requires the Department of Corrections to establish a grant program supporting trauma-informed reentry services, including mental health counseling, vocational training, and housing assistance for eligible individuals.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 4984 establishes a state-funded grant program to expand mental health services for students with military connections in New Jersey school districts. The bill appropriates $1 million to the Department of Education for grants to districts with high concentrations of "military-connected students" (defined as those with parents/guardians in active duty, National Guard, or reserve components). School districts must apply, demonstrating majority of schools serve these students, and use funds to expand services, provide outreach, and offer counseling for students whose parent is called to duty. The program requires annual reporting by districts on service impacts and a biennial report by the Education Commissioner to the Governor and Legislature.
Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens New Jersey's human trafficking law by increasing penalties for traffickers. It defines trafficking more broadly (including holding people for sexual activity or labor through threats, fraud, or document confiscation) and makes violations a first-degree crime punishable by 20 years to life in prison with no parole eligibility for the first 20 years. Perpetrators must pay restitution to victims based on New Jersey's prevailing wage laws or federal standards, and fines will fund a new "Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund." The law directly affects traffickers facing harsher sentences, victims receiving restitution, and agencies managing the survivor fund.
Maddy summaryS 4959 establishes a 13-member "School Finance Reform Commission" to study New Jersey's school funding system. The commission includes the Education Commissioner and State Board President (ex officio), plus 11 public members appointed by legislative leaders and the Governor. It will specifically examine school property tax levies, tax levy growth limits, and how local share calculations affect equalization aid distribution. The commission must submit a report with recommendations within one year of forming, and the bill expires 30 days after that report is issued. This is a procedural bill creating a study body, not enacting direct funding changes.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3016 bill prohibits four specific chemicals - brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and red dye 3 - from being used in commercial foods sold within the state. It amends existing food safety law to add these substances to the list of prohibited ingredients, making it illegal for manufacturers, distributors, or retailers to sell or distribute food containing them. The law aligns with European Union bans on these chemicals, which studies link to health risks, particularly for children. Violations would result in fines of $50-$1,000 per offense, enforced by the New Jersey Department of Health under the State Sanitary Code.
Maddy summaryThis bill would require New Jersey Medicaid and the Plan First program to cover fertility preservation services when medically necessary treatments (such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy) could cause iatrogenic infertility. It defines "iatrogenic infertility" as fertility impairment from medical treatments affecting reproductive organs, and specifies coverage for standard procedures like sperm, egg, embryo, and ovarian tissue storage. The bill prohibits denying coverage based on age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or marital status. It would provide low-income individuals with access to fertility preservation services that are often cost-prohibitive. The bill applies to Medicaid beneficiaries and Plan First participants facing potential iatrogenic infertility from medically necessary treatments.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates two new state entities: the Health Care Cost Containment and Price Transparency Commission (an 18-member body) and the Office of Healthcare Affordability and Transparency (within the Department of Health). It requires all New Jersey hospitals to publicly report detailed pricing data for services like inpatient care and emergency visits, and sets annual cost growth targets for healthcare entities. Hospitals failing to comply with transparency rules face civil penalties of $10 per day per bed, and are prohibited from collecting medical debt from patients until they comply. The bill appropriates up to $5 million to fund these new offices and their operations, aiming to increase price transparency and reduce healthcare cost growth.
Maddy summaryS 1786 establishes a state grant program to fund the construction of new community centers in New Jersey municipalities. The program prioritizes towns lacking or underserved by existing centers relative to population, with the Department of Community Affairs administering applications and awarding funds. It requires the state to annually request at least $10 million for the program (plus 2% for administration) and seek additional federal, state, local, or private funding. Grants may only be used for building new centers, defined as facilities for recreation, meetings, or classes, such as indoor halls, fields, or classrooms.
Maddy summarySJR 31 is a procedural resolution designating the second week of September each year as "Library Awareness Week in New Jersey." It directly affects all New Jersey residents and libraries by calling for annual recognition of their role in communities. The key mechanism requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation urging public officials and residents to observe the week with activities highlighting libraries' contributions to lifelong learning, democratic access to information, and community services. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but aims to foster public awareness and support for libraries.
Maddy summaryThis bill restricts institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes during the first 90 days they're listed for sale and imposes an annual $25,000 tax per home owned by institutional investors. The tax revenue will fund down payment assistance programs for homebuyers, with priority given to first-time homebuyers purchasing homes from institutional investors. The bill also establishes tax deductions for first-time homebuyers for down payments, mortgage interest, and mortgage insurance. Additionally, it creates a Starter Home Development Incentive Program to encourage construction of starter homes (defined as single-family homes under 1,800 square feet) through tax credits for developers.