Sen. Jim Beach

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2363) allows New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to accept voluntary donations, grants, or gifts from the public and private sectors to fund public service announcements focused on preventing veteran suicide. The money would go into a special state fund managed by the Treasurer and must be used exclusively for these suicide prevention PSAs. The bill takes effect immediately, streamlining how the DMVA can secure non-state funding for this specific awareness effort. It directly affects the DMVA's funding mechanisms and supports veterans by expanding resources for suicide prevention messaging.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Senate Bill S 3419 allows commercial farms on preserved farmland (producing $10,000+ annually in agricultural products) to host special occasion events on certain newly constructed permanent structures, retroactive to February 3, 2023. The bill permits structures built after that date (or planned for the same calendar year as event approval) to be used for events, provided they have a primary farm function (not solely for events), comply with farmland preservation rules, and cover no more than 10 acres or 10% of the farmland. It also limits events to 26 per year, with no more than six events exceeding 250 guests, and requires grantee approval for all events. The law aims to balance agricultural preservation with limited event hosting opportunities on protected farmland.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey taxpayers with gross income of $85,000 or less to deduct certain higher education tuition and fee expenses paid for themselves, their spouse, or their dependents. The deduction applies to expenses for officially enrolled students at accredited public or independent colleges or universities. It covers tuition and fees paid during the tax year but does not apply to non-matriculated courses or institutions. The bill would take effect immediately upon enactment for taxable years starting after its passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a New Jersey income tax credit to help residents afford community college. Taxpayers can claim up to $750 for full-time tuition and maintenance costs paid for themselves or a dependent under 22, or up to $375 for part-time attendance (with at least six credits per semester). The credit directly benefits New Jersey residents paying for their own or their child's education at one of the state's 19 county colleges. It provides direct tax savings to offset college costs, making community college more financially accessible.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 109) is a ceremonial honor for the 40th anniversary of New Jersey's Jersey Fresh program, established in 1984. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the program's role in promoting locally grown produce through its quality label and marketing campaigns. The resolution acknowledges how Jersey Fresh supports New Jersey farms, guarantees produce meets U.S. No. 1 Fresh for Processing standards, and has become a national model for agricultural branding. It affects no specific individuals or entities, as it is a symbolic gesture by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies rules for food and service stands (like cafes or newsstands) in New Jersey state, county, and municipal buildings. It prioritizes the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired for operating these stands, and if a stand is vacant for 3+ months, it becomes available to a disabled person-owned business (51% disability-owned), then a veteran-owned business (51% veteran-owned) after 6 months, and finally any business after 9 months. Disabled and veteran-owned businesses operate the stands without license fees or rental charges. Current operators aren't displaced, and the bill doesn't affect existing contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows disabled veterans in New Jersey to claim a $5,000 deduction from their gross income for service animal expenses not already covered by medical expense deductions. It directly affects disabled veterans who are honorably discharged and have a service-connected disability recognized by the U.S. Veterans Administration. Key provisions include deducting costs for purchasing, training, and maintaining service animals (such as food, grooming, and veterinary care), with "service animal" defined per the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. The deduction applies to taxable years beginning January 1, 2024, and requires taxpayers to submit proof to the Division of Taxation.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds boardwalks to New Jersey's definition of "public highways" under transportation funding programs, making them eligible for state support. It creates a new "Local Aid Infrastructure Fund" specifically for grants to municipal boardwalk projects, including construction and repairs. The change directly affects coastal and recreational municipalities (like Atlantic City or Asbury Park) that maintain boardwalks as part of their transportation infrastructure. Key provisions allow these communities to access state transportation funds previously reserved for roads, bridges, and pedestrian pathways. The policy formally recognizes boardwalks as critical transportation infrastructure, not just tourist amenities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to compare its driver and vehicle registration database with Social Security Administration death records at least once each month. The MVC must then mark any individual found in those death records as "deceased" within its own system. This applies directly to the MVC's database management practices and affects the accuracy of records for deceased individuals, preventing outdated license or registration information from remaining active. The change aims to improve database accuracy without altering other MVC operations or services.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3344 requires the Division of Gaming Enforcement, in collaboration with the Health Commissioner, to create a public awareness campaign about gambling risks and resources for compulsive gamblers. The campaign must cover gambling risks, consequences, addiction rates, and available help through media like TV, radio, social media, and newspapers within 180 days of the bill's enactment. The bill appropriates $200,000 from the General Fund to fund this initiative. The campaign's director must report to the Governor and Legislature on its progress within 24 months of the law taking effect.