Sen. Nellie Pou

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey state government to purchase unused tax credits from two specific programs: the New Jersey Aspire Program and the Cultural Arts Incentives Program. It mandates the Division of Taxation to buy these unused credits at 85% of their value, provided the tax credit certificate was issued at least one year before the purchase application. This applies to developers or holders who originally received these credits but did not use them. The bill changes prior law, which allowed the state to optionally purchase such credits, by making it mandatory for these two programs.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1439 requires health insurance plans (including hospital, medical, health service, and individual policies) to cover orthotic and prosthetic appliances from licensed providers - including podiatrists - when medically necessary for daily activities. It also mandates coverage for *additional* appliances needed for specific sports and recreational activities like running, swimming, skiing, and team sports, as determined by a physician. Insurance plans must reimburse at the same rate as federal Medicare for these appliances. This applies to all relevant health insurance contracts in New Jersey, directly affecting insured individuals needing these devices for mobility or recreation.

Maddy summaryS 1320 requires licensed public adjusters in New Jersey to include specific details in written contracts with insureds. The bill mandates that contracts must list the adjuster's license number, describe services and compensation, and include a clear notice of the insured's right to cancel the contract within three business days. It also requires public adjusters to hold any client funds in an interest-bearing escrow account and provides that insureds can terminate contracts later without penalty, though they remain liable for reasonable fees for services rendered. This law directly affects insureds seeking property damage claim assistance and public adjusters operating in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Taxation to purchase unused tax credits from two specific programs: the New Jersey Aspire Program (for economic development) and the Cultural Arts Incentives Program. The state must pay 85% of the credit's value, provided the tax credit certificate was issued at least one year before the purchase application. It directly affects developers and businesses holding unused credits under these programs who wish to sell them to the state. The bill changes prior law, which allowed but did not require such purchases, making it mandatory for these two programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to teach labor history as part of the social studies curriculum for students in grades 6-12. It mandates the State Board of Education to adopt specific learning standards covering organized labor history, notable strikes, unionization efforts, and collective bargaining processes in both U.S. and New Jersey contexts. School districts must integrate this content into their curriculum, using inclusive instructional materials that highlight labor movement contributions. The bill does not specify funding or assessment methods but requires implementation concurrent with future updates to existing social studies standards.

Maddy summaryS 1297 requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create and issue digital versions of driver's licenses and non-driver identification cards accessible on mobile devices like smartphones. These digital cards must include all information from physical licenses and feature security measures to prevent fraud, while allowing users to update records (e.g., address changes) through the digital system - where digital updates override physical card details. Residents who meet standard licensing requirements can voluntarily request a digital card, for which the MVC may charge a fee. The bill mandates that the MVC ensure system security, integrity, and compliance with data protection standards for all digital card holders.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's Homelessness Prevention Program to add a new fee for filing eviction lawsuits and clarifies eligibility for assistance. It requires applicants to be New Jersey residents facing imminent eviction (due to unpaid rent), foreclosure, or imminent mortgage payment issues, while limiting eligibility to households earning under 80% of area median income. The program prioritizes vulnerable groups like disabled individuals, seniors, domestic violence victims, and families with children facing separation. Assistance for mortgage issues must be structured as a secured loan for owner-occupied homes meeting specific criteria. The bill directly affects renters and homeowners at risk of losing housing due to financial hardship who meet the program's strict income and eligibility requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey financial institutions (like banks, credit unions, and mortgage servicers) to allow homeowners (mortgagors) to choose biweekly payments (every two weeks), bimonthly payments (twice monthly), or extra payments directly to their mortgage principal - without penalties. It mandates that any amount paid beyond the annual required total in biweekly plans must reduce the principal balance. The law applies to all new mortgage agreements signed six months after enactment and affects homeowners seeking more flexible repayment options to potentially pay off loans faster. It does not change existing mortgage terms but expands payment choices for future agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "funeral arranger" license category in New Jersey, allowing individuals to arrange funerals without needing to be trained in embalming. Currently, New Jersey's 70-year-old Mortuary Science Act requires funeral professionals to be licensed as "practitioners of mortuary science," which includes proficiency in both funeral directing and embalming. The new license would enable people who don't want to learn embalming (for religious, cultural, environmental, or personal reasons) to enter the funeral services profession. The bill modifies licensing requirements, including examinations that exclude embalming content, while maintaining the existing requirements for mortuary science practitioners. This change aims to better accommodate New Jersey's diverse population and increasing preference for cremation or burial without embalming.

Maddy summaryS 2236 exempts nursing mothers of children one year old or younger from jury duty in New Jersey. This change adds to existing hardship exemptions under N.J.S.2B:20-10(c)(3)(b), allowing mothers who are nursing or expressing milk to claim exemption without needing to prove additional financial or medical hardship. The policy directly affects nursing mothers summoned for jury service during their infant's first year. The law took effect immediately upon approval (P.L.2025, c.43) and applies to all jury summonses issued after that date.