Sen. Joe Lagana

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a program to reimburse county governments for providing transportation services to disabled veterans traveling to medical appointments at Veterans Affairs facilities in New Jersey or neighboring states. It removes a previous restriction requiring appointments to be specifically for service-connected conditions, expanding eligibility to all VA medical appointments. The bill appropriates $2 million from the state budget to fund this program through the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs. It directly affects disabled veterans (defined as those with a VA-certified service-connected disability) and county governments offering transportation services.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's sexual assault laws by defining "consent" as a "freely given, knowledgeable, and informed agreement" and stating that sexual penetration without consent constitutes sexual assault. It clarifies key terms like "sexual penetration" (including vaginal, anal, or oral contact) and "intimate parts" to ensure consistent legal application. The law directly affects individuals charged with sexual assault, requiring prosecutors to prove lack of consent rather than relying on ambiguous standards. These changes apply to all cases under New Jersey's criminal code for sexual assault and penetration, replacing outdated definitions with clearer, victim-centered language.

Maddy summaryS 1392 allocates $1 million from New Jersey's Property Tax Relief Fund to fund a school-based mentoring pilot program in 14 specific Bergen County school districts. The money will cover administrator salaries, program costs, and stipends for staff and mentors in participating schools. Funds will be distributed by the Commissioner of Education through a competitive application process. After the pilot concludes, the Commissioner must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature evaluating the program's effectiveness and whether it should expand statewide.

Maddy summaryS 1371 requires an automatic machine recount within 48 hours whenever an election (excluding primaries or school elections) results in a tie between candidates for elected office. If the machine recount still shows a tie, an automatic hand recount occurs within 48 hours. If the hand recount also results in a tie, a special election must be held within 60 days for the tied candidates only. The state covers all costs for these recounts and special elections, applying to all New Jersey elections where a tie is initially reported.

Maddy summaryS 1408 would have required New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs to create or contract for an automated tracking system to monitor continuing education credits for professionals (like nurses, accountants, or real estate agents) who need such training to renew their licenses. The system would track each licensee's completed hours to help regulators verify compliance with continuing education requirements. However, this bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, because it was already approved as part of P.L.2025, c.315, making it redundant. The bill did not propose new policy changes but rather mandated an existing administrative process.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1397) revises New Jersey's workers' compensation law to change how employer-provided board and lodging is valued when calculating benefits. Currently valued at a fixed $25 per week, the bill would instead require the market value of such housing to be used (unless a different amount was agreed upon at hiring), except during periods of total temporary disability when the value is excluded from calculations. It directly affects workers receiving compensation who receive housing from their employer. The bill was withdrawn after being incorporated into P.L.2025, c.212, meaning the changes are now part of state law.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1983 requires the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to create a multimedia advertising campaign promoting healthcare careers as engaging and rewarding, with specific focus on available scholarships and financial support. The campaign must target underrepresented racial groups and high-demand healthcare fields, using digital, TV, radio, and print media. The bill appropriates $1 million from federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to implement this initiative, which directly affects healthcare job seekers and employers facing workforce shortages.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Developmental Disabilities to ensure that the maximum hourly rate paid to self-directed employees (hired directly by eligible individuals or their representatives) matches the rate paid to contracted service providers for the same service, duration, and care level. It directly affects individuals receiving developmental disability services who choose self-directed care. The key mechanism sets the service provider rate (e.g., approximately $51/hour for high-acuity community support) as the new maximum cap for self-directed employees, replacing the current "reasonable and customary" range ($20-$25/hour). This aligns funding parity without changing the underlying service model.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would create a $250 annual property tax deduction for New Jersey law enforcement officers who have a permanent disability directly caused by their job. It would apply to the primary residence of eligible officers, including properties in cooperatives or mutual housing. Surviving spouses aged 65+ who remain unmarried and live in the same home would also qualify for the deduction after the officer's death. The Legislature would need to define "law enforcement officer" through future legislation.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill S 389 prohibits posting judges' or prosecutors' home addresses or unlisted phone numbers online when done with intent to cause harassment or risk of harm, or in reckless disregard of that risk. It directly affects judges (Supreme Court, Superior Court, Tax Court, municipal judges), prosecutors (county and assistant prosecutors), and designated court administrative staff. Violating this law is a fourth-degree crime punishable by up to 18 months in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. The bill mirrors existing protections for law enforcement officers under New Jersey law.