Sen. Jim Beach

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey courts to consider a domestic violence assessment before dissolving certain restraining orders. It applies when a defendant seeks to end a restraining order under P.L.1991, c.261, specifically if the defendant has two or more such orders. The court must review the assessment findings (paid for by the defendant) alongside other factors like victim safety, the defendant's history of violence or substance abuse, and whether the victim fears the defendant. The assessment results are kept confidential. This change aims to ensure courts make informed decisions about dissolving orders while prioritizing victim safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a commemorative Cold War medal to honor New Jersey veterans who served honorably during the Cold War period (September 2, 1945-December 26, 1991). It directly affects eligible veterans who are current or former New Jersey residents with at least 180 days of service in the military or organized militia during that time. The medal will be awarded by the Governor based on eligibility determined by the Adjutant General, with replacement medals available for lost or damaged medals. A dedicated fund in the Treasury will cover the medal's design, manufacture, and distribution.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey telecommunications companies to automatically provide prorated refunds or bill credits to customers when service outages last longer than 72 hours. It directly affects residential and business customers who experience extended service disruptions. The key mechanism mandates that companies adjust bills proportionally without requiring customers to request refunds or take any action. The provision applies to both competitive telecom services and traditional telephone utilities regulated by the state board. This policy change ensures automatic financial compensation for prolonged outages, as specified in the bill's amendments to existing telecommunications laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2409) primarily transfers most facilities and programs of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) to Rutgers University, including schools in Newark and Middlesex County. It requires Rutgers to maintain public healthcare missions and existing contracts with the Department of Corrections (DOC) and Department of Children and Families (DCF) for services like behavioral healthcare and nursing. The bill also adds a provision allowing DOC and DCF to award future contracts for these services to the most advantageous vendors after current contracts expire, rather than requiring public employees. This aims to increase efficiency and reduce healthcare costs for the state. (Note: The bill's title focuses on contract authority, but its primary purpose is the university transfer; the contract provision is a secondary detail within that context.)

Maddy summaryS 2410 extends the mandatory retirement age for certain members of New Jersey's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) from 65 to 70. It directly affects municipal police and fire personnel in *administrative positions* who have reached age 65, allowing them to continue working if their municipality's governing body approves and provides written notice to the retirement board before their 65th birthday. The key provision requires municipal approval before age 65 for these administrative roles, which the bill states are less physically demanding than field positions. This change modifies existing retirement rules without altering benefit calculations or eligibility for other members.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2414 creates the "New Jersey Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act" to protect active-duty military personnel, National Guard members, reservists called to duty, and their dependents from certain civil obligations during service. The law provides key protections including automatic 90-day stays in court cases involving servicemembers, suspension of tax/insurance payments if military service materially affects ability to pay, and prevents creditors or insurers from denying credit or coverage solely because of military service. It also prohibits adverse credit reporting based on National Guard or reserve status and ensures dependents can seek relief for lease or contract obligations impacted by a servicemember’s deployment. These provisions apply to both current military service and up to 180 days after service ends.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases mandatory minimum sentences for repeat sex offenders in New Jersey. It requires courts to impose a minimum sentence of 85% of the maximum term (without parole eligibility) for second or subsequent convictions of specific sex offenses, such as aggravated sexual assault (85% of 20 years), sexual assault (85% of 10 years), or criminal sexual contact (85% of 5 years). Exceptions allow reduced sentences only if a plea agreement benefits the victim or a court determines imposing the full term would cause a "serious injustice," with courts required to state their reasoning. The Attorney General must develop uniform guidelines for prosecuting these cases statewide. The bill replaces the current 5-year mandatory minimum for repeat offenses with these higher, offense-specific terms.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all new voting machines purchased or leased for use in New Jersey elections to produce a permanent paper record for every vote cast. Voters must be able to verify their paper record at the time of voting, and these records become the official tally in any election recount. The requirement applies to machines acquired after the bill's effective date, though it may be temporarily suspended if sufficient federal or state funds aren't secured for implementation. Existing machines in use before the bill's effective date are exempt from the new requirement.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2416 allows county election boards and the state Department of State to purchase or lease decommissioned U.S. Postal Service mailboxes for use as ballot drop boxes during elections. The bill requires these mailboxes to meet or be modified to comply with existing ballot drop box safety standards set by the Secretary of State. It directly affects local election officials by providing a new, cost-effective way to expand ballot drop box access. The law takes effect February 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryS 2432 allows New Jersey breweries, wineries, cideries, distilleries, and meaderies to be included on state highway signs and a dedicated website to help tourists find these locations. To qualify for highway signs, businesses must be within 15 miles of a highway, open six hours daily three days weekly (including weekends), produce alcohol on-site, have a tasting area, offer public tours, sell products retail, and hold a valid state license. The state will create an online map and directory with facility locations, driving directions, tour schedules, photos, and contact details - provided by the businesses themselves - to help visitors plan trips efficiently. This bill directly affects alcohol manufacturers meeting the criteria and aims to boost tourism by improving access to these businesses.