Sen. Kristin Corrado

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1491) reinstates automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits paid to members of New Jersey's state-administered retirement systems. It directly affects current and future retirees in these systems by ensuring their benefits automatically increase each year to match inflation, without requiring new legislative action each time. The key mechanism is restoring a provision that had been removed, so benefits rise automatically based on the Consumer Price Index rather than relying on annual budget decisions. This change provides predictable income stability for retirees as living costs change. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 9, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a sexual assault prevention and response program within New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), including an independent coordinator who operates outside the military chain of command. The program directly affects service members (including National Guard personnel) and their alleged victims by allowing victims to file confidential complaints about sexual assault or harassment, receive advocacy services, and access compensation through the Victims of Crime Compensation Office. Key provisions include the coordinator’s authority to refer cases to the Attorney General for investigation, file protective orders (state and military) with victim consent, and provide resources on reporting options. The program requires annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing prevention efforts, investigation statistics, and response effectiveness.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's definition of "veteran" to include individuals discharged under less than honorable conditions due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or related conduct (e.g., consensual same-sex relationships or disclosure of such). It directly affects LGBTQ veterans who were previously denied veteran status because of discriminatory military discharges. The bill requires the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs (DMVA) to create a standardized review process and eligibility form to verify qualifying status. This change would allow these veterans to access state benefits and protections currently reserved for veterans discharged under honorable conditions. The bill is pending in the Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2061) requires New Jersey's State Chief Diversity Officer to study whether disabled veteran-owned businesses are being utilized fairly in state government purchasing. The study will determine if disparities exist between the availability of these businesses and their actual use by state agencies for contracts. Within 12 months, the officer must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature to improve opportunities for disabled veteran-owned businesses in state procurement. The bill does not change procurement rules but mandates this review to inform future policy.

Maddy summaryS 919 establishes a nine-member "New Jersey Transit ADA Task Force" to study and improve accessibility at New Jersey Transit facilities. The task force will examine all terminals, stations, stops, and equipment owned or operated by NJ Transit or its contracted partners to ensure compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It must identify needed upgrades, estimate costs for each improvement, and evaluate whether ramps could replace non-compliant elevators. The task force has two years to submit a final report to the Governor and Legislature, after which it will expire. This bill directly affects NJ Transit's infrastructure and the accessibility experience of people with disabilities using public transit.

Maddy summaryS 1345 creates a permanent "New Jersey Anti-Semitism Task Force" within the Department of State. The task force, composed of 18 members including legislative leaders, community representatives (like Hadassah and ADL), and experts, will research anti-Semitism and develop recommendations to address its harms. Its work directly affects Jewish communities in New Jersey, aiming to improve safety at synagogues, schools, and institutions amid rising hate incidents. The bill requires the task force to produce actionable plans based on its research, without specifying new funding or enforcement measures.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 725) criminalizes squatting by creating three new offenses: "housebreaking" (forcibly entering vacant dwellings without permission to occupy), "unlawful occupancy" (taking up residence without permission), and "unlawful reentry" (returning to property after being evicted by court order). It presumes occupants know they lack permission unless they provide a notarized written rental agreement with the owner's current contact details. The law affects individuals occupying vacant properties without owner consent, making these acts fourth-degree crimes punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine. Currently, squatting isn't a criminal offense in New Jersey, requiring owners to seek court-ordered evictions instead.

Maddy summarySJR 28 designates the second weekend of September each year as "Salute to Service and Sacrifice Weekend" in New Jersey. This resolution recognizes fallen police, firefighters, and emergency medical services professionals by encouraging state officials and residents to observe the weekend with ceremonies honoring their service and sacrifice. It does not create new programs or funding but requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to promote public recognition. The bill directly affects New Jersey residents and officials who would participate in or support designated observances.

Maddy summaryS 698 expands New Jersey's Community College Opportunity Grant Program to cover tuition and fees for career and technical education programs at county colleges and county vocational schools. It directly affects adult students enrolled in these programs (e.g., nursing, culinary, or workforce training) who meet income limits ($0-$65,000 annual adjusted gross income) and apply for federal/state aid via FAFSA. The bill requires students to be in good academic standing and not owe prior grants, with grants covering costs not covered by other financial aid. Funding will be administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority for students and the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education for college support programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create and provide blue envelopes for people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The envelopes must hold driver's licenses, registration, and insurance cards, feature a distinctive color for police recognition, clearly state the holder's diagnosis, and include communication guidance for officers. To obtain an envelope, individuals or their caregivers must submit documentation verifying the autism diagnosis. The bill aims to improve interactions between autistic drivers and law enforcement during traffic stops. It takes effect 12 months after enactment.