Maddy summaryS 933 requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT), New Jersey Transit (NJT), and Department of Human Services (DHS) to improve transportation accessibility for people with autism and developmental disabilities. The bill mandates a review of current infrastructure design practices for highways and transit projects, followed by adopting new standards to help these individuals travel independently. It also directs the agencies to study nationwide best practices for making public transportation and mobility programs more accessible. The DOT must then encourage local governments receiving state funding to adopt similar accessibility measures. This bill directly affects individuals with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities by aiming to make public transportation systems more usable for them.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school districts to close schools on the day of both general elections and primary elections held for those general elections. It directly affects school districts, replacing their current discretion over school calendars with a mandatory closure requirement for these specific election days. The key provision mandates that school boards must close schools on election days, as specified in the bill's text. This change takes effect immediately upon enactment. The bill does not alter voting procedures or election administration, only school operations on election days.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 917 allows residents who buy passenger cars through private sales (from non-dealers) to drive the vehicle for up to three days without permanent registration or title transfer. To do this, buyers must submit basic details online via the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), including vehicle information, insurance proof, and the seller's name, then display a temporary license plate. The MVC will maintain a public database of these temporary registrations for law enforcement checks. Violations of the temporary registration rules carry fines up to $100, and the bill explicitly requires the vehicle to remain insured throughout the three-day period. This applies only to private sales within New Jersey where the car will be primarily garaged and registered there.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey teachers in public or nonpublic elementary or secondary schools to deduct up to $1,200 annually from their gross income tax for unreimbursed classroom supply costs. Eligible educators can claim deductions for expenses like books, pencils, computers, lab equipment, and other daily classroom materials. The deduction applies to expenses incurred during the taxable year, with the law taking effect immediately for tax years starting after enactment. This policy directly benefits educators covering out-of-pocket classroom costs, reducing their taxable income.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 456) ensures religious organizations in New Jersey can continue holding in-person services during state of emergency or public health emergency declarations by the Governor. It prohibits restrictions on worship gatherings, travel to places of worship, or penalties against religious groups for practicing their faith. However, religious organizations must still follow health, safety, and occupancy rules that apply equally to all essential businesses. The bill takes immediate effect and directly affects religious institutions and their members during emergencies.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public meetings of New Jersey's State Board of Education to be accessible both in person and virtually. It mandates that the Board post a public link for virtual attendance on its website and allows remote public comments during meetings with comment periods. The law directly affects residents seeking to participate in education policy discussions and the State Board of Education, which must implement these accessibility measures. The provisions take immediate effect upon enactment.
Maddy summaryS 903 requires New Jersey's Secretary of State to establish a statewide voter list maintenance and crosscheck program to verify voter registration accuracy. It mandates cross-checking voter data with state agencies (like the Motor Vehicle Commission, Department of Health, and Corrections) to identify ineligible voters or duplicate registrations. The bill also requires the Secretary of State to submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature by March 1st, detailing the program's status, system security, and effectiveness of data-sharing agreements. This directly affects election officials, county registrars, and voters by updating how voter data is maintained and verified statewide. The law amends existing voter registration statutes to centralize voter records under one system and strengthen data accuracy checks.
Maddy summaryS 906 allows New Jersey residents to voluntarily indicate on their motor vehicle registration that they or an immediate family member who regularly drives their vehicle has special needs (defined as a physical, mental, or developmental disability substantially limiting major life activities). Drivers can add this designation during registration, renewal, or online via the MVC website, including optional communication assistance details for law enforcement. The information is accessible only to specific MVC staff and police during traffic stops to aid communication - never for other purposes - and is not treated as a public record, except under subpoena in criminal cases. Residents can update or remove the designation at any time.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 976) prohibits the non-consensual creation and distribution of deepfake pornography depicting intimate acts or exposed body parts without the person's consent. It makes distributing such deceptive media a third-degree crime, with potential fines up to $30,000, and applies specifically to images falsely appearing to show someone engaged in sexual activity. The law directly affects individuals whose private images are used without consent in fabricated content. Key provisions define "deceptive audio or visual media" and include limited exceptions, such as retail fitting room photos with posted notice, but criminalize unauthorized sharing online or otherwise.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to create a program providing up to $10,000 in one-time grants to veterans who purchase franchises in the state. It directly affects New Jersey veterans who are approved by the EDA and become franchisees (owners of franchised businesses) after the bill takes effect. The EDA must establish application procedures, set eligibility criteria, and require grantees to report within a year on how the funds were used for franchise purchases. The program prioritizes veterans applying within six months of the bill's effective date, with grants funded through state appropriations or private donations.