Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $60 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues - funds voters approved in 2014 for open space and conservation - to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The funds will directly support state park, forest, and historic site development projects under the Preserve New Jersey Act, including repairs to bridges, buildings, and recreational facilities, as well as habitat improvements and camping access. Specific allocations cover projects like $10 million for health/safety upgrades, $13.5 million for recreational development, and $7 million for historic structure repairs. The funding comes from existing CBT revenue streams, not new taxes, and requires no additional legislative approval for DEP project spending.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and Economic Development Authority (EDA) to give priority consideration to municipalities that meet their affordable housing requirements when awarding competitive state grants and financial assistance. Specifically, it applies to programs like the Main Street New Jersey Program and Neighborhood Preservation Program, but excludes grants intended to help municipalities fulfill their housing obligations. Municipalities are deemed compliant if they meet their fair share housing requirements under state law, with compliance determined by the DCA using factors like prior housing fulfillment rates and settlement agreements during the first five years of a new housing obligation cycle. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3998) standardizes benefits for New Jersey teachers' pension members by removing tiered eligibility. It requires all current non-retired members of the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) to receive the same benefits as those enrolled before July 1, 2007, effectively moving everyone to "Tier 1" benefits. Public employees meeting salary minimums but not hour requirements will be enrolled in TPAF, and current Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP) members can transfer service credit to TPAF (without transferring contributions) to qualify for retirement benefits. Changes apply only to retirement applications processed after the bill's effective date.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4035) requires all New Jersey state and county correctional facilities to provide female inmates with free feminine hygiene products - such as tampons and sanitary pads - in multiple absorbency levels upon request. It amends existing law (P.L.2019, c.288) to replace the current requirement for "standard" products with a mandate for "varying absorbency levels" to better meet individual needs. The policy directly affects incarcerated women in all New Jersey correctional facilities, ensuring access to appropriate menstrual products without cost. This change updates current provisions that previously only required basic products to be available.
Maddy summaryS 3472 creates a new "Community Hazard Assistance Mitigation Program" (CHAMP) for the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to provide loans for hazard mitigation and resilience projects. The program will fund projects undertaken by state entities, local government units, and nonprofit organizations, including allowing local governments to provide loans to private property owners for measures like floodproofing and wind retrofits. It includes a graduated loan forgiveness program that provides full forgiveness for households earning 50-80% of median income and partial forgiveness for higher-income households. The bill also extends the deadline for the bank to stop incurring new debt from 2033 to 2053.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a "Bear Smart Fund" within New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to fund the distribution of bear-proof garbage cans to residents. The fund will be financed by civil penalties from bear-feeding violations (e.g., $100-$500 fines) and state or federal grants. The DEP will prioritize distributing these cans in counties with large bear populations - Sussex, Warren, Morris, and Passaic - to reduce human-bear conflicts, with residents possibly paying a small fee. The program may partner with municipalities or waste companies to lower costs, while existing bear-feeding prohibitions remain in place except for specific exceptions like bird feeders under strict conditions.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) of the Office of Administrative Law within the Department of State to enroll in the Workers Compensation Judges Part of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) instead of the current Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP). It mandates that ALJs currently enrolled in the DCRP be transferred to the Workers Compensation and Administrative Law Judges Part of PERS within 90 days of the bill's effective date, while those already in PERS will be moved into this specific part of the system. The bill also specifies that the unfunded liability for benefits provided by this transfer will be paid by appropriations from the State General Fund. This change makes PERS enrollment a condition of employment for ALJs, aligning their retirement system with that of Workers' Compensation Judges.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Veterans' Organization Building Grant Program, providing financial assistance to nonprofit veterans' organizations for acquiring, constructing, or improving facilities. Administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), the program offers grants covering costs like building construction, repairs, equipment, and site development. It directly affects qualified veterans' organizations seeking to establish or upgrade physical spaces for their operations. The program is funded through state appropriations, with eligibility determined by the NJEDA based on defined criteria in the bill.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey to mail motorcycle endorsements to active-duty military members (and their spouses/dependents) who hold a valid New Jersey driver's license but are stationed outside New Jersey. It requires applicants to provide proof of completing an approved motorcycle safety course (like the MSF course) and documentation of their military assignment outside New Jersey. The endorsement can be issued without requiring the person to return to New Jersey for a written or road test. This directly affects military service members stationed out-of-state who already have a New Jersey license and wish to add a motorcycle endorsement. The policy change eliminates the need to retake testing or complete additional training locally.
Maddy summarySJR 71 designates the first full week of May each year as "Wounded Warrior Appreciation Week" in New Jersey to honor veterans who sustained physical or mental injuries while serving. The resolution requests the Governor issue a proclamation encouraging public awareness and support for wounded veterans adjusting to civilian life. It does not create new programs or funding but formally recognizes the challenges faced by veterans, including those with combat-related stress, depression, or traumatic brain injuries. This ceremonial designation applies statewide and became law in December 2024.