Sen. Jim Beach

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how New Jersey school districts calculate their state aid by requiring two enrollment counts instead of one. Specifically, it mandates averaging the number of students enrolled on the last school day before October 16 and the last school day before February 2 each year. This affects all public school districts receiving state aid, as the average enrollment directly determines their funding amount. The change aims to provide a more accurate reflection of student population throughout the school year.

Maddy summaryS 3552, the "County Self-Help Infrastructure Act," would allow New Jersey counties to propose a fee to fund infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and water systems, but only after voters approve it in a referendum. Counties must hold a vote requiring over 50% approval, with the referendum clearly stating the fee amount, duration, and specific projects. The collected funds would be used exclusively for infrastructure construction within the county, managed by the county governing body. This bill aims to give counties a new tool to address infrastructure needs when state funding is insufficient.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's public colleges and universities to waive or reimburse application fees and transcript fees for veterans, active-duty military members, and New Jersey National Guard members who live in New Jersey and accept admission. It directly affects eligible service members seeking higher education within the state. The key provision mandates that institutions must eliminate these specific fees upon enrollment, either by not charging them upfront or refunding them after the fact. The policy applies immediately to all public higher education institutions in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3608 establishes uniform statewide rules for deploying small wireless facilities (like cell towers on streetlights) in public rights-of-way. It directly affects wireless providers (e.g., cell companies) and local authorities managing streets, sidewalks, and utility poles. Key provisions include standardized permitting processes, reasonable fees for deployment, and clear technical standards for facilities to ensure consistent, efficient installation while protecting community safety and infrastructure. The bill aims to accelerate broadband network development to meet public demand and support economic growth, aligning with federal requirements.

Maddy summaryS 3576, the "Zero Energy Construction Act," requires all new residential and commercial buildings in New Jersey to be constructed as "zero energy ready" starting January 1, 2027. This means buildings must be designed to be highly energy-efficient and capable of meeting their energy needs through on-site renewable power (like solar panels). Developers must offer zero energy construction to potential buyers during sales negotiations, disclose associated costs and energy savings, and provide information about available incentives. The state will also maintain online resources detailing environmental benefits and financial incentives for zero energy buildings.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $1 million grant program administered by New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to support business accelerators and incubators. The program provides funding to organizations that help early-stage companies developing technology in specific fields, including clean energy, life sciences, biotechnology, advanced materials, and manufacturing. Grants can cover costs related to low-cost workspace, technical assistance, and other support services offered to these companies. The program uses $1 million in existing societal benefits charge revenues, directly benefiting business support networks and the startups they serve across targeted technology sectors.

Maddy summaryThis bill permits New Jersey's Department of Corrections (DOC) and Department of Children and Families (DCF) to award medical and dental service contracts to external vendors, rather than requiring services to be provided solely by public employees. It revises existing rules to allow DOC and DCF to select vendors whose proposals offer the best value to the state, considering price and other factors. The change applies to contracts currently held by University Behavioral Healthcare and the School of Nursing, enabling agencies to competitively bid future contracts. This policy shift aims to increase efficiency and reduce healthcare costs for the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3589) extends the mandatory retirement age for certain members of New Jersey's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) from 65 to 70. It specifically applies to police or fire personnel holding *administrative positions* within a municipality, where physical demands are lower than frontline roles. The extension requires approval by the municipality's governing body, with written notice provided to the retirement board before the member turns 65. This change allows eligible employees to remain in their administrative roles longer if their municipality chooses to retain them.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3575) allows New Jersey county clerks to require businesses with 10 or more employees to submit certain documents electronically to the county clerk's office. County clerks can determine the specific format and method for these electronic submissions. The requirement applies only to businesses meeting the 10+ employee threshold and takes effect immediately upon enactment. This change streamlines document processing for county clerks while shifting submission methods for qualifying businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey counties to create a dedicated "Fire Academy Trust Fund" using fees paid by individuals registering for county fire academy courses. The fund would collect all such registration fees and use them exclusively for fire academy equipment, maintenance, supplies, and operational services - preventing these funds from lapsing into general county budgets at year-end. It amends state law to permit counties to retain these revenues specifically for fire academy operations, rather than having them revert to the general budget annually. This change ensures consistent funding for fire academy programs without requiring annual budget approvals for these specific costs.