Sen. Kristin Corrado

Maddy summaryThis bill sets minimum payment rates for ambulance services under New Jersey's Medicaid program. It requires $300 per emergency ambulance transport and $8.94 per loaded mile for ground ambulance services, with annual adjustments tied to Medicare rates. These changes directly affect ambulance providers serving Medicaid beneficiaries. The rates take effect July 1, 2024, and require state rule updates for implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Training Clinicians to Support Adults with Autism Workforce Development Program" at Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services. It requires the program to train 8-10 students annually (across undergraduate and graduate disciplines like psychology, social work, and education) with 20-40 hours per week of hands-on clinical training, academic coursework, and research opportunities. The program must include a capstone project focused on improving quality of life for adults with autism. The bill appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to fund the program's establishment and implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a rebuttable presumption that people charged with theft of a motor vehicle must be detained before trial if, during the theft, they caused death or serious bodily injury to another person or created a substantial risk of such injury. The presumption applies specifically to cases where the defendant's conduct during the theft posed a serious threat to public safety. Defendants can overcome this presumption by showing with a preponderance of evidence that conditions of release (such as bail or other restrictions) would reasonably assure their appearance in court, protect public safety, and prevent obstruction of justice. This change aligns the standard for motor vehicle theft with existing requirements for more serious crimes like murder or life imprisonment offenses, while maintaining the right to challenge the presumption. Currently, theft of a motor vehicle is a third-degree crime punishable by up to five years in prison.

Maddy summaryS 2914 allows public school districts to offer virtual or remote instruction to students on election days when their school is designated as a polling place. It directly affects schools serving as polling locations during any election (including primaries, general, and municipal elections), requiring districts to ensure all students have access to necessary technology (like computers or broadband) before implementing remote learning. The bill specifies that remote instruction days on election days count toward the state’s required 180-day school year, and schools cannot use this provision for non-polling-place days. It also clarifies that schools not used as polling places cannot adopt remote learning solely to meet the 180-day requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $500,000 in additional state funding from the General Fund to the Township of Fairfield in Essex County specifically for dredging and restoring the Passaic River within its borders. The funds must be used for activities including dredging, cleaning, and restoration as outlined in a plan submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The DEP is required to waive permit fees for these activities under the Statewide general permit for Passaic River projects. The bill directs the township to file a detailed plan with the DEP before receiving the funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Autism Education Council within New Jersey's Department of Education to improve support for autistic students in public schools. The council, composed of seven members including education officials and community representatives, will award annual grants (starting in 2025) using $9.6 million of a $10 million annual state appropriation. Grants fund teacher training, hiring paraprofessionals, and supplemental services like after-school programs for autistic children. The council must monitor grant impacts and report annually to the Governor and Legislature on how funds are used and their effectiveness. The bill directly affects public school districts, educators, and autistic students by expanding access to specialized autism education resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $500,000 in additional funding from the Property Tax Relief Fund to the Borough of North Caldwell for the restoration of Walker's Family Home and Walker's Park property. The funds are specifically designated to restore the historic home and park, which the borough acquired in 2016, and the borough may determine how to use the restored property. The bill is a direct funding allocation with no new policy requirements.

Maddy summaryS 2851 requires all polling places in New Jersey to provide free on-site parking for voters on election day. The bill amends state election law to add this requirement, building on existing rules that mandate polling places be ADA-compliant and preferably located in schools or public buildings. County election boards must now ensure any selected polling location includes this free parking provision. This change directly affects how county boards choose polling sites and the facilities that host them.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public high school students in grades 10-12 who participate in a school-sponsored sport during its athletic season to replace their required physical education class with a study hall. The student’s athletic participation counts toward their physical education graduation requirement, and they earn the same credits as if they had completed the PE course. To use this option, parents must provide written approval, and the sport’s coach must certify the student’s participation to the school district. The school district determines which activities qualify as "school-sponsored sports," and the bill does not change health and safety education requirements or apply to students not in sports.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2888 creates state tax credits for businesses employing individuals with developmental disabilities. It allows a 40% credit on the first $6,000 of wages paid to each qualifying employee, capped at $2,400 per employee annually, for both corporation business tax and gross income tax. A "qualified person" must have a severe, chronic disability manifesting before age 22 (including intellectual disabilities, autism, or neurological conditions like cerebral palsy) that results in substantial functional limitations. The bill aims to incentivize hiring for this group by aligning with the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit model, while preventing abuse through rules against displacing existing workers or double-counting credits.