Sen. Jim Beach

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 155) allows school bus drivers to administer epinephrine to students experiencing severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) under specific conditions. It requires parental written consent, a doctor’s order confirming the student’s need for epinephrine, and that the parent provides a current epinephrine auto-injector for the school bus. School bus drivers must complete mandatory training, and the school district must provide liability protections to drivers and contractors. The policy applies only to students with documented severe allergies who have been authorized by their parents and doctors.

Maddy summaryS 3214 creates the "New Jersey Earn and Learn Program" to provide tax credits for employers offering structured apprenticeships and paid internships that lead to permanent jobs. Employers receive a $3,000 tax credit per enrolled individual (apprentice or intern) for the first year, with an additional $1,000 available for small businesses, for enrollees from underrepresented groups, or if the enrollee secures full-time employment after completing the program. The program requires participants to maintain full-time employment for six months post-program and limits participation to three years per individual. These tax credits reduce the employer's corporation business tax or gross income tax.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3646) upgrades the penalty for making false public alarms that target specific officials. It increases the offense from a third-degree crime to a second-degree crime when the person knows their false report will trigger law enforcement response against elected officials, judges (Supreme, Superior, Tax Court, or municipal), or law enforcement officers. The penalty for this upgraded offense would be up to 10 years in prison and a $150,000 fine, compared to the current maximum of 5 years and $15,000. The bill also maintains existing civil penalties for false alarms and requires annual reports on such offenses by law enforcement agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 24-month pilot program that provides monthly cash payments to up to 300 New Jersey households struggling with rent burden (rent as a percentage of income) and at risk of eviction. Eligible households will be selected via a random lottery by county, based on criteria including income, rent burden, and eviction risk. The Department of Community Affairs will administer the program, calculating monthly payments based on each household’s rent burden and income, with payments starting eight months after enactment and continuing for 24 months. The program uses state funds to cover administrative costs, outreach, and the cash transfers, and includes a post-program survey to collect data from participants and applicants.

Maddy summaryS 3652 creates a New Jersey home purchase grant program for veterans who served at least 90 days in federal active duty. It provides dollar-for-dollar matching grants of up to $10,000 per veteran to cover closing costs, equity payments, or other home-buying expenses, with no income requirements. Eligible veterans must be New Jersey residents with proof of service and intent to buy a primary residence in the state. The bill appropriates $2 million to fund the program, which will operate through the Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency in coordination with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a confidential resume bank for New Jersey residents with disabilities who wish to be appointed to state boards, commissions, authorities, or similar entities (such as special committees or task forces). The Governor would maintain an online system where individuals can voluntarily submit their resumes, contact information, disability-related details, and preferred state entities. The resume bank would be accessible only to the executive branch and Legislature, not the public, and would include an online list of available appointments. This system aims to streamline appointment opportunities for qualified individuals with disabilities seeking these public service roles.

Maddy summaryS 3523 establishes a 36-month pilot program to expand access to mental health care for children aged 5-14 in New Jersey. The bill directs the Department of Human Services to modify NJ FamilyCare reimbursement rules, allowing partial hospitalization services (intensive outpatient mental health treatment) to be provided at non-hospital locations instead of requiring hospital settings. One provider must be selected to participate, meeting specific criteria including exclusive service to this age group and approval through the Children’s System of Care. The program requires a final report to the Governor and Legislature within 36 months, evaluating clinical and budgetary outcomes before potential expansion. This change aims to increase access to lower-cost, structured care while leveraging federal Medicaid funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school boards, municipalities, counties, and other local government units that purchase goods or services to identify and implement cost-saving practices in their procurement processes. It amends New Jersey's existing procurement laws to mandate that these entities actively evaluate and adopt methods to reduce expenses when making purchases. The requirement applies to all contracts for goods or services, aiming to improve fiscal efficiency across local government operations. The bill does not specify particular cost-saving methods but obligates entities to determine and utilize such practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state agencies from using nondisclosure agreements to settle sexual assault or harassment claims against covered state officials, including legislators, regular employees, and special state employees (part-time or low-compensation roles). It also bans the use of campaign funds to pay for such settlements. The law applies to all claims involving sexual assault (defined under New Jersey law) or sexual harassment (including unwelcome conduct creating a hostile environment) by these officials. The bill directly affects state agencies, legislators, and candidates who might face such claims, ensuring settlements are transparent and not funded by campaign money.

Maddy summaryS 3529 (New Jersey Senate Bill) allows registered voters in primary and school elections to request receiving sample ballots via email instead of regular mail. Voters must provide their physical address when making this request, and election officials must send a paper copy if email delivery fails. The bill protects voter email addresses by preventing them from being public records or shared in official documents. This change applies to eligible voters in New Jersey who choose electronic delivery for these specific election materials.