Maddy summaryS 127 creates the Office on Women's Research and Policy within New Jersey's Department of Children and Families to study issues affecting women as homemakers, mothers, spouses, and workers. The office will conduct research on topics like workforce status, childcare access, education equity, and violence against women; collaborate with state agencies and Rutgers' Institute for Women's Leadership; and identify data gaps to inform policymakers. It establishes a dedicated "Women's Research and Policy Fund" to manage $150,000 in initial state funding, plus potential federal grants and foundation support, while transferring historical records from a prior sex discrimination commission. The office directly serves New Jersey women by generating evidence-based research for state decision-makers.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 2238 requires New Jersey school districts receiving state preschool funding to place at least half of preschool students in licensed child care centers, with the remainder in district-run programs or Head Start. This directly affects school districts that receive preschool education aid under the School Funding Reform Act of 2008. Districts may apply for a waiver from this requirement if licensed child care spots are unavailable within their area, providing justification to the Department of Education. The law would take effect in the first full school year after enactment.
Maddy summaryS 85 establishes a new Division of Minority and Women Business Development within New Jersey’s Department of the Treasury, led by a State Chief Disparity Officer. This officer will monitor state contracting data to track how many and how much money in state contracts go to minority-owned and women-owned businesses, then report findings to the Governor and Legislature. The bill requires all state agencies to appoint a liaison officer to assist this effort and mandates full implementation of existing certification rules for these businesses (banning self-certification). It also specifies that small business set-aside contracts under $2,000 (the current threshold for public building projects) must be negotiated competitively without public bidding. The bill codifies an existing 2006 executive order, formalizing the division’s structure and duties.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 129) clarifies procedures for reinstating a driver's license after suspension in New Jersey. It directly affects individuals who drive while their license is suspended for offenses like DUI or reckless driving. The key provision requires courts to automatically waive imprisonment for these violations if the person has completed their suspension period and paid the required restoration fee (as specified in P.L.1975, c.180, §23). This change applies to all cases where imprisonment was previously mandated under the existing law, streamlining the process for license restoration without additional jail time.
Maddy summaryThis bill provides a 25% tax credit against New Jersey's gross income tax for vineyards and wineries that make eligible capital investments. It covers expenses like equipment (bottling machines, irrigation systems, fermenters), agricultural materials (fertilizer, soil amendments), and facility improvements (barrels, pruning tools, deer fencing). The credit is limited to $50,000 per year per business, $250,000 total over 10 years, and a statewide annual cap of $3 million. Businesses must operate profitably and meet specific definitions of "vineyard" (grape-growing land) and "winery" (licensed commercial operation).
Maddy summaryS 125 allows developers of distressed shopping centers in New Jersey to claim corporation business tax credits of up to $15,000 annually (capped at 50% of their tax bill) for making qualifying improvements. It targets centers with at least 35,000 sq ft of retail space, operating for 10+ years, and experiencing 35%+ vacancy in the prior year. Developers must spend at least $5,000 on necessary upgrades to attract new tenants, as certified by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. The tax credit can be carried forward for up to 10 years if not fully used in the initial year. This bill, introduced in January 2024, aims to incentivize redevelopment of underutilized commercial properties.
Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a 1% tax on purchasers buying controlling ownership of Class 4A commercial properties (income-producing properties like offices or retail space, excluding residential, farms, or industrial buildings) when the sale price exceeds $1 million. It repeals a 2006 tax provision that previously required this payment. The change applies only to transactions occurring after the bill's effective date, which is two months after enactment. This directly affects commercial real estate buyers and sellers involved in high-value transactions meeting the specified criteria.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases the annual amount credited to New Jersey's Shore Protection Fund from $25 million to $50 million. The funding comes from the State portion of realty transfer fees collected when property deeds are recorded - specifically, the $1.25 per $500 of property value paid to the State. The change directly affects the Shore Protection Fund, which uses these funds for coastal protection projects. The bill amends existing law to adjust the credit amount without altering the fee structure or creating new taxes.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes licensed adult day health facilities in New Jersey to provide all in-person services remotely to enrolled individuals who are unable or unwilling to receive care in person, such as those facing transportation issues, health concerns, or weather challenges. Key remote services include telehealth wellness checks (screening for food insecurity, medication adherence, and health symptoms), access to nurses, therapists, and social workers, delivery of meals and activity materials, and coordination of medical appointments. Facilities must bill remote services at the same rate as in-person care with proper documentation, and cannot exceed their licensed capacity. The bill also requires state agencies to seek federal Medicaid funding to cover these remote services.
Maddy summaryThis bill exempts personal protective equipment (PPE) from New Jersey's sales and use tax. It adds "personal protective equipment" to the list of tax-exempt items, specifically defining it as coveralls, face shields, gloves, gowns, masks, respirators, and similar items designed to protect against infection or illness. The exemption applies to all qualifying PPE sold for human use, meaning businesses selling these items and consumers purchasing them will no longer pay state sales or use tax on these products. The policy change directly affects retailers, healthcare providers, and individuals buying PPE for personal or professional use.