Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to allow students attending nonpublic schools to try out for and join their district's high school sports teams, provided they meet the same eligibility requirements as public school students (including academic standards, physical exams, and fees). Nonpublic school students must provide proof of district residency and comply with all team rules, behavior expectations, and participation requirements set by the district. School districts may charge nonpublic students a fee up to the actual per-pupil cost of the sport (excluding those with financial hardship, defined by school lunch program criteria), but are not required to provide transportation or alter team schedules. The bill does not change existing eligibility rules governed by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association.
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Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state entities (including agencies, universities, and offices) to separate and recycle specific materials - aluminum, corrugated cardboard, glass, paper, and plastic - from waste generated at their owned, leased, or operated buildings. State entities must establish collection procedures, contract with licensed recyclers, and provide accessible recycling bins, signage, and education for both employees and the public. The law excludes state parks/forests using a "carry-in, carry-out" trash program. The Department of Treasury, with the Environmental Protection Department, must create compliance guidance within 180 days and ensure all state branches follow the requirements.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 318) criminalizes three specific acts related to vacant dwellings: forcibly entering without permission to take residence ("housebreaking"), occupying without permission ("unlawful occupancy"), and reentering after a court-ordered eviction ("unlawful reentry"). All are classified as fourth-degree crimes punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine. The law presumes occupants know they lack permission unless they have a notarized written rental agreement with the owner's current contact details. It directly affects property owners seeking to evict unauthorized occupants and occupants in vacant properties without documented authorization.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) from creating health guidelines, rules, or regulations that are stricter than those set by federal agencies like the CDC or federal law. It directly affects the DOH by requiring all state health policies to match or be less strict than federal standards. The law applies to all administrative actions - including recommendations, directives, and regulations - and is retroactive to any existing state rules issued before the bill's effective date. This means the DOH must align its health policies with federal minimums, preventing New Jersey from implementing more protective measures.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1959) prevents healthcare workers from being denied unemployment benefits if they leave or are terminated due to refusing to comply with New Jersey's 2022 vaccine mandate for healthcare settings (Executive Order 283). It ensures workers who are otherwise eligible for benefits cannot be disqualified solely because they left employment over vaccine non-compliance. The law applies retroactively to claims filed after January 19, 2022, and expires one year after enactment. It directly affects healthcare workers in facilities covered by the mandate who face termination or resignation over vaccination requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all riders and operators of electric bicycles and scooters in New Jersey to wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet meeting state safety standards. It directly affects anyone using these vehicles as transportation, including both riders and operators. The law mandates helmet use to reduce head injury risks identified in crash data, with fines of up to $25 for a first violation and $100 for repeat offenses. The bill does not apply to traditional bicycles or vehicles exceeding defined low-speed limits. It is currently pending in the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey colleges and universities from requiring students to receive or provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccination for enrollment, class attendance, or participation in institution-sponsored programs. It directly affects all students at higher education institutions within New Jersey. The law takes effect immediately upon passage, removing vaccination requirements as a condition for student access to education and campus activities.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "New Jersey COVID-19 Long-Term Health Effects Task Force" to study and address ongoing health impacts from the pandemic. The task force will identify symptoms, treatments, and public education strategies for long-term COVID-19 effects, including potential vaccine-related health impacts, and develop guidance for healthcare providers. It consists of nine members appointed by legislative leaders, the Governor, and health officials, with a requirement to submit a final report within one year. The task force expires 30 days after submitting its report.
Maddy summaryS 2840 requires New Jersey's Veterans' Memorial Homes to create and maintain emergency plans. The bill mandates that the state's Division of Veterans' Healthcare Services develop plans addressing potential emergencies, including identifying crisis scenarios unique to these facilities. Key provisions include specifying response steps, establishing standardized emergency protocols, and creating systems for timely communication with residents, families, and staff during crises. The law applies solely to state-operated Veterans' Memorial Homes and does not override federal or existing state regulations. The bill was introduced on January 13, 2026, and referred to the Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools in New Jersey from requiring students to wear face masks indoors or outdoors on school grounds, or while riding school buses. It directly affects all K-12 students attending these schools by eliminating mandatory mask policies. The law allows students to voluntarily wear masks if they choose, but does not require schools to enforce mask-wearing. The policy change takes effect immediately upon enactment.