Maddy summaryS 1284 establishes a three-year pilot program in Essex, Mercer, and Camden counties to provide public school students with county-based mental health services and enhanced school security infrastructure. The program includes clinical mental health services (individual/group counseling, screenings, crisis intervention), referrals to community providers, and security upgrades like active shooter training and bullet-resistant shields. It appropriates $15 million from the General Fund to the Department of Education for implementation, targeting school districts based on security data from annual violence reports. The program requires annual reports to the Governor and Legislature evaluating mental health services and security measures, with findings determining future expansion or modification.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill expands the responsibilities of New Jersey's Office of School Bus Safety. It requires the office to verify school bus driver training certifications, confirm drivers with suspended licenses are no longer operating buses, coordinate with the Motor Vehicle Commission and Law Department to share safety-related data, and maintain a list of contractors barred from bidding on school transportation contracts. The office must also issue annual reports to the Legislature detailing safety recommendations, enforcement actions, and progress on past safety improvements. These changes directly affect school districts, transportation contractors, and state agencies responsible for school bus safety oversight.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3697) prohibits New Jersey sellers from charging extra fees (surcharges) for using credit cards. It requires businesses to clearly post notices about minimum credit card transaction amounts and cash discounts at physical locations, or provide electronic/verbal notices for online/phone transactions. The law applies to most retailers but excludes gas stations (motor fuel dealers). Sellers must display these notices to inform customers about pricing differences between payment methods.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated "New Jersey Wine Promotion Account" within the Department of Agriculture, funded by two specific revenue streams: $0.47 per gallon from wine sales by wineries, and sales tax revenue from retail sales of New Jersey-produced wine (excluding sales by restaurants primarily serving meals). The funds will support research, development, and promotion of New Jersey wine, following recommendations from the state's Wine Industry Advisory Council. It applies to wine sold in bottles, containers, or by the glass at winery locations, but excludes restaurants with regular dining services. The account ensures these tax revenues directly support the state's wine industry through targeted programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill removes the requirement for teacher candidates in New Jersey to pass a basic skills test (such as the Praxis Core) to obtain certain teaching certificates. Specifically, it eliminates the need for candidates seeking a certificate of eligibility, certificate of eligibility with advanced standing, provisional certificate, or standard instructional certificate to complete a Commissioner-approved test of basic reading, writing, and math skills. The change directly affects individuals pursuing teaching certification in the state by streamlining the certification process. It repeals the existing law requiring these tests, making certification more accessible for educators meeting other standard qualifications. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2378) allows eligible New Jersey educators and paraprofessionals to deduct up to $250 annually from their gross income for unreimbursed classroom supply expenses. It directly affects K-12 teachers, counselors, principals, and school aides (employed at least 900 hours yearly by NJ public or private schools) who purchase qualifying supplies like books, computers, software, and classroom materials. The deduction excludes nonathletic supplies for health/physical education courses. The provision applies to taxable years starting January 1 after enactment, mirroring the federal educator expense deduction.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2937 requires state agencies and organizations receiving state funds to include the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism and the United Nations' working definition of Islamophobia in their existing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) policies. The bill mandates that these specific definitions - IHRA's 2016 definition of antisemitism as "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred" and the UN's definition of Islamophobia as "fear, prejudice, and hatred of Muslims" - be incorporated into all relevant DEIB policies. This applies to both state agencies and any entities receiving state financial support, ensuring these definitions guide policy implementation without creating new policies. The requirement takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's official definition of anti-Semitism by adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition, including its "contemporary examples," for use by state institutions. It requires state entities to consider this definition when reviewing or investigating potential anti-Semitic discrimination or bias crimes. The bill appropriates $100,000 to fund a public awareness campaign by the Attorney General's office, promoting the state's bias crimes reporting hotline and resources for identifying and reporting anti-Semitic incidents. The campaign aims to increase public understanding and reporting of bias crimes, particularly affecting Jewish communities and other vulnerable groups in New Jersey. The bill explicitly states it does not diminish First Amendment rights or conflict with existing anti-discrimination laws.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates the "Jersey Vines Program" within New Jersey's Department of Agriculture to promote wines made using locally grown grapes, fruits, and ingredients. It directly affects licensed plenary wineries and farm wineries in New Jersey that cultivate their own ingredients. The program will develop marketing campaigns, increase consumer awareness of NJ wines, disseminate information about local wineries, and establish a "Jersey Vines" label similar to the existing "Jersey Fresh" program. The goal is to boost sales and visibility for New Jersey-produced wines through advertising, information sharing, and a dedicated labeling system.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows home health care agencies in New Jersey to hire certified nurse aides as homemaker-home health aides, a role currently restricted to certified homemaker-home health aides under existing law. It directly affects licensed home health care agencies (covered under P.L.1971, c.136) and certified nurse aides who previously could not work in this specific capacity. The key provision removes a legal barrier, enabling these agencies to employ nurse aides for homemaker-home health aide duties without violating current regulations. The New Jersey Board of Nursing may create implementing rules, and the law takes effect 90 days after enactment. This change aligns home health care agency staffing rules with those already permitted for long-term care facilities.