Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "Type S School Bus Certificate" allowing qualified drivers to operate smaller school buses (defined as vehicles with max 9 passengers plus driver, used by schools for student transportation) without needing a commercial driver's license. To qualify, drivers must be 21+, hold a valid license for 3+ years, pass medical/vision exams, pass a knowledge test, and complete disability-specific training. The certificate holder faces penalties including license suspension for operating while suspended, leaving students unattended, or accumulating traffic violations, and must complete 10-hour safety training for reinstatement. This directly affects school bus drivers, school districts, and the Motor Vehicle Commission, streamlining operations for smaller school transportation vehicles.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill removes a requirement for teachers in New Jersey to pass basic skills tests (like the Praxis Core) to obtain most teaching licenses. It specifically eliminates the need for these tests for candidates seeking certificates of eligibility, provisional licenses, or standard teaching credentials, affecting educators pursuing certification. The law repeals a 2023 law that previously mandated these tests, though limited certificates for specific programs remain exempt. This change directly streamlines certification for most new teachers by removing a testing barrier.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates "neutral safe exchange zones" at county sheriff offices for parents exchanging minor children under custody or visitation orders when domestic violence is involved. County sheriffs must designate parking areas with clear signage, 24/7 access, adequate lighting, and continuous video surveillance that records for 45 days. The bill requires courts to specify these zones for exchanges if there's a history of domestic violence or a restraining order, and prohibits requiring exchanges at other locations in these cases. It appropriates funds from the General Fund to cover the costs of establishing these safe exchange zones across all New Jersey counties.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3269 amends state law to specifically address false alarms targeting religious sites, making such acts a second-degree crime (vs. third-degree for general false alarms). It defines "place of worship" as buildings seating over 50 people used regularly for religious services by registered 501(c)(3) organizations. The bill increases civil penalties for false alarms involving these sites to a minimum of $5,000 or actual emergency response costs (vs. $2,000 for general false alarms). It also requires annual reporting of such incidents by law enforcement to state authorities.
Maddy summaryThis bill provides New Jersey residents who are members of the Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force, or Coast Guard Reserve with tuition-free enrollment at public colleges for up to 16 credits per semester. It requires reservists to first apply for federal benefits like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, with the state reimbursing public colleges for uncovered tuition costs. The law also extends similar tuition benefits to children or surviving spouses of reservists killed in service. Eligibility requires completion of basic military training, enrollment as a student in good standing, and meeting federal benefit application requirements.
Maddy summaryS 1065 establishes a New Jersey Veteran Services Grant Program within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to directly assist veterans in applying for state and federal benefits and to train veterans service officers. Qualified nonprofit veterans' organizations (like 501(c)(3) groups) can apply for competitive grants to fund either training for service officers, direct veteran assistance, or both. The bill appropriates $2 million from the General Fund to cover these grants, requiring organizations to submit detailed plans outlining their proposed training or assistance. Recipients must report on how funds were used, and the DMVA must annually report the program's effectiveness to the Governor and Legislature.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows certain New Jersey school districts that will lose state aid to submit their budgets after the state's FY2025 budget is finalized. It specifically applies to districts where the state aid reduction exceeds their unused tax authority (known as "banked cap" under current law). The Commissioner of Education must permit these districts to submit budgets within five days after the FY2025 appropriations act is enacted, and may adjust the budget calendar to create a compressed timeline for approval. The change applies only to the 2024-2025 school year.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the display or flying of flags belonging to U.S. Department of State-designated terrorist organizations on any New Jersey state property, including schools, hospitals, parks, and government offices. State entities violating this rule would face immediate loss of state funding, with penalties determined by the Secretary of State and budget officials. The law explicitly allows such flags for news, historical, educational, or theatrical purposes. It defines "state property" broadly to cover all land and buildings owned or leased by the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey colleges and universities to create a policy governing camping on campus. It mandates that anyone or any group seeking to camp must get prior approval from the institution. The policy defines "camping" broadly to include pitching tents, using sleeping bags overnight, or setting up shelters or vehicles like RVs. The policy applies directly to students, campus groups, and any individuals wishing to camp on higher education campuses. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.
Maddy summaryThis resolution condemns Rutgers University for accepting eight of ten demands made by student protesters during an April 2024 encampment on campus. The protesters had demanded actions including divesting from companies supporting Israel, ending partnerships with Tel Aviv University, and adopting a pro-ceasefire statement. The New Jersey Senate resolution states Rutgers' acceptance of these demands, which included anti-Israel actions and anti-Semitic rhetoric, created a hostile environment for Jewish students and staff. The resolution is addressed to Rutgers' leadership and serves as a formal expression of disapproval.