Sen. Raj Mukherji

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 1st of each year as "Silver Star Service Banner Day" in New Jersey to honor military service members and veterans who were wounded or became ill during service. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance of the day, aligning with a national recognition established by Congress in 2010. The resolution does not create new policies or funding but provides symbolic recognition through an annual observance.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 2362) modifies self-exclusion rules for gambling. It requires individuals seeking removal from a voluntary gambling exclusion list to first watch educational videos about gambling risks and support resources. The bill also allows third parties (like family members or joint credit card holders) to petition for someone else's exclusion if they can prove financial responsibility, legal dependency, or court-ordered obligations. These changes apply to all state gambling venues, including racetracks and online wagering systems, while maintaining the confidentiality of exclusion lists. The bill aims to strengthen safeguards for problem gamblers and expand exclusion options for those affected by others' gambling.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs (DMVA) to create a centralized website with resources for veterans seeking public employment, including civil service preference forms, job listings, and transition assistance. It also mandates that DMVA provide printed copies of these resources at Veteran Service Offices and outreach events. Additionally, the Division of Local Government Services must maintain a public list of local government job openings (outside standard civil service rules) that include veteran preference details. The law aims to streamline access to employment information for veterans transitioning to civilian careers across federal, state, county, and municipal government roles.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) to establish a public awareness and education program about Alzheimer's disease. The program must promote awareness of symptoms, early detection, and community resources through a public campaign, educational materials for healthcare providers, and specialized training for first responders, judicial staff, and social services personnel. It specifically mandates DHS to develop content covering disease symptoms, coping strategies, safety concerns, and treatment options, making this information available online in English and Spanish. The initiative directly affects New Jersey residents living with Alzheimer's, their caregivers, and the state's healthcare, emergency response, and legal systems. DHS may accept grants to fund the program but is required to implement it regardless of funding availability.

Maddy summaryS 1548 proposes a new "Support Our Veterans" license plate for New Jersey vehicle owners. Drivers who choose this plate would pay a $50 application fee and a $10 annual renewal fee. All collected fees would fund veterans' services at Veterans Haven facilities through the Veterans Haven Council, after covering initial administrative costs. The program would support housing and services for homeless veterans, with funds deposited into a dedicated state fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows active-duty military members, their spouses, and dependents stationed outside New Jersey to obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their existing New Jersey driver’s license without returning to New Jersey. To qualify, applicants must provide proof of completing an approved motorcycle safety course (similar to New Jersey’s standard MSF course) and documentation showing their out-of-state military assignment. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission would issue the endorsement by mail after receiving the required documentation and payment of the standard fee, eliminating the need to retake written or road tests. The policy directly affects military-affiliated individuals serving in other states while maintaining their New Jersey license validity.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits controllers of commercial websites and online services in New Jersey from selling sensitive personal data, such as financial information, health records, and biometric data. It applies to all individuals and legal entities regardless of the size of their consumer base and requires explicit consent before processing sensitive information. The law also mandates that companies implement strong data security practices and provides consumers with a clear mechanism to revoke consent within 15 days. Additionally, it requires data protection assessments for activities that pose a heightened risk of harm, including targeted advertising and data sales.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the New Jersey Blue Ribbon Commission on Child Care within the Department of Children and Families to develop a statewide strategy for strengthening and stabilizing the state's child care system. The commission will consist of 13 members, including state officials and public appointees representing licensed centers, family providers, advocacy groups, parents, researchers, and policymakers, who will serve without pay but with expense reimbursement. Its primary task is to conduct a comprehensive review of access, affordability, workforce issues, and funding structures to identify challenges and propose actionable policy reforms. The commission must submit a final report with its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature within 12 months of organizing.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates an additional $5 million from the state's General Fund to support public broadcasting in New Jersey. The funds are designated for the non-profit entity authorized to operate the public broadcasting system, specifically to help cover programming costs. Before the money is released, the Public Broadcasting Authority and the operating entity must sign a memorandum of understanding that ensures the funds are used solely for public broadcasting purposes. This supplemental appropriation is intended to provide extra financial resources for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits the practice of fur farming, which includes breeding, raising, producing, and marketing animals like foxes, rabbits, and minks for their pelts. The law classifies fur farming as an agricultural pursuit but makes it illegal to engage in it, with violators facing disorderly persons charges. However, the legislation explicitly allows individuals to keep these animals as pets, service animals, or domestic companions, and it does not affect existing regulations regarding the release or escape of such animals. Additionally, the bill removes references to fur-bearing animals from legal definitions of agricultural products and land used for farming purposes.