Sen. Jim Beach

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3203) amends New Jersey election law to allow candidates running for both the State Senate and General Assembly from the same legislative district and political party to include their names on a single nominating petition. Currently, candidates for these two positions must file separate petitions. The change simplifies the nomination process for candidates seeking both offices within the same district, reducing administrative steps for voters and petitioners. It applies only to candidates of the same party seeking nomination in the same legislative district.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a public awareness campaign and call center to help New Jersey residents access property tax relief programs. It directly affects eligible homeowners and tenants who qualify for six specific programs, including the Stay NJ Credit, ANCHOR, Homestead, and senior/disabled tax deductions. The campaign will explain eligibility, application steps, and required documents through media and online channels, while the call center provides real-time assistance in English and three other common languages. The bill also requires the Stay NJ Task Force to submit an annual report on program administration.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2182) would have permitted wineries holding specific licenses to sell their products by the glass for on-premise consumption in licensed salesrooms, expanding their direct-to-consumer sales options. It directly affected wineries operating under certain Class A or similar licenses that previously could not sell wine by the glass in their salesroom locations. The key provision amended existing license rules (R.S.33:1-10) to allow this type of sale, aligning winery sales rules more closely with those for breweries. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was superseded by the already-enacted P.L.2025, c.376.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 732) requires New Jersey's Division of Housing and Community Resources (DCA) to create a single, user-friendly online application for all state residential utility assistance programs. It directs the DCA to work with state agencies and nonprofit energy assistance organizations to consolidate multiple separate applications into one website-based form. The bill affects residential customers seeking help with utility bills or energy efficiency programs, as well as state agencies and nonprofits administering these programs. The consolidated application must integrate both permanent and temporary assistance programs, streamlining access for residents. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was approved as P.L.2025, c.265, meaning it is now law.

Maddy summaryS 581 would amend New Jersey's open records law to prohibit government agencies from providing public records to individuals or organizations seeking them for "commercial purposes." This directly affects businesses or researchers who collect government data for profit, such as selling compiled information or using it for paid services. The bill explicitly excludes news media, educational institutions, and non-profits from this restriction, allowing them to access records without limitation. Key provisions define "commercial purpose" broadly to cover any use expected to generate profit, while maintaining existing exemptions for journalism and public-interest organizations. The bill is currently in the Senate committee stage and has not yet been voted on.

Maddy summaryS 2181 establishes the "New Economy Opportunity Skills System Pilot Program" to improve collaboration between local workforce development boards, community colleges, and county vocational school districts in New Jersey. The pilot program, operating for three years, requires joint development of workforce training with industry credentials, coordinated marketing, integrated funding planning, and performance tracking using metrics like employment rates and credential attainment. It designates community colleges and vocational schools as preferred providers for workforce training and adult literacy programs, targeting job seekers, workers, and public assistance recipients. The bill appropriates state funds from the Workforce Development Partnership Fund and Supplemental Workforce Fund to support the pilot, with annual progress reports required to the Governor and Legislature. (Note: This bill was withdrawn as approved under P.L.2025, c.375.)

Maddy summaryThis bill allows honorably discharged veterans in New Jersey to obtain special license plates displaying "Veteran" and their military branch insignia. To qualify, applicants must provide proof of honorable discharge (like a DD-214) and pay a $15 fee on top of standard registration costs. Surviving spouses of deceased veterans may continue using the plates on their vehicles. The plates are designed by the Adjutant General in consultation with the Motor Vehicle Commission, and the commission will notify drivers about the option during registration renewals.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 574) requires New Jersey's Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) to create and maintain a publicly accessible list of all its programs and services for individuals with developmental disabilities. The list must include detailed descriptions of services (such as federal waiver programs, self-directed services, and community care options), eligibility requirements (including Medicaid needs and care levels), and information on transitional planning and guardianship. DDD must make the list available online, in print upon request, and update it regularly to reflect current offerings. This directly affects families and individuals seeking support by providing clear, centralized information about available services and how to qualify.

Maddy summaryS 434 prohibits pet shops in New Jersey from selling cats, dogs, or rabbits, directly affecting pet shops and their customers. It repeals the previous "Pet Purchase Protection Act" and requires pet shops to collaborate with animal shelters, rescues, and pounds to facilitate adoptions instead of selling animals. The bill defines "pet shop" separately from breeders and pet dealers, ensuring the law does not restrict responsible breeders or other sellers, but bans pet shops from obtaining animals from breeders or brokers for sale. The legislation aims to reduce sales of animals from puppy mills and increase adoptions from shelters, which the bill cites as having "unadopted" animals available.

Maddy summaryS 511 allows New Jersey taxpayers with gross income of $85,000 or less to deduct qualified higher education tuition and fee expenses paid during the tax year. The deduction covers costs for the taxpayer, their spouse, or dependents enrolled as matriculated students at accredited public or private colleges or universities. It applies to expenses paid for accredited institutions recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. This policy change directly affects low-to-moderate income families with students in higher education.