Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a four-year "New Jersey STEM Scholars Grant Pilot Program" to provide competitive grants to school districts for enhancing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. Grants would support three specific program types: project-based learning (student-driven STEM projects), after-school STEM activities (like clubs and workshops), and out-of-school STEM experiences (non-classroom learning). School districts applying must demonstrate how funds will supplement existing STEM programs (not replace them), include student recruitment plans, and detail program sustainability beyond the grant period. The program would be funded through state appropriations, private donations, and federal STEM-related funds, managed via a dedicated "STEM Scholars Grant Fund" within the Department of Education.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 564 requires all health insurance plans sold in New Jersey - including hospital service contracts, medical service plans, individual policies, group plans, and HMOs - to cover prenatal genetic testing during the first trimester of pregnancy. It specifically mandates coverage for three test types: carrier screening (blood/tissue tests for inherited disorders), nuchal translucency screening, and chorionic villus sampling. The law states coverage must be provided "to the same extent as for any other medical condition," meaning no additional out-of-pocket costs for these tests. This bill directly affects pregnant individuals seeking genetic screening and all health insurers operating in New Jersey, though it remains pending in the Senate Commerce Committee after introduction on January 13, 2026.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires non-profit organizations training disabled veteran assistance dogs to register annually with New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs. It mandates that these organizations provide handlers (disabled veterans) with vests or harnesses labeled "DISABLED VETERAN ASSISTANCE DOG" or "DVAD" in visible block letters, plus an ID card listing the handler, dog's name/breed, and training organization. The law prohibits unregistered organizations from operating in New Jersey and makes violations a consumer fraud offense. The bill directly affects training organizations and disabled veteran handlers by standardizing identification for these service dogs.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "New Jersey Anti-Semitism Task Force" within the Department of State to research anti-Semitism and develop recommendations for addressing it. The permanent task force will consist of 18 members, including legislative leaders, representatives from Jewish organizations (like Hadassah and the Anti-Defamation League), law enforcement, and public appointees. It directly affects Jewish communities in New Jersey, where 200 anti-Semitic incidents were reported in 2018 (ranking the state third nationally), by focusing on research and policy solutions for hate crimes against Jewish people and institutions. The task force will operate under the state government to address rising anti-Semitism, as documented by FBI data showing Jewish-targeted attacks made up 58-60% of religious hate crimes in recent years.
Maddy summaryS 2494 creates a new crime called "fiscal victimization" targeting seniors (60+) and disabled individuals (with documented physical/mental impairments). It makes it illegal to commit theft or identity theft against these groups, with strict liability - defendants cannot claim they didn’t know the victim’s status. Penalties increase by one degree (e.g., from disorderly persons to fourth-degree crime) unless the underlying crime is a first-degree offense, which could lead to 10-30 years in prison. The law requires separate sentencing for both the theft and fiscal victimization charges, and the victimization charge is dismissed if the underlying theft is dropped.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1523) removes specific time period and location requirements for New Jersey veterans to qualify for state benefits. It amends the definition of "veteran" to eliminate the need to have served during exact historical conflict dates (like WWII or Vietnam War periods) or in designated locations. Veterans who served in the Armed Forces but missed these specific windows - such as those with service outside the defined dates - will now qualify if they meet the general service duration requirement (e.g., 90 days active duty). The change specifically affects veterans who previously couldn’t claim benefits due to timing/location constraints, while maintaining exceptions for those with service-connected injuries.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 565) removes a restriction preventing limited brewery license holders in New Jersey from offering food service. Specifically, it amends the law to allow these breweries to either operate their own restaurant on-site or partner with third-party food vendors (like food trucks or restaurants) to provide meals directly to customers at their licensed premises. The change applies only to breweries holding a "limited brewery license" (which allows production up to 300,000 barrels annually), not to other license types like plenary breweries or wineries. The bill does not alter licensing fees or production limits, only the food service rules.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1094) amends New Jersey's tax code to allow National Guard members who are honorably discharged to claim a $6,000 annual gross income tax deduction, regardless of whether they served in federal active duty status. Previously, this deduction required proof of federal active duty service under 10 U.S.C. §1209. The change directly affects New Jersey National Guard members who served honorably but were not called to federal active duty. The key provision removes the federal active duty requirement from the deduction eligibility criteria in N.J.S.54A:3-1. This policy change ensures all qualifying National Guard members receive the same tax benefit as veterans from other military branches.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners and operators of large public venues - such as stadiums, arenas, theaters, and facilities hosting youth athletic events (with a capacity of 1,000+ people) - to maintain an automatic external defibrillator (AED) on-site at all times. Key provisions include storing the AED in a central, accessible location, training staff in CPR and AED use, developing a cardiac emergency response plan, and marking the AED location with signs. Venues must also notify emergency services about the AED's location and ensure a trained person is available during events. Failure to comply results in civil penalties starting at $250 for the first violation.
Maddy summaryS 602 requires bars and restaurants with specific alcohol licenses (plenary or seasonal retail consumption licenses) to sell beverage lids to customers at a cost no higher than wholesale. Licensees must also prominently display the sign: "Don’t get roofied! Drink lids available here. Ask a staff member for details." The law does not apply to existing penalties for violations and expires 30 months after enactment. This bill directly affects licensed alcohol establishments in New Jersey by mandating affordable lid availability to help prevent drink tampering.