Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to include disability-owned businesses in state medical cannabis business development programs and permit processes. It creates an Office of Disability-Owned Business Development within the cannabis commission to establish certification standards for these businesses and track state contract awards to them. The bill mandates that disability-owned businesses must be certified to qualify for medical cannabis cultivator, manufacturer, and dispensary permits under existing state programs. It also requires the Chief Diversity Officer to compile annual data on how many disability-owned businesses receive state cannabis permits. This applies specifically to the medical cannabis industry, not general business programs.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2751 establishes the permanent New Jersey Commission on Health Equity within the Department of Health. The 27-member commission includes legislative appointees and ex-officio representatives from key state departments like Health, Human Services, and Environmental Protection. Its primary role is to develop strategies addressing institutional racism in health outcomes, specifically targeting disparities affecting communities of color, working-class residents, and people with disabilities. The bill focuses on creating a coordinated state framework to improve health equity across sectors, rather than implementing new regulations or funding.
Maddy summaryThis bill, S 2858, would allow certified medication aides to administer medications to residents in New Jersey nursing homes. Currently, this practice is permitted in 38 other states and in other care settings like assisted living facilities, but not in New Jersey nursing homes. The legislation amends certification rules to expand medication administration duties for these aides, addressing severe staffing shortages that have persisted since the pandemic. Nursing homes would benefit by utilizing certified medication aides to help meet staffing ratios and reduce burdens on existing staff, without changing background check requirements for certification.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Office of Homelessness Prevention to contract with county agencies or nonprofits in every county to issue personal identification and coordinate birth certificate copies for individuals experiencing homelessness. It directly affects homeless residents who often face barriers in accessing essential documents needed for housing, employment, and services. The legislation appropriates $2 million from the General Fund, distributed to contracted agencies based on each county's homeless population, to cover these services. The bill mandates that contracted organizations can directly access state birth records and notify the State Office of Vital Statistics after each issuance.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to create special "U.S. Navy Retired" license plates for eligible veterans. To qualify, applicants must provide proof of honorable discharge (via DD-214 form) and pay a $50 one-time application fee plus a $10 annual renewal fee. The collected fees fund a dedicated "United States Navy Veteran License Plate Fund," which supports programs benefiting Navy veterans through the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs. The plates require design approval from the Adjutant General and will be issued by the Motor Vehicle Commission after administrative costs are covered.
Maddy summaryS 2958, the "SLUMLORD Act," strengthens tenant protections by requiring landlords managing multiple residential units to designate a "Principal Agent" (a contact person for habitability complaints) and imposing stricter enforcement for repeated safety issues. It defines "severe habitability violations" as more than 10 total violations across properties or 3 for a single unit after notice, triggering mandatory action. The bill appropriates $5 million to fund a new enforcement program under the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to address these violations. This directly affects landlords with multiple rental properties, tenants in those units, and municipalities responsible for oversight.
Maddy summaryThis bill changes how New Jersey public school teachers' pensions are calculated by requiring pay for extracurricular activities (such as coaching sports, directing performances, or supervising clubs) to be included in the "compensation" used for Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) calculations. It directly affects teachers whose pensions are based on TPAF, ensuring that additional pay for duties beyond regular school hours is counted toward their pension benefits. The bill specifically clarifies that this includes preparation and involvement in extracurricular activities but excludes temporary duties or salary adjustments made primarily for retirement purposes. This is a technical adjustment to the pension formula, not a new benefit.
Maddy summaryS 2795 prohibits New Jersey public school districts from denying students admittance due to tardiness or violations of dress code or uniform policies, directly affecting all K-12 students in the state. The bill specifically allows schools to deny entry only for clothing indicating gang affiliation with criminal activity. It clarifies that schools may still enforce other conduct policies not covered by this law, such as safety-related disciplinary actions. The legislation applies to all public schools adopting dress codes under existing law (P.L.1996, c.93), ensuring students cannot be excluded for minor policy violations unrelated to safety.
Maddy summaryS 3031 requires landlords in New Jersey to compensate residential tenants $12 times their monthly rent plus the cost of a moving truck/van if tenants are displaced for renovation or construction work. It applies when landlords: (1) give written notice for renovation, (2) file court action claiming renovation purposes, or (3) displace tenants for personal occupancy while promising renovation (or completing it within 6 months). Landlords must pay this compensation 5 days before move-out (for notice/eviction cases) or within 5 days of displacement (for occupancy cases), with 18% interest accruing if delayed. Unpaid amounts become a priority lien on the property after 30 days, recorded with the county clerk.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey courts to consider specific factors when appointing a guardian for an adult, directly affecting individuals seeking guardianship, their potential guardians, and court proceedings. Courts must evaluate the individual's health and safety, the guardian's ability to care for them, pre-existing relationships, medical evidence of incapacity, court-appointed counsel reports, and other relevant care or estate issues. Decisions must be based on "clear and convincing evidence," and courts must explicitly document the factors and evidence supporting the guardianship appointment. The bill applies to all guardianship types, including for a person, estate, or both.