Sen. Kristin Corrado

Maddy summaryS 925 provides tuition assistance to retired New Jersey law enforcement officers who retired due to disability after serving at least four years. Eligible officers can attend public colleges or approved private institutions tuition-free for up to 16 credits per semester, covering costs not covered by federal or state student aid. To qualify, officers must be enrolled as undergraduate or graduate students in good standing and have applied for all available grants and scholarships. The state will reimburse institutions for covered tuition costs. This bill directly affects retired officers meeting specific disability retirement criteria under New Jersey law.

Maddy summaryS 924 requires New Jersey to dedicate at least 10% of its state reserve funds from the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief III (ESSER III) Fund - approximately $26.2 million - to educational programs, supports, and services specifically for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This applies to the portion of ESSER III funds not allocated to local schools or other required uses under federal law. The bill mandates this funding be used to address pandemic-related learning loss and service disruptions that disproportionately impacted these students. It does not alter existing allocations to local school districts or change how other ESSER III funds are distributed. The bill aims to ensure dedicated resources for this student group using funds already designated for state-level pandemic recovery efforts.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 943) allows county clerks to remove voters from mail-in ballot lists under three specific conditions: if USPS returns their ballot mail, they haven't used mail-in ballots for two consecutive years, or their address is undeliverable. Before removal, clerks must send written notice explaining the reason and how to continue voting by mail; voters have 30 days to respond or reapply. If unresponsive, voters are removed and receive a reapplication form. The bill also updates contact information requirements for voters, ensuring phone/email details remain private and aren't used for ballot corrections.

Maddy summaryS 979 allows candidates for New Jersey's State Senate and General Assembly who represent the same legislative district and belong to the same political party to be listed together on a single nominating petition for primary elections. Currently, these candidates must use separate petitions, but this bill enables them to share one petition if they choose. The bill does not change the required number of signatures but simplifies the petition process for eligible candidates. It applies specifically to primary election nominations within the same district and party.

Maddy summaryThis bill upgrades burglary of an occupied residence to a second-degree crime in New Jersey, changing it from the current third-degree classification. It directly affects individuals convicted of entering or remaining in a dwelling (like a home) where someone was present during the offense. The key provision requires offenders to serve 85% of their prison sentence before becoming parole-eligible, as mandated by the "No Early Release Act" (NERA). This applies specifically when a person was present in the residence at the time of the burglary, increasing penalties compared to burglary of unoccupied dwellings or other burglary scenarios.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 978 establishes a state-funded internship program to connect students with government careers. It creates a program within the Department of Labor for undergraduate and graduate students (excluding law/PhD programs) at accredited colleges, prioritizing New Jersey residents or in-state students. Participants must complete 480 hours of work (240 hours per semester) with state agencies, working 20-40 hours weekly depending on class schedules, and receive a $2,500 stipend per 240 hours. Successful completers gain hiring preference for entry-level civil service jobs within two years of graduation, with veterans and disabled veterans receiving highest priority. The program is funded by a $750,000 appropriation from the State General Fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes two new programs to support early-stage tech startups in New Jersey. The "Startup Businesses in Business Incubators Development Program" provides financial assistance and support services (like mentoring and low-cost space) to qualifying startups located within business accelerators or incubators. Eligible startups must be developing advanced technologies (such as biotech, IT, or advanced materials) and be situated near research institutions or urban transit hubs. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority will administer these programs through public-private partnerships, aiming to help these businesses grow.

Maddy summaryS 2126 requires New Jersey's State Board of Education to provide at least five days' notice for public meetings (extending the current 48-hour requirement) and mandates that members of the public may comment on all agenda items discussed in open sessions, not just those addressed in executive sessions. This directly affects the State Board of Education (which must follow these procedures) and all New Jersey residents seeking to participate in education policy discussions. Key provisions include the extended notice period and explicit public comment access for non-executive session agenda items. The bill applies to all regular public meetings of the Board and aims to increase transparency in its decision-making process.

Maddy summaryS 351 requires drivers in New Jersey to either change lanes or slow down when approaching a disabled vehicle displaying hazard lights or road flares, as well as emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and maintenance vehicles with warning lights. Drivers must move to a non-adjacent lane if safe, or reduce speed below the posted limit and be prepared to stop if lane-changing is impossible. Violations carry fines of $100-$500, with two additional license penalty points for three or more offenses within a year. The bill also mandates a public awareness campaign to educate drivers about these safety rules.

Maddy summarySCR 13 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit most emergency orders, rules, or regulations issued by New Jersey's Governor to a 14-day period during a state of emergency. After 14 days, such measures would automatically expire unless the Legislature passes a concurrent resolution extending them. The amendment does not apply to orders rescinding prior emergency actions, federal compliance measures, executive branch rules, National Guard actions, or orders issued under existing laws with longer timeframes. This change would shift authority from the Governor to require legislative approval for extended emergency powers, while maintaining current flexibility for specific exceptions.