Sen. Nellie Pou

Maddy summaryS 3303 extends a temporary accommodation for businesses participating in New Jersey's economic development programs, allowing them to reduce the required percentage of full-time employees' time spent at business facilities. The bill extends the existing waiver beyond March 31, 2024, requiring businesses to have employees spend at least 40% of their time at facilities (up from 10%) and pay 20% of their tax credits to municipal affordable housing trust funds (up from 5%). This applies to businesses in programs like the Business Employment Incentive Program and Grow New Jersey Assistance Program. The bill also includes provisions for carrying forward tax credits for up to 20 years and transferring tax credits.

Maddy summarySR 106 is a non-binding Senate Resolution encouraging New Jersey and U.S. higher education institutions to address the underrepresentation of Hispanic and Latino leaders in university presidencies. It specifically urges schools to establish leadership development programs, diversify governing boards and search committees, and partner with organizations supporting Hispanic and Latino leadership advancement. The resolution cites data showing only 6% of U.S. college presidents identified as Hispanic or Latino in 2023 (with just one in New Jersey) despite Hispanic/Latino students making up 25% of New Jersey undergraduates. It does not create new laws but formally recognizes the need for inclusive leadership to better support diverse student experiences.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a "sheltered market program" in New Jersey to prioritize state contracts for specific business categories, including disabled veterans' businesses, minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, economically disadvantaged businesses, LGBTQ+-owned businesses, and veteran-owned businesses. It requires the Chief Diversity Officer to set criteria for designating contracts for this program, based on historical underutilization data, and mandates state agencies to publish eligible contracts online before bidding. The program limits contracts to three years (with limited extensions), requires annual performance reports tracking contract numbers and values, and obligates prime contractors to make good-faith efforts to subcontract with qualified businesses. The bill directly affects state agencies awarding contracts and certified businesses meeting the defined criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the title of the "Chief Diversity Officer" to "Chief Equity Officer" and creates the New Jersey Office of Supplier Diversity and Business Opportunities within the Department of the Treasury. It expands the officer's role to monitor public contracts awarded to all "small and diverse business enterprises" (including minority, women-owned, economically disadvantaged, socially disadvantaged, and disabled veteran businesses), not just minority/women-owned businesses as previously defined. State agencies must now submit procurement data to the officer and develop annual plans for certifying these businesses, while the new office will manage certifications, review procurement policies, provide training, and evaluate data systems. The Chief Equity Officer reports directly to the State Treasurer.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 17-member Task Force on Aging within New Jersey's Department of Health. The task force includes government officials, advocates, service providers, and direct representatives of older residents (including seniors living in facilities or at home and caregivers). It will study current state resources and policies supporting older New Jerseyans, review long-term care quality, examine caregiver support, and create educational programs on issues like elder abuse and housing. The task force must submit its first report of recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 18 months, followed by biennial updates. The bill directly affects older residents (65+), their families, and organizations serving seniors by creating a formal process to identify improvements in aging services.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1311 prohibits licensed real estate appraisers from considering protected characteristics - including race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability - when valuing properties. The bill directly affects all licensed and certified appraisers in the state by banning discriminatory factors in appraisal analyses. It requires appraisers to complete mandatory anti-bias training as part of their continuing education, including a fair housing and appraisal bias course. This law codifies existing anti-discrimination protections under state law and aims to prevent biased appraisals that could impact property values for marginalized communities.

Maddy summaryS 2181 temporarily removes a residency requirement for new hires by New Jersey school districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects. For three years after the bill takes effect, these employers may hire out-of-state residents without requiring them to live in New Jersey, provided the position was advertised to New Jersey residents for at least three months and the new employee was not a New Jersey resident employed by such a school in the past year or during the three-year period. This exemption applies only to new hires meeting these conditions and does not affect current employees or positions that do not qualify. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly after passing the Senate unanimously.

Maddy summaryS 2005 (New Jersey) allows spouses and dependents of military service members to maintain in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities in New Jersey, even if the service member is transferred to another state. The bill specifically ensures that spouses or dependents who were enrolled in a New Jersey public institution before the transfer and maintain continuous enrollment keep their in-state tuition classification. This applies to military families relocating due to service, addressing a gap where such students might otherwise lose residency status. The law amends existing provisions to explicitly include spouses and protect continuity of enrollment during military relocations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "New Jersey Migrant and Refugee Assistance Act," creating a program within the Department of Human Services to help migrants and refugees access public assistance programs. The program connects individuals (including those from Haiti, Venezuela, and the Democratic Republic of Congo) with resources like housing, healthcare, job training, education, and legal services. It requires the Department to collaborate with local governments and community groups, run multilingual outreach campaigns, and submit annual reports tracking program effectiveness and service details. The law takes effect immediately.

Maddy summarySCR 98 reconstitutes New Jersey's Joint Committee on Economic Justice and Equal Employment Opportunity, which has existed since the 216th Legislature. The bill establishes the committee's structure (10 members appointed by legislative leaders), authorizes it to study economic justice and employment equity issues statewide through hearings, and requires it to report findings to the Legislature. This procedural resolution does not create new laws but reactivates an existing committee focused on analyzing systemic workplace fairness and economic opportunity.