Sen. Jim Beach

Maddy summaryS 4707 directs New Jersey's Department of Human Services to create a temporary pilot program expanding access to children's partial hospitalization services for youth aged 5-14. Currently, NJ FamilyCare (state Medicaid) only reimburses these services when provided in hospital settings, limiting availability. The bill allows reimbursement for such services delivered at non-hospital locations (e.g., community centers), provided providers meet specific requirements like exclusively serving this age group and securing approval through the Children’s System of Care. The program will last 36 months, with one provider selected for participation, and requires a final report on outcomes and recommendations for potential expansion.

Maddy summaryS 4727 requires background checks for all employees, volunteers, and organizers of youth sports and recreational organizations (including for-profit groups) serving children under 18, such as sports teams, leagues, and activity providers. Organizations must conduct annual background checks through the state, with individuals providing consent and covering costs (capped at actual expense), while school staff with existing checks (from school or national associations) in the same year are exempt if they provide proof. Failure to request checks incurs civil penalties up to $1,000 per offense, and knowingly participating as a disqualified person or ignoring check results is a fourth-degree crime punishable by up to 18 months in prison or a $10,000 fine. The bill excludes public and nonpublic schools from direct coverage but requires them to provide proof of existing checks to affiliated youth organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill would authorize multiple New Jersey counties to establish a regional authority to develop and operate a rehabilitation and reentry center. Participating counties would negotiate an inter-county agreement outlining the center's operations, with the authority having taxing power and the ability to issue bonds to fund construction and operations. The center and its property would be designated as public property devoted to public welfare, exempt from taxes and special assessments. The authority would need to conduct annual audits and follow specific procedures for bond issuance and management.

Maddy summaryS 4708 would amend New Jersey's municipal consolidation laws to increase flexibility and clarity in the process. The bill allows for consolidation of non-contiguous municipalities within the same county if they're within a reasonable distance, permits municipalities to develop their own property assessment equalization process (with approval from the Director of Taxation), and requires voter approval in each municipality for any consolidation. It also clarifies the process for creating Municipal Consolidation Study Commissions, requires these commissions to address implementation issues like property tax impact, and provides protections for law enforcement officers and firefighters during consolidation. This bill would directly affect municipalities seeking to consolidate, particularly those in rural or sparsely populated areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill would amend New Jersey's alcohol licensing laws to permit farm brewery license holders to sell their products for on-premises consumption at their licensed locations. Currently, farm brewery licensees (under R.S.33:1-10, subsection 1d) can only sell for off-premises consumption and offer samples. The change would allow these licensees to serve customers to drink products on-site, similar to other brewery types. This applies specifically to farm breweries operating under the current classification, which are limited to producing up to 2,500 barrels of malt alcoholic beverages annually.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows commercial farms on preserved farmland (producing $10,000+ annually in agricultural products) to host special occasion events like weddings or parties, provided they meet specific conditions. Key restrictions include: events cannot interfere with farming, must stay under 10% of the farm’s annual revenue from such events, and cannot use permanent structures built within the last five years unless the revenue threshold is met. Farms must obtain written approval from the land’s grantee (e.g., state or nonprofit entity), limit events to 26 per year (with no more than six events exceeding 250 guests), and follow local regulations for noise, parking, and temporary structures. The policy aims to support farm revenue while maintaining agricultural use of preserved land.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an independent Office of the Veteran Advocate within New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), with the position appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The Veteran Advocate will investigate complaints about veteran services, monitor care in state facilities, and ensure veterans receive proper treatment, with authority to conduct site visits, issue subpoenas, and establish a 24-hour hotline. The office will report annually to the Governor and Legislature on issues affecting veterans and make recommendations for improving services. The bill appropriates funds from the General Fund to support this new office, which will serve as an ombudsman for veterans and their families receiving services from state entities or state-funded private providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3812) removes a restriction that allowed the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) to withhold retirement or death benefits from members due to ongoing civil lawsuits related to their employment. It directly affects current and future PFRS members (police officers and firefighters) who are involved in civil litigation over their jobs. The bill requires the PFRS Board to pay benefits immediately, but permits adjustments if a legal case later results in penalties. It maintains existing rules that allow withholding for criminal charges or administrative dismissals from public employment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a New Jersey grant program to help small businesses in low-income communities that suffer economic harm from prolonged state infrastructure or construction projects. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) must establish the "Small Business Interruption Grant Program" to award grants based on actual or projected revenue loss, using a $750,000 state appropriation. Eligible businesses must be independently owned, employ fewer than 100 people, be located in a municipality with under 10,000 residents and a poverty rate over 7.5%, and have experienced losses due to state or public entity projects. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis as applications are submitted, with the EDA administering the program and fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4650) modifies New Jersey's unemployment benefits law to protect individuals who leave employment to participate in required student teaching experiences for teacher certification. It directly affects education students who must complete this training as part of their certification program. The key provision adds a new exception to unemployment disqualification, stating no benefits can be denied for individuals who leave work for this purpose, provided they submit documentation from their educational institution verifying enrollment, that student teaching is required for certification, and the specific timeframe. This change applies to all otherwise eligible individuals who meet these documentation requirements and remain available for suitable work. The bill amends Section 43:21-5 of New Jersey's statutes to include this new exception.