Maddy summaryS 3410 requires New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to create a Disabled Veterans Transportation Task Force. The task force will study transportation challenges faced by disabled veterans across the state and develop recommendations to improve access, including potential reimbursement methods for travel expenses. It must include at least three disabled veterans, three veterans organization representatives, and three county commissioner representatives, organized across specific geographic regions. The task force must hold public hearings, submit an interim report within six months, and a final report within 12 months to the Legislature and Governor, with both reports posted publicly online. This bill directly affects disabled veterans by establishing a formal process to address their transportation needs, without mandating immediate policy changes.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 115) commemorates the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages taken, including American citizen Edan Alexander (a Tenafly, NJ resident). It symbolically mourns the victims, condemns terrorism, expresses solidarity with both Israelis and Palestinians affected by the conflict, and calls for hostage releases. The resolution has no policy impact but directs copies to Israel’s U.S. ambassador, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, and New Jersey’s congressional delegation. As a commemorative measure, it focuses on recognition and diplomatic messaging rather than legislative action.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs to hire additional staff to reduce backlogs in processing professional license applications and renewals. It appropriates $10 million annually for fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026 specifically for this purpose. The funding directly affects licensed professionals (such as doctors, engineers, and contractors) who face delays in obtaining or renewing their licenses. The bill mandates annual reports tracking hiring numbers, backlog reductions, and spending details to ensure accountability. This is a concrete funding measure aimed at improving license processing efficiency.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires mandatory minimum prison sentences for individuals convicted of crimes against elderly people in New Jersey. It defines "elderly person" as anyone 60 years or older and mandates that offenders serve one-third to one-half of their total sentence without parole eligibility during that period. The law applies to any crime or offense committed against an elderly victim, directly affecting defendants convicted under these circumstances. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's early intervention services program to cover children with developmental delays or disabilities from birth through age five, rather than the current limit of birth to age two. It directly affects eligible children aged three to five who require support in areas like communication, social skills, or physical development. The key mechanism requires the Department of Health to seek federal funding waivers under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to finance this expanded service coverage. The bill amends existing law (P.L.1993, c.309) to formally extend the age range and secure necessary federal financial participation.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases fines for drivers who fail to secure children in appropriate car seats or booster seats. First offenses now carry a $100 fine (up from $50-$75), while second or subsequent offenses range from $250 to $500. Drivers with a first offense may avoid the fine if they prove they possess a child restraint system. It also creates a new fund using $25 from each fine to purchase car seats for distribution through community programs, managed by the State Highway Traffic Safety Division. The bill directly affects drivers transporting young children and benefits families lacking access to proper restraints.
Maddy summaryS 3718 authorizes New Jersey's Secretary of Higher Education to appoint an antisemitism monitor at any public institution of higher education. The monitor reviews campus policies protecting Jewish students/staff, establishes anonymous reporting procedures for antisemitism incidents, and issues quarterly reports with recommendations to the institution and legislature. Institutions must implement the monitor's recommendations and provide necessary support, with non-compliance risking reduced state funding or loss of student aid eligibility. The bill defines antisemitism using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's 2016 working definition.
Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Works Act allows businesses to receive tax credits for funding pre-employment training programs developed in partnership with schools, nonprofits, or educational institutions. These programs must provide at least 12 weeks of paid training at minimum wage, covering skills like math, communication, job readiness, and critical thinking, and must target low- and moderate-income individuals. Businesses can claim tax credits equal to 100% of their financial assistance, with a maximum of $12 million in tax credits available statewide each fiscal year. Approved programs must be reviewed and approved by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development and must offer participants employment with the funding business upon completion. The bill requires participating institutions to report on program outcomes, including completion rates and employment data for participants.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "Type S School Bus Certificate" that would allow certain qualified drivers to operate specific school buses without needing a commercial driver's license, passenger endorsement, or school bus endorsement. To qualify, drivers must be at least 21 years old, have held a basic driver's license for three years, pass physical and eye exams, complete a knowledge exam, and finish special training for students with special needs. The certificate would apply to "Type S school buses," defined as vehicles designed for nine passengers or less (excluding driver) with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more, used for transporting students to and from school. This would streamline school bus operations for qualified drivers while maintaining safety standards for student transportation. The bill amends existing school bus regulations to include this new certification pathway.
Maddy summaryS 2860 establishes a two-year Sports Equipment Equity Pilot Program administered by New Jersey's Commissioner of Education. The program awards grants to six selected school districts to provide students with sports equipment and resources for school athletic programs, prioritizing geographic diversity (southern, central, northern regions) and representation across urban, suburban, and rural areas. School districts must apply with evidence of need and current equipment quality, and each participating district must report student participation details and program effectiveness to the Commissioner. The program's success will inform future decisions about expanding the initiative statewide.