Sen. Jim Beach

Maddy summaryS 567 removes legal restrictions preventing automobile manufacturers from selling zero-emission light-duty trucks directly to consumers. The bill amends state law to allow manufacturers to operate their own retail facilities for these vehicles, bypassing traditional dealership requirements. This change specifically affects manufacturers of zero-emission trucks and consumers in New Jersey who can now purchase such vehicles directly. The bill is pending in the New Jersey Senate Commerce Committee.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill allows the Secretary of Higher Education to appoint an antisemitism monitor at any public or private institution of higher education in the state. The monitor reviews campus policies on antisemitism, establishes anonymous reporting procedures for incidents, and issues quarterly reports with recommendations to improve safety for Jewish students and staff. Institutions must implement the monitor's recommendations, and failure to comply could result in reduced state funding or loss of student financial aid eligibility. The bill defines antisemitism using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's 2016 working definition.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1638 provides tuition-free education benefits at public colleges and universities to New Jersey residents who serve in military reserve components (Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, or Coast Guard Reserve). It allows eligible members to take up to 16 credits per semester tuition-free, after applying for all available federal and state education benefits, with the state reimbursing institutions for costs not covered by federal programs like the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The bill also extends these benefits to surviving spouses and children of service members killed in action, and ensures reservists interrupted by deployment can resume tuition-free enrollment after returning from duty. All beneficiaries must maintain good academic standing and meet enrollment requirements at participating public institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to create a standardized design for road signs marking historic districts or sites, working with state agencies including environmental and historic preservation offices. The signs must include a clear historic symbol (e.g., representing a war, event, or era) and follow federal traffic sign standards. When state agencies replace existing historic district or site signs, they must use this new uniform design. The bill directly affects state agencies managing road signs and historic properties, ensuring consistent public signage for historical sites across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends New Jersey's gross income tax medical expense deduction to cover costs for collecting and storing umbilical cord blood from a taxpayer's biological child or dependent's biological child. It specifically applies to services provided by licensed providers meeting Department of Health standards (N.J.A.C.8:8-13.10), making these costs deductible like other medical expenses. The deduction applies whether the banking is for preventative health purposes or immediate use, but excludes services for treating existing medical conditions. This change directly affects New Jersey taxpayers who use qualified cord blood banking services.

Maddy summarySCR 20 is a symbolic concurrent resolution commemorating the 40th anniversary of New Jersey's Jersey Fresh program, a state-sponsored agricultural branding initiative established in 1984. The resolution does not create new policies or affect any group; it solely honors the program's role in promoting locally grown produce through a distinctive label and quality standards. Jersey Fresh requires produce to meet U.S. No. 1 Fresh for Processing grade or better, guaranteeing freshness and quality while supporting family farms. The program, recognized nationally as a model, has expanded to over 2,000 locations across all 21 counties and inspired related initiatives like Jersey Grown and Jersey Seafood. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding effect on law or policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires cable TV (CATV), satellite, and streaming service companies in New Jersey to advertise the complete total price consumers will pay for service - including mandatory fees like programming, equipment rentals, and regional sports network charges - rather than just a base price. Companies must include all applicable fees per TV set (e.g., set-top box rentals) in their advertised price, though they may exclude federal/state taxes that must be itemized separately. They must also clearly state that additional taxes or fees may apply. Violations are treated as consumer fraud under New Jersey law, with penalties up to $20,000 per offense. The bill directly affects service providers advertising prices to New Jersey consumers.

Maddy summaryS 1408 would have required New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs to create or contract for an automated tracking system to monitor continuing education credits for professionals (like nurses, accountants, or real estate agents) who need such training to renew their licenses. The system would track each licensee's completed hours to help regulators verify compliance with continuing education requirements. However, this bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, because it was already approved as part of P.L.2025, c.315, making it redundant. The bill did not propose new policy changes but rather mandated an existing administrative process.

Maddy summaryS 1622 creates a tax credit program for New Jersey employers who hire military spouses who are nonresidents of the state but live in New Jersey due to their spouse's military service (such as being transferred here, legally domiciled here, or moving on a permanent change-of-station). Employers receive a credit equal to 15% of wages for military spouses working 120-400 hours per year or 25% for 400+ hours, capped at $2,400 per employee annually. The credit reduces corporation business tax or gross income tax and requires employers to apply through the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development. The bill directly supports military spouses facing employment disruptions from frequent military relocations.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow New Jersey teachers and school aides to deduct up to $250 annually from their state taxes for unreimbursed classroom supply expenses. Eligible educators include K-12 teachers, counselors, principals, and paraprofessionals (like classroom aides) who work at least 900 hours yearly in public or private New Jersey schools. The deduction covers books, computers, software, and teaching materials, but excludes health/physical education supplies. It mirrors a federal tax provision and applies to taxable years starting after enactment. The bill directly affects qualifying school staff by reducing their state tax burden for essential classroom costs.