Sen. Nilsa Cruz-Perez

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public buildings to install grab bars in specific toilet stalls during new construction or substantial renovations (costing $5,000+). It mandates minimum grab bar coverage based on stall counts: 2 stalls for 3-4 stalls total, 3 for 5-9, 6 for 10-15, and one-third for 16+ stalls. All grab bar-equipped stalls must display the International Symbol of Access, and the requirement applies only to new restrooms or renovations meeting the cost threshold. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's victim compensation law to include expenses for service animals required due to crime-related injuries. It specifically allows victims to claim compensation for costs related to procuring or treating a service animal, as defined by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. The change applies to victims who need service animals because of injuries sustained during a crime, covering reasonable out-of-pocket expenses like veterinary care or training. The amendment updates Section 12 of P.L.1971, c.317, to explicitly include these costs under "other services" in victim compensation claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 143) amends New Jersey's charter school law to allow charter schools to limit admissions based on four specific categories: single gender, students at-risk of academic failure, students with disabilities, or English language learners. Currently, charter schools could only limit admissions by grade level or academic concentration (like math or arts), but this change expands those options. The bill requires schools to outline any admission criteria in their charter and maintains existing bans on discrimination based on ability, disability, or language proficiency. It directly affects enrollment opportunities for students fitting these four categories in participating charter schools.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $70 million in federal pandemic relief funds to New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to support arts and culture organizations negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The EDA will award $50 million in grants for general financial recovery (including $10 million specifically for arts education programs in schools and after-school settings) and $20 million for placemaking projects that beautify public spaces like sidewalks and parks with art installations. Qualifying groups include both for-profit and nonprofit arts organizations that experienced pandemic-related revenue losses. The funds come directly from New Jersey's allocation of federal "Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund" money under the American Rescue Plan Act.

Maddy summaryS 1060 requires New Jersey public schools to create policies for emergency treatment of students with seizure disorders. Specifically, schools must develop protocols allowing trained staff to administer nasal seizure rescue medication and use manual vagus nerve stimulators when a school nurse isn't present. The policy mandates that school nurses train at least two volunteer staff members, obtain written parental consent, and ensure schools provide liability protections for staff acting in good faith. These policies must align with guidelines developed by the Department of Education and Department of Health, and require hospital transport after emergency treatment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-funded "breakfast after the bell" incentive fund to support school breakfast programs. It provides an additional 10-cent per breakfast supplement to school districts participating in the federal program that serve breakfast after the first bell and have 20-100% of students eligible for free/reduced-price meals. The fund is administered by the Department of Agriculture with the Department of Education, requiring annual reports on costs and participation. School districts must meet these specific eligibility criteria to receive the supplemental reimbursement.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 779, would extend full NJ FamilyCare health coverage to pregnant undocumented immigrants and their children under age one. It specifically provides pregnant individuals with coverage through 60 days after delivery and ensures their dependent children receive coverage until age one, addressing a gap where undocumented people currently only qualify for emergency medical care under existing law. The coverage would be implemented using federal funds if available (with the state covering costs if federal funding isn’t approved), and only to the extent permitted by federal law. The bill defines "undocumented immigrant" as someone unable to verify legal status or lawful presence in the U.S.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new principal department within New Jersey's Executive Branch called the Department of Early Childhood, led by a Commissioner appointed by the Governor. The department would consolidate early childhood responsibilities currently held by the Departments of Education and Human Services, covering programs for children from pregnancy through age eight. Key provisions include establishing the Commissioner's authority to hire staff, create rules, conduct investigations, and manage federal or private grants for early childhood services. The legislation also transfers specific programs like preschool education, child care subsidies, and teacher licensing to this new department, centralizing oversight for young children.

Maddy summaryThis bill permits New Jersey emergency assistance recipients (including those in Work First NJ or Supplemental Security Income programs) to receive temporary rental assistance when facing eviction under two specific conditions: (1) if their permanent housing became unaffordable due to job loss, temporary unemployment, or underemployment, or (2) if maintaining current housing is the least costly option to preserve family structure while seeking affordable housing. It limits emergency assistance to 12 cumulative months initially, with possible extensions up to 24 months total for qualifying cases like extreme hardship or disability. The bill also establishes a $20 million funding cap for this rental assistance component and requires case management services for recipients.

Maddy summaryS 55 allows municipalities in New Jersey with fewer than 2,500 residents (per the latest census) to opt out of the state's civil service system (Title 11A) by passing a local ordinance. The rescission takes effect six months after the ordinance is adopted, and the municipality cannot attempt to rejoin the civil service system for at least five years. If a governing body rejects an opt-out ordinance, a new vote on the same issue cannot occur for five years. This bill directly affects small-town governments seeking greater flexibility in hiring and personnel management.