Sen. Holly Schepisi

Maddy summaryS 2089 amends New Jersey law to clarify when courts can require parents to pay for a child's post-high school educational expenses. It mandates that courts consider the child's educational needs and the parents' financial ability, including specific factors for higher education, when determining support. The bill also specifies that child support obligations continue for unemancipated children with severe disabilities (excluding substance abuse) until they are no longer financially dependent, directing courts to consider public benefits for these children. Currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee since its January 2024 introduction, the bill does not change existing support for children without disabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public meetings of New Jersey's State Board of Education to be accessible both in person and virtually. It mandates that the Board post a public link for virtual attendance on its website and allows remote public comments during meetings with comment periods. The law directly affects residents seeking to participate in education policy discussions and the State Board of Education, which must implement these accessibility measures. The provisions take immediate effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryS 2115 makes knowingly false reports of child abuse a criminal offense, punishable by up to 5 years in prison or a $15,000 fine. It also imposes a separate civil penalty of up to $10,000 for such false reports, with funds going to New Jersey's Department of Children and Families. The bill directly affects individuals who intentionally file false reports, not victims or legitimate reporters. Introduced in January 2024 and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, it has not yet become law.

Maddy summarySCR 79 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how New Jersey municipalities calculate their affordable housing obligations. Currently, these obligations are based on regional housing needs; the amendment would require the Legislature to establish a single statewide calculation for all affordable housing units needed across the entire state. This would eliminate regional distinctions, making the statewide total the exclusive obligation mandated by the Constitution. The change would directly affect all municipalities, shifting their housing requirements from localized regional targets to a unified state-level standard. The amendment must be approved by voters after legislative passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2086) changes how New Jersey municipalities calculate their affordable housing obligations under the Fair Housing Act. It adds new factors to consider when determining each municipality's required housing units and sets a population-based cap on these obligations. The bill directly affects all New Jersey municipalities with housing obligations, requiring them to use updated calculation methods. Key provisions include modifying the formula for determining "fair share" obligations while maintaining the requirement to provide housing for low- and moderate-income households. The changes aim to adjust obligations based on population shifts and regional needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits properties that received benefits under the "Grow New Jersey Assistance Act" (2011) or the "New Jersey Economic Stimulus Act of 2009" from qualifying for property tax exemptions or abatements under two existing laws: the "Long Term Tax Exemption Law" and the "Five-Year Exemption and Abatement Law." It directly affects property owners who utilized these specific state economic development incentives to fund property improvements. The key provision blocks additional tax relief for such properties, as they have already received public funding to increase their value. The bill aims to prevent double benefits from state incentive programs and local tax exemptions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1334) requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to operate at least one agency in every county that provides both vehicle registration services (like license plates and vehicle titles) and driver licensing services (like driver's licenses and ID cards). It directly affects all New Jersey residents who need to register vehicles or obtain driver licenses/ID cards, ensuring they can access these services within their own county. The key mechanism mandates that the MVC either establish separate vehicle and licensing agencies in each county or operate a single combined agency offering both services. This replaces the current system where some counties lack full MVC service locations.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the Governor's power to declare and extend state of emergency or public health emergency declarations in New Jersey. It requires the Legislature to approve any extension of these declarations, with automatic termination after 60 days for state emergencies (or 30 days for public health emergencies) unless approved by a majority vote of both legislative chambers. The Governor must notify the Legislature in writing at least seven business days before seeking an extension, detailing the ongoing threat. The bill also prohibits the Governor from issuing identical declarations for the same emergency after termination without specific legislative authorization.

Maddy summaryBill S 2147 would permit businesses not located inside shopping malls (such as downtown bars or restaurants) to obtain special licenses allowing them to serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption within shopping mall locations. It requires municipalities to have reached their population-based limit for plenary retail alcohol licenses before qualifying, and would allow one special license per existing mall-based plenary license in that municipality. The special licenses would be issued by the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control upon municipal approval, with fees tied to local license sales data. This aims to help non-mall businesses compete by providing access to serve alcohol in mall areas where they previously could not.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires plaintiffs in personal injury or tort cases to file all relevant personal injury trust claims within 30 days of filing their case, or face dismissal. It mandates that plaintiffs provide sworn statements confirming they've investigated all possible trust claims and submit all related documents (like medical records and settlement materials) to the court and opposing parties. The law also sets a 180-day waiting period before trial to ensure all trust claims are resolved first, and allows defendants to request a case stay if new trust claims emerge. This directly affects plaintiffs, their attorneys, and defendants in personal injury cases involving trust funds, focusing on transparency and timely disclosure of all potential compensation sources.