Sen. Kristin Corrado

Maddy summaryThis bill suspends two specific charges on residential and business electric and gas utility bills for the entire year of 2026 (January 1-December 31, 2026). It eliminates the state sales and use tax and the societal benefits charge (which funds clean energy programs and energy assistance) on these bills. The average residential customer would save $170-$233 on electricity bills and $178-$308 on gas bills during this period. The suspension expires on January 1, 2027, and does not affect other utility fees or taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's $6,000 gross income tax exemption for veterans to include all veterans of the Uniformed Services of the United States, not just those from the traditional "Armed Forces." It specifically adds veterans who served in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) to the eligible groups. Currently, only veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and National Guard (in federal duty) qualified for this exemption. The change aligns New Jersey law with federal definitions of "Uniformed Services" to cover all branches that serve the nation in uniformed roles.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey school buses transporting students with special needs to install two specific safety features. First, buses must have an electronic seat belt alert system with weight sensors that audibly and visually alerts drivers if seat belts are unfastened while moving. Second, buses must display unique barcodes (both inside and outside) that drivers scan during post-trip inspections to confirm no students were left behind. The Commissioner of Education will establish rules for these systems, with implementation required six months after the bill takes effect. The law directly affects school bus operators serving students with special needs under New Jersey's existing transportation regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners of low-speed electric bicycles and scooters in New Jersey to register these devices with the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and maintain specific insurance coverage. Owners must complete a safety training module developed by the MVC before registration, and devices must display a registration label. The bill establishes an $8 registration fee for initial registration and annual renewals, and prohibits operation without proper registration. Owners must maintain liability insurance, pedestrian personal injury protection coverage, and uninsured motorist coverage for these devices.

Maddy summaryThis bill renames the Office of Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities to the Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Disabilities and Their Families, expanding its scope to serve all individuals with disabilities (not just those with intellectual or developmental disabilities). It creates a deputy ombudsman position to support the ombudsman and allows the deputy to act in the ombudsman's place during absences or conflicts of interest. The office will provide information, support, and dispute resolution assistance to all individuals with disabilities and their families regarding state services from relevant departments. The bill requires the office to maintain confidentiality, hire staff, and issue annual reports to the Governor, legislative leaders, relevant department heads, and the public.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires county election boards to have bipartisan representation (from both major political parties) when opening and canvassing mail-in ballots. It mandates secure storage of mail-in ballots using specific security measures like dual-key locks requiring input from both party representatives, video surveillance, or access logs. The bill also upgrades penalties for certain election crimes, raising them from third-degree to second-degree offenses with punishments including up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000. These changes apply to all counties in New Jersey handling mail-in ballots, aiming to enhance election security and transparency.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors and subcontractors working on public projects to submit payroll records to New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD). It applies to any business performing work for public bodies (like state/local governments or projects funded by public money), including construction, maintenance, or repair work. The key mechanism mandates that these contractors must register with DOLWD and provide payroll details to verify compliance with prevailing wage laws and apprenticeship program requirements. This affects all employers engaged in public work contracts, ensuring transparency in worker compensation and program participation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires new and used motor vehicle dealers in New Jersey to establish and maintain a telephone system (including landlines or mobile phones) registered under their business name. It applies to all applicants for these licenses and existing licensees who relocate their business, replacing the current rule that only permitted landline systems. Dealers must keep this phone system operational to apply for or renew their license. The requirement does not apply to leasing dealers who don't sell vehicles directly. This is a concrete change to licensing standards for dealers, not a procedural or commemorative measure.

Maddy summaryS 4727 requires background checks for all employees, volunteers, and organizers of youth sports and recreational organizations (including for-profit groups) serving children under 18, such as sports teams, leagues, and activity providers. Organizations must conduct annual background checks through the state, with individuals providing consent and covering costs (capped at actual expense), while school staff with existing checks (from school or national associations) in the same year are exempt if they provide proof. Failure to request checks incurs civil penalties up to $1,000 per offense, and knowingly participating as a disqualified person or ignoring check results is a fourth-degree crime punishable by up to 18 months in prison or a $10,000 fine. The bill excludes public and nonpublic schools from direct coverage but requires them to provide proof of existing checks to affiliated youth organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school bus personnel working with students with disabilities to call 911 during potential life-threatening emergencies and report these calls to the Office of Special Education. It mandates that school buses transporting students with disabilities be equipped with interior video cameras, real-time GPS tracking, and two-way communication devices. School bus drivers and aides must receive specialized training on emergency procedures and interacting with students with disabilities, with school districts and contractors required to maintain records of emergency calls. Failure to comply with the 911 reporting requirement can result in civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation. The bill applies specifically to school buses transporting students with disabilities, affecting school bus personnel, school districts, and bus contractors.