Sen. Angela McKnight

Maddy summaryThis bill requires colleges and universities in New Jersey that partner with online program managers to publicly disclose specific details about their online degree and certificate programs. The law mandates that these institutions post information on their websites, including the name of the online program manager, admission requirements, tuition costs for online versus on-campus programs, and financial aid details such as availability, average amounts, and the percentage of students receiving aid. This transparency measure directly affects students and families seeking higher education by providing clearer information about the programs and costs associated with online learning options.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Department of State Police within the Executive Branch of New Jersey's state government, moving the State Police from the Department of Law and Public Safety to become an independent department. The key provision transfers all functions, powers, and employees of the current Division of State Police to the new department, while also transferring the Superintendent's role to a newly created Commissioner position appointed by the Governor. The legislation ensures that existing laws and contracts referencing the Division or Superintendent will automatically refer to the new Department and Commissioner, and the changes take effect on the first day of the fourth month after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the ReadyReturn Program in New Jersey, which would require the Division of Taxation to prepare initial income tax filings for certain low-income residents who typically do not file returns because their earnings fall below the minimum threshold. The program aims to help these individuals access the Earned Income Tax Credit and other benefits by reducing barriers related to accessing forms, receiving documents, or completing paperwork. Additionally, the bill directs several state agencies to use existing tax data to streamline identification and enrollment processes for various social services programs, reducing the burden on residents who must currently complete separate applications for each assistance program. The legislation also includes an appropriation to fund these new initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds $10 million from the Universal Service Fund (an off-budget source) to the NJSHARES-S.M.A.R.T. Program for utility payment assistance in New Jersey. It directly helps homeowners and tenants facing financial hardship with past-due utility bills, including arrearages. The program requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs to quickly establish eligibility guidelines, ensuring applicants aren’t receiving duplicate benefits from private insurance or other programs. This supplement builds on an existing $5 million appropriation for the same program in the FY2026 budget.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Code Blue Shelter Matching Grant Program within New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA). It provides matching grants to community-based nonprofits (with 501(c)(3) status) that offer shelter during Code Blue alerts - extreme cold weather emergencies - by matching funds they received from counties or municipalities within the past year. To qualify, nonprofits must submit detailed applications about their finances, the source grant amount, and how funds will be used, with DCA awarding grants in order of receipt and capping total matching funds per county/municipality at $50,000 annually. The program requires a three-year effectiveness report to the Governor and Legislature on how well it addresses shelter needs for homeless and at-risk individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a refundable tax credit for New Jersey renters whose rent exceeds 35% of their gross income. It directly affects low-to-moderate income residents (earning under $60,000 annually) living in the state, with credit amounts based on income level and location: up to 100% of excess rent for those earning under $25,000 (or under $50,000 in high-cost areas), 75% for middle-income renters, and 50% for higher-income renters in non-high-cost areas. The credit, capped at $1,000 per year, is applied against state income tax and can be claimed retroactively for the previous tax year. Renters receiving federal or state housing subsidies instead receive a credit equal to 1/12 of their unsubsidized rent.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the annual cap on tax credits available for neighborhood revitalization projects in New Jersey from $15 million to $65 million. It directly affects businesses that fund qualified neighborhood preservation projects, allowing them to claim larger tax credits against certain business taxes. The key change is raising the total credit limit per fiscal year and adding a carryover provision: if credits aren't fully used in one year, the unused amount rolls over to the next year. This expands funding flexibility for projects under the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Program, which supports community development through private investment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey high school students pursuing a state-endorsed diploma to complete a one-semester financial literacy course. It directly affects high school students by mandating curriculum covering budgeting, savings, credit, debt, taxes, college financial planning, banking, and consumer skills. The course must be taught by teachers with appropriate endorsements and cannot be satisfied by existing economics or business courses. The requirement applies to students entering 12th grade in the 2027-2028 school year.

Maddy summaryS 3593, the "New Jersey Works Act," allows businesses to earn tax credits for creating paid pre-employment training programs in partnership with schools, nonprofits, or educational institutions. These programs must provide at least 12 weeks of training covering skills like math, communication, resume writing, and job readiness, targeting individuals from low- and moderate-income households. Businesses in non-construction industries can apply for tax credits after their programs are approved by the Department of Labor. The bill specifically excludes construction trade businesses from eligibility for these credits.

Maddy summaryS 3704 establishes the New Jersey Dominican-American Commission to advocate for the state's growing Dominican-American community, foster cultural engagement, and strengthen ties with the Dominican Republic. The commission, composed of 21 members (including 8 legislators appointed by chamber leaders and 13 community advocates appointed by the governor), will operate under the Department of State. It must submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature with recommendations on community needs, cultural initiatives, and policy issues. The bill directly affects Dominican-Americans by creating a formal body to address their concerns and promote their heritage through state-level advocacy.