Sen. Benjie Wimberly

Maddy summaryThis bill requires nonpublic schools (like private or religious schools) to share a student's disciplinary records with public school districts when the student transfers. Specifically, upon a public school's written request, nonpublic schools must provide all disciplinary information they have about the student and notify the district if they hold court or law enforcement records related to the student. No parental consent is needed to share these records, though nonpublic schools must inform parents or the student themselves about the transfer. The law applies to all nonpublic schools in New Jersey that serve grades K-12 and aims to align disciplinary record transfers with existing procedures for public school students.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to include voter education in the 12th-grade social studies curriculum as part of the state's Student Learning Standards. It mandates teaching students about voting importance, eligibility and registration processes, and how to locate polling places or request absentee ballots. School districts must incorporate this content directly into their existing curriculum, with optional collaboration between schools and local election officials to develop materials or provide registration forms. The law applies to all public high schools and takes effect immediately upon enactment for the first full school year after passage.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1526) increases criminal penalties for identity theft when the victim is a senior citizen (62+) or veteran. It amends N.J.S.2C:21-17 to elevate offenses involving these groups: a first offense against a senior or veteran becomes a third-degree crime (previously fourth degree), and a second offense becomes a second-degree crime (previously third degree). The bill also increases penalties for cases involving multiple victims if any victim is a senior or veteran. These changes directly affect identity thieves targeting vulnerable groups, making their offenses more serious under state law.

Maddy summaryS 2782 clarifies that certain licensed or regulated professionals in New Jersey may be treated as independent contractors under state law if they have a written agreement designating them as such. It directly affects insurance producers, securities professionals (broker-dealers, agents, investment advisers), freight drivers at marine terminals/rail facilities meeting specific unemployment exemption criteria, and others meeting defined criteria under unemployment law. The bill prevents these professionals from being classified as employees for any purpose under state law during the term of their written agreement and eliminates the need for them to satisfy additional tests (like those under wage and hour laws) to maintain independent contractor status. It applies retroactively to all existing written agreements for these professionals.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows municipalities to approve converting vacant or underused office parks and retail centers into mixed-use developments (combining housing, shops, and services) without requiring special zoning variances. It applies to properties meeting specific criteria: at least 50,000 sq ft for office parks or 15,000 sq ft for retail centers with 25%+ vacancy for 18+ months, plus evidence of active marketing efforts. Key requirements include dedicating at least 20% of new housing units to affordable tiers (with 50% low-income and 13% very-low income), ensuring multiple non-industrial uses, and complying with existing mixed-use zoning standards. The bill directly affects developers, property owners, and local planning boards by streamlining approvals for repurposing declining commercial properties.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners of multi-unit buildings with three or more floors (excluding cooperatives, condos, or certain common-interest properties) to give priority to senior citizens or disabled residents who want to move to a lower floor within the same building, maintaining the same bedroom count. Qualifying residents get first refusal over new applicants and other residents seeking lower-floor units. Owners must post a sign explaining this priority policy, and existing affordability or income restrictions remain in place. The law applies only to non-exempt buildings and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryS 1759 increases the portion of rent that counts as property taxes for tax deduction purposes from 18% to 30% for renters whose rental unit is their primary residence. It also raises the maximum property tax credit amount from $50 to $250 for eligible taxpayers, including those aged 65 or older, or who are blind or disabled and not subject to New Jersey income tax. These changes apply to both homeowners and renters who qualify for these tax benefits under New Jersey law. The bill modifies specific definitions and credit thresholds in the state's tax code without altering eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to issue specialty license plates featuring Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.'s emblem and slogan. Motorists who apply for these plates must pay a $50 one-time fee and a $10 annual fee, with all additional fees deposited into a dedicated "Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. License Plate Fund." The fund, managed by the state Treasury, will provide annual grants to support the sorority's existing programs, including youth education, economic development, and community health initiatives. The license plates are subject to standard vehicle registration rules but require consultation with the sorority's Eastern Regional Director for design approval.

Maddy summaryThe Ticket Fairness and Transparency Act aims to protect consumers in New Jersey by regulating how tickets are sold and resold. It requires ticket brokers to maintain a physical office, register with the state, and clearly disclose seat locations, cancellation policies, and service charges to buyers. The bill also limits resale markups to a maximum of 20% above the original ticket price and mandates that brokers verify ticket ownership before offering them for sale. Additionally, it establishes specific refund rules for failed orders and requires sellers to list all fees before a purchase is made.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs unspent money originally set aside for the City of Paterson's recreation center improvements to instead fund a youth center project in the same city. The funds, which are part of the Fiscal Year 2025 appropriation, will be managed by the New Jersey Community Development Corporation rather than the city directly. This change requires approval from the State's Division of Budget and Accounting and does not add new money to the state budget.