Sen. Nilsa Cruz-Perez

Maddy summaryThis bill designates November as "Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSDS) Awareness Month" in New Jersey. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public and medical awareness activities about RSDS, a chronic pain condition also known as complex regional pain syndrome. The designation supports existing state efforts to educate about early diagnosis and treatment options for this condition, which can cause severe pain, tissue changes, and mobility issues if untreated. The bill does not create new programs or funding but formalizes an annual awareness period.

Maddy summaryS 428 creates a New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) loan program providing low-interest loans (max 3%) to businesses owned or operated by individuals with disabilities. To qualify, businesses must be located in New Jersey, employ at least five full-time staff (with 50% being NJ residents), and demonstrate business viability. The program is funded by a $5 million General Fund appropriation into a revolving loan fund, which replenishes with repayments. Businesses must submit annual reports tracking loan use and business performance until full repayment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a competitive grant program to fund teacher recruitment organizations working in high-poverty school districts. It appropriates $6 million from the General Fund to match private contributions raised by eligible organizations, up to $2 million annually for three years. Organizations must have existing partnerships with districts where at least 40% of students qualify for free/reduced meals. The program aims to support new teacher placement and training in districts facing staffing challenges.

Maddy summaryS 61 establishes the Office for Women’s Advancement within New Jersey’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development to promote gender equity in the workplace. The office will collect and share data on women’s employment experiences - including pay gaps and workplace culture - and collaborate with state agencies like the Advisory Commission on the Status of Women. It will also review legislation affecting women’s careers and host public education events. The bill creates a dedicated "Women's Advancement Fund" to receive annual state appropriations and eligible federal or private funding for these activities. This bill directly affects women workers, employers, and state agencies working on gender equity in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $300,000 from New Jersey's General Fund to the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers University specifically for the Veterans Environmental Technology and Solutions (VETS) program. The funds will continue and expand this initiative, which provides unemployed veterans with educational stipends and training in sustainable landscaping, environmental skills, and business development. Participants receive classroom instruction, site visits, and hands-on community engagement to build job skills and support reintegration into civilian life. The VETS program, established in 2014 through partnerships including Rutgers and community organizations, requires this funding as previous support has ended.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires home improvement contractors in New Jersey to register with the Division of Consumer Affairs biennially, pay a fee, and disclose certain criminal convictions. It directly affects individuals and businesses performing home improvements (like remodeling, repairs, or elevations) on residential or non-commercial properties, excluding licensed professionals, certain non-profits, and large retailers. Key mechanisms include mandatory registration, a criminal disclosure requirement for applicants, and grounds for denial/suspension (such as fraud or specific convictions). The law amends existing registration rules to clarify requirements and strengthen oversight, while maintaining exemptions for entities already regulated under other state laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health to create a standardized curriculum for community health workers who support pregnant and postpartum women. The curriculum covers key topics like maternal health conditions, infant mortality risks, breastfeeding, perinatal mood disorders, and resources for families - including information on substance use during pregnancy, cesarean sections, and shared decision-making. It directs the department to share this curriculum as best practices for doulas, nurse home visitors, and childbirth educators statewide. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1318) clarifies and updates tax exemption rules for businesses operating in New Jersey's Urban Enterprise Zones (UEZs). It specifies that eligible retail businesses in designated UEZs or UEZ-impacted business districts can receive a 50% exemption on sales tax for most retail sales (excluding motor vehicles, alcohol, cigarettes, manufacturing equipment, energy, and cannabis products). The exemption requires businesses to obtain a UZ-2 certification from the UEZ Authority, confirming they operate a physical retail location within a qualifying zone. Revenue from exempt sales (excluding cannabis and redevelopment taxes) must be deposited into the Enterprise Zone Assistance Fund for economic development programs in disadvantaged communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 139) allows New Jersey municipalities to count 1.5 units toward their fair share affordable housing obligation for each transitional housing unit occupied or reserved by a qualifying veteran. It directly affects municipalities required to meet state-mandated affordable housing targets under the Fair Housing Act. The key provision permits credit for transitional housing - defined as housing with supportive services helping veterans move to permanent housing within 24 months - provided the units remain affordable to low/moderate-income veterans for at least 10 years. This change specifically targets veterans with wartime service, offering municipalities a new way to fulfill housing requirements while supporting veteran housing stability.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 69 prohibits banks and lenders from discriminating against mortgage applicants based on their "familial status," which includes being a parent (natural or adoptive), having custody of a child, being pregnant, or seeking legal custody of a minor. The bill requires lenders to offer the same loan terms and availability to all applicants regardless of these family circumstances. Individuals who face discrimination can sue for damages, attorney fees, and court costs, while the Banking Commissioner can investigate violations and impose $10,000 penalties per offense. This law directly affects mortgage applicants and lenders across New Jersey, aiming to prevent bias in home financing based on family structure.