Sen. Jim Beach

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2867 requires the Department of Education (DOE) to create and maintain a free, publicly searchable online registry for tutoring services. The registry will list individuals and organizations (like certified teachers, college students, industry professionals, and relevant nonprofits) offering free tutoring to students, including their contact details, subject expertise, and availability. To join, applicants must undergo criminal background checks (except for currently certified teachers), and organizations must verify their tutors' checks. The DOE must include a disclaimer stating the registry isn't an endorsement of service quality.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2361) requires New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs (DMVA) to proactively share burial and cremation details of veterans interred in state veteran cemeteries with specific groups. It directly affects the DMVA (which must implement the notifications), veteran service organizations (like the American Legion), and county officials or municipal registers (who will receive the information). The key mechanism is a new requirement added to the DMVA's duties: the department must provide these burial/cremation records to the designated entities upon request or as part of routine operations. This ensures local officials and veteran groups have access to cemetery records for administrative or commemorative purposes.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires health care providers, such as physicians and registered nurses, to screen pregnant patients for lead exposure if risk factors are identified using federal guidelines from the CDC and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Providers must perform the screening once per pregnancy and, if elevated lead levels are detected, notify the patient in writing, explain the risks, and ensure that children under six in the household are screened. Laboratories must report test results to the Department of Health and local health departments within five business days. All screening records are kept confidential in a central database, with statistical reports available without personal information, and patients may opt out in writing.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2380) allows school counselors, psychologists, and other mental health professionals in New Jersey school districts to refer students to licensed private mental health counselors for assessments and services. It requires parental consent for minors who cannot consent independently and prohibits referrals to providers with whom the school staff has a financial interest. The bill clarifies that school districts do not cover the cost of these private services, which remain the responsibility of the student or their family. It does not change existing school district mental health services but expands referral options for students needing external support.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 4993 prohibits employers from taking adverse actions (like firing, refusing to hire, or discriminating) against employees or job applicants who are registered medical cannabis patients under state law. Employers cannot penalize patients based on their status or a positive cannabis drug test unless they provide clear proof that the patient’s medical cannabis use impaired their job performance. The bill requires employers with drug testing policies to give affected individuals three days to explain a positive test using medical documentation (like a healthcare provider's recommendation or registry card) or request a retest. This law does not override federal restrictions, nor does it permit cannabis use during work hours.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits licensed child care facilities and registered family day care providers in New Jersey from charging parents fees for services on days when the provider or their staff cannot work due to contracting or being exposed to COVID-19. The law applies to all licensed child care centers and family day care homes, ensuring that families are not penalized financially when care is unavailable because of health-related closures. Additionally, the bill requires providers who charged such fees before the law took effect to reimburse parents for any amounts collected during that period. The policy change takes effect immediately and applies retroactively to December 1, 2021, for any prior charges.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the "Grow NJ Kids Student Loan Voucher Program," which provides monthly vouchers to New Jersey residents with student loans. The vouchers equal the borrower's monthly student loan payment amount for parents whose children are enrolled in Grow NJ Kids-rated child care programs (rated at least 3 stars). To qualify, applicants must be NJ residents, have household income under $150,000, and provide proof of their child's enrollment in an approved program. The state will fund these vouchers through appropriations, and participating child care centers must promote the program to eligible families.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets a 7-year deadline for New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to review and approve annual audits submitted by approved private schools serving students with disabilities (APSSDs). It directly affects APSSDs and the public school districts that pay tuition to these schools, as current delays of 20+ years disrupt budget planning. The key provision requires the Commissioner to issue any adverse findings or adjustments within 7 years of an audit's submission date (or 2 years after the bill's effective date for older audits, whichever is later), with audits automatically approved if deadlines are missed. This aims to prevent unfair financial penalties based on outdated audits and ensure timely resolution.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the membership composition of New Jersey's State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. It reduces public members from three to two, adds specific representation for public school vocational programs and private cosmetology schools, and changes how professional members are selected. Instead of requiring six members licensed specifically in cosmetology/barbering, the board must now appoint six licensed professionals in any cosmetology-related field. The board will continue to include two hair braiding shop owners and one State executive department member. These changes directly affect who serves on the board, which regulates cosmetology and hairstyling licensing in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates tax incentives for historic diners and restaurants in New Jersey. To qualify, an establishment must operate continuously for at least 25 years (including pandemic closures), meet small business standards, comply with health/safety rules, and (for restaurants) be family-owned. Qualified businesses on an annual state registry receive a 12-month sales tax exemption on prepared food/beverages for on-site consumption and corporation business/gross income tax credits. The Division of Travel and Tourism manages the registry, requiring annual applications to verify eligibility. The policy directly supports small, long-standing dining businesses preserving cultural heritage.