Sen. Angela McKnight

Maddy summaryS 2879 creates a 13-member "School Finance Reform Commission" to study and recommend improvements to New Jersey's school funding system. The commission, including the Education Commissioner and appointed members from legislative leaders and the Governor, will specifically examine school district property tax levies and how local share calculations affect equalization aid allocations. It must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within one year of forming, and the bill expires 30 days after the report is issued. This bill directly affects school districts and state education funding policies through its mandated study and recommendations.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2930 requires the Department of Children and Families to create a state-wide program promoting trauma-informed care to help children and families affected by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) like abuse, neglect, or household instability. The bill mandates developing a toolkit for state employees, establishing Trauma Awareness Month, creating recognition programs for frontline workers, and identifying service gaps across agencies and schools. State agencies serving children and families must implement trauma-informed practices, including staff training on ACEs and toxic stress, and use evidence-based approaches to build resilience. This law aims to reduce long-term health and behavioral impacts of childhood trauma by shifting how state services are delivered.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to appoint a licensed mental health specialist for student-athletes participating in interscholastic or intramural sports programs. The specialist must conduct three annual mental health screenings per season (more for multi-sport athletes), provide weekly support for injured athletes, and develop a district-wide mental health policy. Schools must collect aggregated, non-identifiable data from screenings and submit it to the state department annually. Parental consent is required for screenings, and students without consent cannot participate in sports. The bill also creates a state mental health registry for aggregated data and makes funding available for implementation. (Introduced January 13, 2026; pending in Senate Education Committee)

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to teach students in grades 4-12 about menstrual toxic shock syndrome (TSS) as part of health education, covering causes, symptoms, and risk reduction. It also mandates that owners of public restrooms (with two or more toilets) in businesses like stores or offices install clear signs about TSS warning signs and risks, placed near tampon dispensers or prominently in the restroom. The state education agency must provide age-appropriate lesson materials, and the health department must create signage standards and online resources about TSS. The bill applies to public restrooms in non-school buildings (excluding elementary schools with only up to grade 5) and aims to improve public awareness of this rare but serious condition.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2841) requires New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to establish an emergency hotline for veterans living in state-operated veterans memorial homes. The hotline would directly serve veterans residing at the Menlo Park, Vineland, and Paramus memorial homes. The bill amends state law (N.J.S.38A:3-6) to mandate this specific emergency communication service. The key provision is the creation of a dedicated phone line for urgent needs, with no additional details provided about operational specifics. This is a procedural requirement focused on improving emergency access for veterans in these facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2876) requires New Jersey state agencies to automatically enroll eligible households into ongoing utility bill assistance programs. It directs the Department of Human Services and Treasury to share information about recipients of needs-based programs (like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, SNAP, and Supplemental Security Income) with agencies managing utility assistance (such as the Winter/Spring Termination Programs). Agencies must then automatically enroll qualifying households into programs like the Universal Service Fund, without requiring separate applications. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was incorporated into an already-approved law (P.L.2025, c.387).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies to provide at least 60 days' written notice before ending any state financial aid or service to affected parties, including individuals, organizations, and local governments. For services critical to public health, safety, or welfare (such as healthcare or emergency services), the notice period extends to 90 days. The notice must clearly state the reason for discontinuation, effective date, available alternatives, and contact information for appeals, with exceptions only for federal mandates, emergencies, fund exhaustion, or violations of terms. Agencies must also publish the notice online and inform legislative leaders about the change.

Maddy summarySCR 64 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring New Jersey's legislature to create a law allowing municipalities to offer a partial property tax exemption of up to 15% on the assessed value of a primary residence. This exemption would apply specifically to active volunteer firefighters, first aid, or rescue squad members whose service benefits the municipality where they live. Municipalities would need to pass a separate ordinance to implement the exemption, and could choose to offer less than the 15% maximum. The amendment must be approved by voters before it can take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that when New Jersey voters approve state bond issues (which create state debt), the ballot statement must include the total current debt amount owed by the state, state agencies, and other entities that rely on annual state funding to pay interest and principal. It affects voters deciding on bond proposals by mandating this disclosure appear on ballots. The requirement specifies the debt figure must be current as of June 30 of the previous year, ensuring voters see the full financial context before approving new debt.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires certain group homes for adults with developmental disabilities (receiving Tier C services from New Jersey's Division of Developmental Disabilities) to install video-only electronic monitoring devices in common areas **only when all residents and their legal representatives consent**. Key provisions include: no forced consent for current residents, written consent from new residents, annual reminders of the right to request monitoring, and the ability for residents to withdraw consent anytime. Devices must be unobstructed, recordings kept for 90 days, and residents/representatives can access footage upon request. The bill ensures monitoring is consent-based and does not affect housing placement for those who decline.