Sen. Jim Beach

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2939) requires all New Jersey public school districts to close on November 11th each year, designating Veterans Day as a mandatory school holiday. It directly affects school districts by removing their discretion to open schools on this date, replacing current practice where districts could choose holiday closures. The key provision prohibits school boards from operating on Veterans Day, ensuring all students and staff observe the holiday. The law takes effect immediately for the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryS 2936 creates a tuition reimbursement program for New Jersey advanced practice nurses who provide mental health care in designated underserved areas. Eligible nurses - NJ residents certified in advanced practice nursing with mental health specialization - must commit to 1-4 years of full-time service in these areas in exchange for reimbursement. The program covers 25% of the lowest-year tuition cost per year of service (capped at 100% total), paid through the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. Nurses must agree to charge reasonable rates, provide sliding-scale care for low-income patients, maintain certification, and report service performance to the program.

Maddy summaryS 2940 prohibits New Jersey colleges and universities from authorizing, funding, or supporting campus events or organizations that promote antisemitism or hate speech. It defines antisemitism using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's 2016 working definition, which includes expressions of hatred toward Jews and the demonization of Israel. The bill takes immediate effect, requiring institutions to avoid actions that could create hostile environments for Jewish students, faculty, and staff.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey county colleges to apply for approval to offer four-year nursing degree programs. County colleges must submit detailed proposals to the New Jersey Presidents' Council covering program design, facilities, costs, curriculum, and accreditation plans. The council reviews proposals within 30 days, provides feedback, and forwards approved proposals to the Higher Education Secretary for final approval within 60 days. The program can only launch if the New Jersey Board of Nursing accredits it, aiming to increase nursing education capacity and address statewide workforce needs.

Maddy summaryS 1207 requires members of New Jersey's county Sexual Assault Response Teams to receive specific training on interacting with victims who have developmental disabilities. This amendment to existing law adds "interacting with victims who have developmental disabilities" as a mandatory training topic for team members. The bill does not create new services but updates training protocols for existing teams. It directly affects county Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program coordinators and their designated team members who provide care and support to sexual assault victims.

Maddy summaryS 1649 creates a new crime called "fiscal victimization" targeting financial exploitation of senior citizens (60+) or people with disabilities. It makes it illegal to commit theft or specific financial crimes against these groups, with strict liability - perpetrators cannot claim they didn’t know the victim was vulnerable. Penalties are increased: the offense is graded one level higher than the underlying theft (e.g., a disorderly persons offense becomes a fourth-degree crime), and courts must impose separate sentences for both the theft and fiscal victimization. The bill directly affects vulnerable adults and those who exploit them financially, with definitions including people disabled under Social Security criteria or age 60+.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's Community College Opportunity Grant Program to include adult students enrolled in career and technical education programs at county vocational schools. It allows eligible adults (defined as those in programs preparing for licenses/certifications) to receive financial aid covering remaining tuition and fees after other grants are applied, provided they meet income limits ($0-$65,000), maintain academic standing, and enroll in programs lasting at least four months. Adult students in these programs would qualify for aid for up to two years, with grants administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. The change specifically applies to county vocational school districts, not traditional community colleges.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $2 million home purchase grant program for New Jersey veterans who served at least 90 days in federal active duty. It provides matching grants of up to $10,000 per veteran (dollar-for-dollar) to cover closing costs, equity payments, or other home-buying expenses, without requiring income eligibility. To qualify, veterans must prove NJ residency, federal service history, and intent to buy a NJ primary residence, with priority given to those eligible for other state homebuyer programs. The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency will administer the program in coordination with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2813 establishes a three-year pilot program to help high school students navigate federal financial aid applications. The bill requires participating school districts (selected across urban, suburban, and rural areas in three regions) to provide 12th graders with FAFSA application guidance at least once before grade 12, covering required documents, key terms, eligibility, and deadlines. It also mandates that parents/guardians receive written or electronic FAFSA information and that schools provide paper FAFSA forms upon request. All student and parent data shared under the program must comply with state and federal privacy laws, and the program will conclude with a state report evaluating its feasibility for statewide adoption.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1252, the "Michael Fisher Law") requires municipal recreation departments and nonprofit youth sports organizations (like Little Leagues, soccer leagues, and police athletic leagues) to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) available on-site at all youth athletic events and practices held on public fields. It allows compliance if a certified first responder (such as a trained coach or athletic trainer) with an AED is present. The law also provides legal immunity to organizations and their staff for acquiring or using AEDs. The requirement applies to events on municipal, county, school, or publicly-owned fields and takes effect six months after enactment.