Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "Type S School Bus Certificate" that would allow certain qualified drivers to operate specific school buses without needing a commercial driver's license, passenger endorsement, or school bus endorsement. To qualify, drivers must be at least 21 years old, have held a basic driver's license for three years, pass physical and eye exams, complete a knowledge exam, and finish special training for students with special needs. The certificate would apply to "Type S school buses," defined as vehicles designed for nine passengers or less (excluding driver) with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more, used for transporting students to and from school. This would streamline school bus operations for qualified drivers while maintaining safety standards for student transportation. The bill amends existing school bus regulations to include this new certification pathway.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to allow taxicabs, limousines, and transportation network companies (like Uber and Lyft) to provide paratransit services for a two-year period. Currently, paratransit services - transportation for people with disabilities that are not fixed-route bus services - are legally excluded from being provided by these companies, but the bill removes that exclusion. The change modifies the definition of "paratransit service" in state law to include these providers, expanding potential service options. This directly affects transportation companies and people with disabilities who rely on paratransit services, without altering the core requirements for such services.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Second Chance Program within New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development to connect formerly incarcerated individuals with employment opportunities through labor organizations. The program requires labor unions to identify job pathways in their trades and develop plans for hiring returning citizens, directly benefiting individuals recently released from prison who face high barriers to employment. It aims to reduce recidivism by addressing a key factor cited in the bill: the lack of viable jobs for this population, which correlates with higher reoffending rates. The program operates under the State Employment and Training Commission and mandates consultation with labor organizations to create sustainable career opportunities. The bill takes immediate effect upon passage.
Maddy summaryAJR 112 designates the calendar week beginning Sunday that includes September 10th each year as "Suicide Prevention Week" in New Jersey. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or services but encourages statewide awareness and community activities around suicide prevention. It requests the Governor annually issue a proclamation to recognize the week and promote existing resources like the NJ Suicide Hopeline. The bill directly affects all New Jersey residents by fostering community engagement with the state's ongoing suicide prevention efforts. It is procedural, focusing on recognition rather than policy changes.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey colleges and universities to inform students with federal student loans about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program during their final two academic semesters. It also mandates that state government employers provide employees with PSLF information during onboarding and annually thereafter. The required information must include eligibility details, the program's website, and federal requirements (20 U.S.C. §1087e), and can be delivered electronically, by mail, or in person. The goal is to increase awareness of this federal program, which forgives student loans after 10 years of qualifying public service work.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act" to protect immigrants interacting with state and local government agencies. It prohibits public agencies, including law enforcement, schools, hospitals, and shelters, from collecting immigration status information unless strictly necessary for service eligibility. The bill bans state and local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration authorities with detainers, notification requests, or transfers, and requires adoption of policies ensuring sensitive locations remain accessible to all residents regardless of immigration status. It mandates training for law enforcement officials and public awareness campaigns about these protections, with annual reporting requirements for agencies interacting with federal immigration authorities.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3694 prohibits businesses from owning, controlling, installing, managing, selling, or offering cryptocurrency ATMs within the state. It defines cryptocurrency as decentralized digital currency and specifies that crypto ATMs are internet-connected kiosks allowing users to buy, sell, or exchange digital currency using debit cards, credit cards, or cash. The bill amends existing consumer fraud law to make these activities unlawful, with penalties including fines up to $20,000 per violation and potential court-ordered restitution. This directly affects businesses operating or planning to operate crypto ATMs in New Jersey, aiming to address rising fraud losses - reported at over $110 million in 2023 - particularly impacting seniors with median losses of $10,000.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's legal terminology by replacing "child pornography" with "child sexual abuse or exploitation material" (CSAEM) throughout state statutes. The change affects multiple sections of law including those related to crimes, sex offender registration, employment disqualifications, and educational programs. The purpose is to use more accurate language that reflects the reality of these crimes and avoids implying consent from victims. The sponsor states this terminology update is not intended to change the substance of the law, but to make the language more consistent with current understanding and international standards. The bill corrects technical inconsistencies in existing statutes while maintaining the same legal protections and penalties.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey employers with 10+ employees to publicly announce promotion opportunities to all current employees in the relevant department before making a promotion decision, unless based solely on experience or performance. It also mandates that employers include salary ranges and details of benefits/compensation for the first 12 months in all job postings for new positions, transfers, or promotions. Employers violating these requirements face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. Temporary staffing firms are exempt from posting pay details for general job listings but must provide this information at the time of interview or hire for specific roles.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates two new burglary offenses in New Jersey: "home invasion burglary" (a second-degree crime) and "residential burglary" (a third-degree crime). Home invasion burglary occurs when someone enters a residence without permission and either inflicts bodily injury, threatens injury, or is armed with a weapon or explosives, while residential burglary simply involves entering or remaining in a residence without permission. Offenders convicted of home invasion burglary would face mandatory 85% sentence terms without parole (subject to the No Early Release Act), while residential burglary carries a lesser penalty of 3-5 years imprisonment. The bill also allows juveniles to be waived to adult court for burglary offenses involving firearms and clarifies definitions related to residential dwellings and burglary. These changes would directly affect individuals committing burglaries in residential properties and the criminal justice system's handling of such cases.