Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3421) changes how New Jersey school districts (other than those designated for state aid, or SDA districts) can finance school building projects. It revises rules for districts to partner with county improvement authorities: allowing districts to pay more than nominal rent for facilities built by counties, removing restrictions on counties requiring districts to cover some debt costs, and requiring lease payments to fully cover bond debt after state aid. Districts can also issue bonds without voter approval if municipalities agree to pay a portion of property tax-like payments (in lieu of taxes) to cover bond costs, with these bonds now clearly eligible for state debt aid. The changes aim to streamline financing options for school construction while clarifying payment obligations.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySJR 122 designates July of each year as "Diverse Business Month" in New Jersey to recognize businesses owned by people of color, women, veterans, and LGBTQ+ individuals. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials, community leaders, and business leaders to observe the month with activities supporting these businesses. It aims to raise awareness of their economic contributions, which include 21.7% of state businesses owned by people of color and over 150 LGBTQ+-certified businesses. The bill does not create new programs but formally designates the month for annual observance.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1443 provides mortgage payment relief and foreclosure protection for homeowners directly impacted by Hurricane Ida's 2021 remnants. It requires mortgage servicers to grant a one-year forbearance (temporary payment pause) to eligible homeowners who received federal disaster assistance for Ida-related home damage, meet income limits (under 150% of area median income), and have limited savings. During this period, servicers cannot charge fees, penalties, or report missed payments to credit agencies, and must halt foreclosure actions. The law aims to prevent displacement for thousands of affected homeowners while ensuring temporary financial relief.
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $65 million from the General Fund to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to purchase specific properties from the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJT). The EDA must buy these properties at appraised "highest and best use" value and will maintain a 33% participation interest in future sales or leases of the properties, with NJT receiving those proceeds. Before purchasing or developing the properties, the EDA must notify the Joint Budget Oversight Committee for review. The bill directly affects the EDA, NJT, and future developers who may acquire or lease these properties for development projects.
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 summaryS 3491 establishes legal protections for patients and healthcare providers accessing or providing reproductive health care (including abortion) and gender-affirming health care services in New Jersey. The bill defines "legally protected health care activity" as services lawful in New Jersey, regardless of where the patient resides, and creates criminal penalties for interfering with access to these services (such as obstructing facilities, intimidating patients, or recording individuals without consent). It also prohibits New Jersey from extraditing people for providing or seeking these services, protects patient privacy regarding these services, and specifies that fertilized eggs, embryos, or fetuses cannot have independent legal rights under New Jersey law. The bill applies to all individuals seeking or providing these services within New Jersey, including those traveling from states with restrictions on reproductive or gender-affirming care.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2937 requires state agencies and organizations receiving state funds to include the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism and the United Nations' working definition of Islamophobia in their existing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) policies. The bill mandates that these specific definitions - IHRA's 2016 definition of antisemitism as "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred" and the UN's definition of Islamophobia as "fear, prejudice, and hatred of Muslims" - be incorporated into all relevant DEIB policies. This applies to both state agencies and any entities receiving state financial support, ensuring these definitions guide policy implementation without creating new policies. The requirement takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's official definition of anti-Semitism by adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition, including its "contemporary examples," for use by state institutions. It requires state entities to consider this definition when reviewing or investigating potential anti-Semitic discrimination or bias crimes. The bill appropriates $100,000 to fund a public awareness campaign by the Attorney General's office, promoting the state's bias crimes reporting hotline and resources for identifying and reporting anti-Semitic incidents. The campaign aims to increase public understanding and reporting of bias crimes, particularly affecting Jewish communities and other vulnerable groups in New Jersey. The bill explicitly states it does not diminish First Amendment rights or conflict with existing anti-discrimination laws.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3436) allows licensees of bingo, raffles, and penny auctions in New Jersey to accept credit cards, debit cards, or other electronic payments for participants purchasing shares, tickets, or participation rights. It directly affects organizations operating under the "Bingo Licensing Law" (P.L.1954, c.6) and "Raffles Licensing Law" (P.L.1954, c.5). The key mechanism requires the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission to adopt regulations enabling electronic payments, which current law does not permit. The bill changes existing restrictions to align with modern payment methods for these legalized games.
Maddy summaryS 3188 provides an additional $500,000 in state funding from the General Fund to the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) for the New Jersey SOS Veterans Stakeholders Group. This group directly serves New Jersey veterans by offering financial assistance, housing support, emergency transportation, and benefits counseling. The funding is allocated as a supplemental appropriation for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, to enhance the group's ability to connect veterans with essential community resources. The bill does not change eligibility or create new programs but supports existing services through targeted financial aid.