Sen. Kristin Corrado

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey high school students pursuing a state-endorsed diploma to complete a one-semester financial literacy course. It directly affects high school students by mandating curriculum covering budgeting, savings, credit, debt, taxes, college financial planning, banking, and consumer skills. The course must be taught by teachers with appropriate endorsements and cannot be satisfied by existing economics or business courses. The requirement applies to students entering 12th grade in the 2027-2028 school year.

Maddy summaryS 1374 requires New Jersey school districts to employ at least one full-time school psychologist per school, with a maximum student-to-psychologist ratio of 500:1. This directly affects all public school students and school districts across New Jersey, mandating staffing levels aligned with national best practices. School districts must apply for federal funds to help implement these requirements. The law takes effect immediately but will first apply in the second full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1584) would amend New Jersey's driver licensing rules to allow individuals with disabilities to have a parent or guardian present during the required road test. It directly affects people with disabilities seeking driver's licenses by providing a specific accommodation during the practical driving evaluation. The change modifies existing requirements under Section 39:3-10(d) to permit this accompaniment, while maintaining all other testing standards like vision checks and written exams. The bill does not alter other licensing requirements or create new restrictions. It is currently pending in the Senate Transportation Committee.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1123 requires all public and nonpublic schools to have at least one FDA-registered portable anti-choking device (a suction-based airway-clearing tool) available in cafeterias, school nurse offices, and similar locations during school hours and events. The devices must be unlocked, easily accessible, and marked with clear signage. Schools must train all nurses and staff in airway management and device use, while the state will reimburse schools for related costs. This bill directly affects school districts and nonpublic schools across New Jersey, aiming to improve emergency response to choking incidents.

Maddy summaryS 1376 requires New Jersey public school districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects that employ a school psychologist and offer in-person counseling to also provide virtual or remote counseling sessions for students in grades K-12. The bill mandates that schools permit remote sessions unless a school psychologist determines in-person counseling is necessary for a student's well-being. Students retain the right to choose in-person sessions if they prefer, and the law defines "school psychologist" as a certified professional with a New Jersey educational services certificate. This policy change ensures continued access to psychological services for students who cannot attend in-person sessions, such as due to health, transportation, or scheduling needs.

Maddy summaryS 3661 requires youth camps, municipal recreation departments, and nonprofit youth organizations (like Little Leagues, Pop Warner, and Police Athletic Leagues) to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) available on-site at all youth athletic events and practices held on public fields. Organizations must comply within 180 days of the law's effective date, or prove a certified emergency responder with an AED is present. The bill also provides legal immunity for organizations and their staff (including coaches and volunteers) when acquiring or using AEDs. This directly affects youth sports groups organizing events on public property across New Jersey, aiming to improve emergency response for cardiac incidents during athletic activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 3638 ("Justice for Vulnerable Residents Act"), creates a new independent Justice Center to investigate reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation against individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) in New Jersey’s state-licensed or state-operated residential and day habilitation facilities. It directly affects people with IDD living in these settings and their caregivers, centralizing investigations currently handled by the Department of Human Services and Department of Children and Families. The Justice Center will operate under a model inspired by New York’s system, streamlining complaints and investigations to improve safety and accountability. The bill defines key terms like "abuse" and "caregiver" and mandates a Medical Review Board to address disability-related mortality and abuse prevention.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers with at least 25 employees to provide one additional paid sick day per benefit year to employees who serve as volunteer first responders (such as firefighters, EMTs, or emergency squad members). The extra day must be used specifically for healthcare diagnostic testing recommended by a provider to prevent or diagnose conditions related to the volunteer’s duties. Employers must provide this benefit after the employee completes their first calendar year of service. The Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development will establish rules to implement the policy, aiming to support volunteer recruitment and retention by reducing conflicts between paid work and emergency service responsibilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3691) grants patients with developmental disabilities in New Jersey hospitals the right to have a designated caregiver - such as a family member, guardian, direct support professional (DSP), or other caregiver - accompany them throughout their entire hospital stay, except during active surgical procedures where safety concerns apply. It requires hospitals to provide patients or their legal representatives the opportunity to choose this caregiver at admission, document the choice in medical records, and ensure the designated person can remain with the patient. The law directly affects individuals with developmental disabilities receiving inpatient hospital care across New Jersey, ensuring their support network can be present during treatment. Key mechanisms include standardized definitions for terms like "developmental disability" and "DSP," mandatory hospital procedures for designation, and clear exceptions for surgical settings.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Senate Bill S3656 prohibits colleges and universities from partnering with sports betting companies. Specifically, it bans institutions of higher education - including athletic departments and booster clubs - from entering agreements that allow betting operators to advertise in stadiums, digital content, or broadcast sports coverage. The law defines such partnerships broadly and takes effect immediately upon enactment. This directly affects all public and private colleges in New Jersey that might have considered commercial sports betting advertising deals.