Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey school districts that have moved their annual school election to November to submit separate proposals for additional funding for either the current budget year, the following year, or both. Currently, districts that move elections to November must implement funding increases during the school year when the election occurs, creating budgeting challenges. The bill provides these districts with greater flexibility by enabling them to delay implementing tax levy increases for approved proposals until the subsequent school year. It specifically prevents districts from using "banked" tax levy amounts for the subsequent year if they approve a separate proposal for that year. This change helps districts better plan for initiatives like expanding educational programs, as they can time funding implementation to align with their budget cycles.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to develop a mobile application that provides veterans and their families with guidance on available state and federal resources. The app would consolidate information about benefits, healthcare, housing, education, and other support services into a single accessible tool. It specifically mandates the DMVA to create this mobile resource as a new method for delivering the existing public information requirement currently covered by subsection (y) of N.J.S.38A:3-6. The bill directly affects all New Jersey veterans and their families who rely on state and federal veteran support programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows wineries with plenary, farm, or out-of-state winery licenses to sell wine by the glass for on-premises consumption in their licensed salesrooms. Currently, these wineries could only sell wine in original packages, but this amendment adds the option to serve individual portions of wine (or wine mixed with nonalcoholic beverages) in open containers. The bill defines "by the glass" as selling an individual portion in an open container, which must be consumed on the premises. This change applies to wineries that already hold the appropriate licenses under New Jersey's alcohol licensing system and does not alter existing licensing requirements.
Maddy summaryBill A5258 allows plenary winery license holders, out-of-state winery license holders, and farm winery license holders to sell wine by the glass for on-premises consumption in their licensed salesrooms. The bill defines "by the glass" as selling individual portions of wine (or wine mixed with nonalcoholic beverages) in open containers. This change expands the sales options available to these wineries, permitting them to serve wine by the glass in their salesrooms without requiring customers to purchase full bottles. The bill modifies existing licensing provisions without changing the fees or other requirements for these winery licenses. The sponsor states this will provide additional purchase options for consumers and increase revenue for winery license holders.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state agencies - including departments, boards, and public authorities - to make their websites compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA standard, ensuring they are accessible to people with disabilities. It mandates that all websites must also function properly on smartphones, tablets, and similar mobile devices. State agencies must certify compliance with these standards within two years of the bill’s effective date, with biennial recertification required thereafter. The Chief Technology Officer will establish the certification protocol and oversee compliance for all state government websites.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey county colleges to collaborate with county social services boards and state agencies to expand access to social services for low-income students. It mandates colleges to provide students with information about programs like SNAP, TANF, and childcare subsidies, and to facilitate direct application assistance through on-campus partnerships. The New Jersey Council of County Colleges must coordinate with the Department of Human Services to train college staff on helping students navigate these supports. Additionally, colleges must partner with workforce boards to identify unemployed residents and connect them to career-focused college programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill (A5435) requires New Jersey's Division of Housing and Community Resources (DCA) to create a single, user-friendly online application form for all state and nonprofit residential utility assistance programs. It directs the DCA to partner with state agencies and designated nonprofits to integrate all existing and temporary programs - such as those helping households pay utility bills or improve energy efficiency - into one centralized website. The consolidated application aims to simplify access for residents struggling with utility costs by replacing multiple separate forms. The DCA must adopt necessary rules to implement this system, which would directly affect low-income households seeking utility bill assistance and the agencies administering these programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law governing regional rehabilitation and reentry center authorities by replacing the term "management committee" with "board of authority commissioners" throughout the legislation. It affects how two or more counties establish and operate these regional correctional facilities, including updating appointment procedures for board members (with each county appointing one representative annually), clarifying budget calculations based on inmate population data, and streamlining processes for counties joining or withdrawing from the authority. The bill also modifies financial provisions related to bond issuance, debt service apportionment, and audit requirements for these regional authorities. These changes aim to clarify governance structures and administrative processes for regional correctional facilities established by multiple counties.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Education to create and maintain a free, public online registry of tutors and organizations offering free supplemental tutoring to students. It allows certified teachers, retired teachers, college students, industry professionals, and relevant organizations to register, providing details like contact information and subject expertise. All registrants must undergo criminal background checks (except certified teachers with prior checks), and the registry explicitly states it does not endorse or verify the quality of services offered. The registry will be accessible to all New Jersey residents via the DOE website.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school staff (including those in after-school programs) to complete epilepsy and seizure disorder care training every five years. It directly affects school boards, administrators, and all school personnel who interact with students. The key provision mandates that training must be provided through a Department of Health-approved course from a nonprofit epilepsy support organization. This ensures staff can recognize seizures, provide appropriate care, and know when to seek help, as outlined in individualized health plans developed with parent input and physician guidance. The law applies to all schools in the state and takes effect at the start of the first full school year after enactment.