Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1188) amends New Jersey's "Extended Employment Act" to modernize support for people with significant disabilities. It revises key definitions - such as replacing "sheltered workshop" with "extended employment" to describe nonprofit-run programs providing work opportunities for individuals with disabilities who cannot compete in the open labor market. The bill updates funding mechanisms to tie annual increases to the CPI-W index (not fixed amounts) and requires contracted providers to submit detailed annual reports on participant outcomes. It directly affects nonprofit service providers administering these programs and people with significant disabilities who qualify for extended employment services. The changes aim to better align program structure with current vocational rehabilitation standards.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill upgrades burglary of a residence (a dwelling or structure adapted for overnight accommodation) to a second-degree crime, regardless of whether the burglar was armed or caused injury. Currently, such burglaries are typically third-degree unless specific aggravating factors exist. The change means offenders convicted of entering a home unlawfully will face a second-degree charge, requiring them to serve at least 85% of their prison sentence before parole eligibility under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA). This directly affects individuals convicted of residential burglary, increasing potential prison time compared to the current third-degree classification. The bill amends New Jersey law to automatically classify these offenses as second-degree burglary under Section 2C:18-2(b)(3).
Maddy summarySJR 24 designates the second week of September each year as "Library Awareness Week in New Jersey." It requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and residents to observe the week with activities that highlight libraries' roles. The bill aims to promote awareness of libraries as community hubs providing free access to information, digital resources, and educational programs. It directly affects New Jersey residents and library professionals by formally recognizing libraries' contributions to democratic engagement and community learning. The resolution is procedural and does not create new funding or regulations.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires NJ Transit to expand its Access Link paratransit service to cover all U.S. Veterans Health Administration facilities in New Jersey. It mandates that Access Link service be available within a 1.5-mile radius around each facility and along a 1.5-mile-wide corridor connecting each facility to the nearest NJ Transit bus route or light rail station, regardless of whether these locations fall within the current service area. The bill appropriates $1 million from the state General Fund to cover implementation costs and prohibits NJ Transit from entering new contracts for Access Link service unless they comply with these expanded requirements. This change directly affects veterans using these health facilities who rely on paratransit for medical appointments.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Secretary of State and county election officials to conduct a 90-day audit of voter registration records in the Statewide Voter Registration System. The audit must identify: (1) ineligible voters who successfully registered, (2) attempts by ineligible voters to register (even if unsuccessful), and (3) whether current procedures for removing ineligible voters are effective. Officials must jointly develop uniform audit methods and submit findings with recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 30 days of completion. The law takes effect immediately.
Maddy summaryS 2458 adjusts how New Jersey municipalities calculate their regional affordable housing needs under the Fair Housing Act. It changes the method to base "prospective need" on certified new residential housing units created (excluding replacements), rather than previous approaches. This bill directly affects all New Jersey municipalities required to meet affordable housing obligations, giving them extended timelines to revise their plans based on the new calculation method. The change aims to align housing requirements with realistic development patterns, as highlighted in recent court decisions. The bill amends 1985 and 2024 housing laws to implement this data-driven approach.
Maddy summaryS 1182 requires New Jersey public schools to adopt policies restricting student cell phone and social media use during school hours, on buses, and at school events. The policies must include age-appropriate rules, accommodate students with IEPs, allow emergency phone use, and permit educational use with teacher permission. Schools must also implement network-based restrictions to block social media access on all school-owned devices and networks. The Commissioner of Education will develop guidelines covering storage options, communication protocols, and disciplinary procedures to support implementation. These requirements apply starting the first full school year after the bill's enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 136) raises the annual income limit for New Jersey residents to qualify for homestead property tax reimbursement. It increases the current $150,000 income cap (for 2022 and later) to a higher amount for future tax years, making the program accessible to more homeowners. The reimbursement helps eligible homeowners - aged 65+ or disabled persons who own or lease their primary residence - get back some property taxes paid above a base-year amount. This change directly affects low-to-moderate-income elderly and disabled homeowners who currently exceed the income threshold. The bill amends existing law to adjust this income limit annually, aligning it with inflation or other factors as specified in the original statute.
Maddy summaryS 2836 establishes a guardianship monitoring program within New Jersey's Office of Public Guardian for Elderly Adults. The program requires court-appointed guardians of elderly adults to submit regular reports on their wards' well-being and finances, which the Public Guardian will review for issues like abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. If problems are found, the Public Guardian can intervene in court proceedings. This directly affects elderly adults under guardianship, their appointed guardians, and the Public Guardian's office, which gains authority as an "interested party" to receive and review these reports. The bill amends existing law to create this oversight mechanism without changing guardianship appointment rules.
Maddy summaryThis bill limits county prosecutors serving in an acting capacity to a maximum of one year. It requires the Governor to nominate an acting prosecutor for a permanent position to the Senate within one year, or the acting prosecutor must leave the role. The law applies to all acting county prosecutors, including those whose nomination is pending, ensuring permanent appointments occur within the statutory timeframe. It does not change the constitutional requirement for gubernatorial nomination and Senate confirmation of county prosecutors. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.