Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $175 million from New Jersey's General Fund to the Department of Human Services to provide temporary financial assistance to SNAP recipients whose federal benefits are reduced due to a federal government shutdown. The funds enable the state to issue monthly replacement benefits that make up the difference between a household's current federal SNAP payment and their previously approved benefit amount, ensuring eligible families receive their full certified food assistance. These replacement benefits are distributed through the existing SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer system and must be used exclusively for food purchases, following the same state rules as regular SNAP benefits. The state will seek reimbursement from the federal government by June 30, 2026, if federal SNAP funding resumes.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill would prevent the forced sale of a primary residence to satisfy medical debt judgments in New Jersey. It allows homeowners to protect their home, condominium, or manufactured home from being seized or sold if a court orders payment for unpaid medical bills. The protection applies to individuals and married couples aged 18 and older who live in the state, and only one homestead exemption can be held at a time. The law would take effect 90 days after it is enacted.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey state, county, and municipal governments from using public funds or property to build, operate, or support immigrant detention facilities. It specifically bans spending money to construct or renovate facilities, leasing public property to private entities for detention use, subsidizing privately owned detention centers, and paying for the detention costs of individuals in privately operated facilities. The legislation allows local and state governments to continue providing health and safety resources to people detained in these facilities while restricting financial and property support for their operation.
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 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 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.
Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 105) formally recognizes Prince Hall (1735-1807) as a Revolutionary Era activist and founder of "Prince Hall Freemasonry." It honors his role in establishing African Lodge #1 in 1775 after being denied entry to a white Masonic lodge, leading to the creation of the oldest continuously active organization founded by African Americans in the U.S. (now comprising over 5,000 lodges and 47 grand lodges). The resolution also acknowledges Hall’s advocacy for abolition, public education for Black children, and equal rights, including petitions to Massachusetts authorities in 1777 and 1788. It directs copies of the resolution to the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New Jersey, with no binding policy changes.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 76) formally supports International Mother Language Day, observed annually on February 21, by encouraging New Jersey residents to participate in related ceremonies and educational activities. It references UNESCO's mission to promote linguistic diversity and highlights global language endangerment statistics, including the status of Native American languages in the U.S. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture of support. Copies will be sent to UNESCO and New Jersey's congressional delegation as part of standard resolution protocol.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates Hackensack City as an urban enterprise zone under New Jersey law. It directly affects businesses operating within Hackensack that meet eligibility criteria, such as hiring residents from the zone or low-income individuals. The bill amends existing law to formally include Hackensack in the list of designated urban enterprise zones, allowing qualifying businesses to access tax benefits previously available in such zones. This is a procedural designation, not a new policy, and does not change existing tax provisions or create new obligations. The designation aligns Hackensack with other municipalities already recognized under the Urban Enterprise Zone program.