Maddy summaryS 2613 requires New Jersey school districts, charter schools, nonpublic schools, and contracted service providers to review the employment history of prospective employees who work with students for any allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct. It mandates applicants to provide employer lists (including schools and child-contact roles from the last 20 years) and written authorization for background checks, and requires employers to verify past investigations or disciplinary actions related to such allegations. The law also imposes penalties for false statements, including fines up to $10,000, and outlines procedures for out-of-state applicant reviews. This directly affects schools and service providers hiring staff with student contact, aiming to strengthen background checks for safety.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 329) makes it a crime to use artificial intelligence or deepfake technology to impersonate someone for fraudulent purposes. It specifically adds AI-generated impersonation to the state's identity theft law, covering cases where someone falsely depicts another person through deepfakes to obtain benefits, avoid payments, or cause harm. Penalties range from a fourth-degree crime (small-scale, under $500) to a second-degree crime (large-scale, $75,000+ or five+ victims). The law also requires courts to correct false records created by such fraud and may order restitution to victims.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's official definition of anti-Semitism based on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's 2016 definition, including specific examples of anti-Semitic conduct. It requires state institutions - including schools and government agencies - to use this definition when reviewing, investigating, or deciding on violations of anti-discrimination policies or laws involving anti-Semitic intent. The bill explicitly states that criticism of Israel similar to criticism of any other country does not constitute anti-Semitism under this definition. It also clarifies that the definition does not infringe on First Amendment rights or conflict with existing state, federal, or local anti-discrimination laws.
Maddy summaryS 2555 requires that New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) electronic signature pads display the penalty for false or fraudulent voter registration information, which is currently mandated on paper voter registration forms. This applies when voters register to vote or update their registration at MVC locations using electronic signature pads. The bill ensures that voters receive the same clear warning about legal consequences for providing false information whether they use paper forms or electronic devices at MVC. This change aligns electronic voter registration processes with existing paper form requirements, maintaining consistent voter education at MVC locations.
Maddy summaryS 1151 establishes the "Careers without College Program" within New Jersey's Department of Labor to connect eligible individuals (those qualifying for the Community College Opportunity Grant Program) with job and training opportunities in fields that don't require a college degree. The program creates a public webpage with career information, job postings, and scam warnings, partners with trade schools and unions, and promotes non-college career paths to high schools. It also creates a 10-member "Careers without College Advisory Commission" to advise on advancing specific industries like trades, cosmetology, construction, and healthcare support roles. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Labor Committee after its January 2026 introduction.
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 summaryS 1185 requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to create a free, statewide online database for local government legal notices. This bill directly affects municipalities, counties, and other local government units that currently publish legal notices in newspapers, allowing them to instead submit notices electronically to DCA without cost. Key provisions mandate DCA to maintain the database, enable local units to submit notices via a simple form, and provide public access through DCA's website. The database replaces newspaper publication requirements for these notices, making them searchable online for residents. The bill takes effect three months after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1146) allows eligible K-12 teachers in New Jersey to deduct up to $1,200 annually from their gross income tax for unreimbursed classroom supply expenses. It directly affects public and nonpublic school teachers who personally pay for items like books, pencils, computers, lab equipment, and other daily classroom materials. The deduction applies to expenses not covered by the school district, with the $1,200 limit capping the tax benefit. The policy takes effect for taxable years beginning after the bill’s enactment date.
Maddy summarySJR 15 designates the second weekend of September each year as "Salute to Service and Sacrifice Weekend" in New Jersey. The bill directly honors fallen police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services (EMS) professionals, acknowledging that over 600 firefighters and 500 police officers have died in the line of duty since recordkeeping began. It requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation urging public officials and residents to observe the weekend with appropriate ceremonies and activities. The resolution focuses solely on symbolic recognition, with no new programs or funding, and takes effect immediately upon passage.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1115 requires the Attorney General to establish a voting fraud task force within the Division of Criminal Justice. The task force, made up of state, county, and municipal law enforcement officers selected by the AG, will investigate and prosecute voting fraud using a coordinated strategy. This bill directly affects the Attorney General's office and law enforcement agencies by creating a new structure for addressing voting fraud cases. It takes effect six months after enactment.