Sen. Paul Moriarty

Maddy summaryS 2114 would create special New Jersey license plates for active U.S. Coast Guard members, honorably separated former members, and their spouses or parents. The plates would display the Coast Guard seal and cost an additional $25 per vehicle beyond standard registration fees. This procedural bill authorizes the Motor Vehicle Commission to issue the plates and retain fees to cover program costs, with no substantive policy changes beyond the plate design and fee structure.

Maddy summaryS 2077 creates a one-year pilot program allowing New Jersey military members on active duty overseas and their eligible spouses or dependents to vote by internet in primary and general elections during the year the bill takes effect. The Secretary of State must develop a secure internet voting system that verifies voter identity, protects ballot privacy, and allows for audits, while following federal guidelines and best practices from other jurisdictions. The program requires consultation with local election officials, public outreach to eligible voters, and a report to the legislature within 120 days of the general election to recommend whether to continue, expand, or end the pilot. The state will appropriate necessary funds from the General Fund to cover the program's costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey county clerks to provide accessible mail-in ballots to eligible voters with disabilities who request them. It directly affects voters with disabilities who are registered and eligible to vote in their county. The bill mandates that these ballots must include electronic features like audio prompts for readability, electronic marking of choices, confirmation of selections, and options to print or submit electronically if the voter is "electronic return eligible" (e.g., blind or with certain visual/physical disabilities preventing standard ballot use). The county clerk must verify voter eligibility before sending the ballot, and the accessible ballot must include all necessary materials for submission via mail, drop box, or electronic means. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2149) modifies New Jersey's veteran property tax deduction eligibility rules. It allows veterans who become owners of real property after October 1 but before December 31 of the pretax year to still qualify for the deduction, provided they were previously eligible for the deduction on another property in the state before October 1. Currently, veterans must own the property as of October 1 to qualify, which could disqualify them if they purchase a home after that date. The change ensures veterans moving into new homes after October 1 do not lose the deduction due to timing. It directly affects veterans purchasing property between October 2 and December 31 who previously qualified for the deduction.

Maddy summaryS 2863 (now withdrawn) established new criminal penalties for recklessly discharging a firearm with live ammunition. It creates a misdemeanor for a first offense, a fourth-degree crime for a second offense, and a third-degree crime for a third or subsequent offense. The bill increases penalties if the discharge occurs within 100 yards of schools, occupied buildings, or child care facilities. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was incorporated into another law (P.L.2025, c.364), meaning it did not become effective.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2758) requires certain choice districts in New Jersey (specifically those in second-class cities under court-ordered desegregation efforts) to provide transportation for public school choice students living more than 2 miles from elementary schools or 2.5 miles from secondary schools. It mandates that sending districts (the districts students come from) receive state transportation aid for these students, which they must then pay directly to the choice district. If the choice district’s actual transportation costs exceed the state aid received, it may qualify for supplemental state reimbursement - provided it uses cost-efficient routes (like centralized pickups) and reports annual cost differences to the Department of Education. The bill aims to cover transportation expenses for students in interdistrict school choice programs without shifting costs to participating districts.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the age limit for residents in New Jersey's pediatric long-term care facilities from 19 to 26. It directly affects young adults aged 20-26 who currently cannot access these specialized facilities after turning 19. The key provision removes the previous age restriction, allowing facilities to admit and provide services to residents up to age 26. This aligns with the current policy that limits pediatric care facilities to residents under 19.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) to publish and share early childhood mental health information on its website and distribute it directly to social workers, teachers, and child care workers who primarily serve children under age 5. The information must cover three key areas: raising awareness about early mental health, properly sharing concerns with parents/guardians, and connecting families to state or community resources for mental health assessments. DCF may also offer in-service training for these professionals on the shared materials. The law aims to equip frontline workers with consistent, accessible resources to support young children's mental health needs.

Maddy summaryS 2137 prohibits businesses licensed to operate amusement games (like arcade machines or video games) from accepting wagers, allowing gambling activities on their premises, or advertising such activities. It directly affects licensed amusement game operators across New Jersey. The bill amends existing law to explicitly ban these actions, stating license holders "shall not accept or allow wagers" or "advertise or promote" gambling related to their licensed games. Violations would be classified as disorderly persons offenses, potentially leading to license forfeiture and gambling penalties. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryS 1486 establishes an independent Office of Inspector General for Prosecutorial Review within New Jersey's Department of Law and Public Safety (though not under its control). This office investigates complaints about misconduct by prosecutors or their teams (including detectives), with authority to subpoena witnesses and documents, and ensures confidentiality for complainants. It directly affects prosecutors, law enforcement personnel working on cases, and the public who can file complaints. The inspector general must have dual experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, and cannot be blocked by legal privileges once a case is closed.