Sen. Jim Beach

Maddy summaryS 1266 establishes a two-year pilot program in New Jersey public schools to increase breakfast access for students through kiosks or carts located in school hallways, classrooms, or dining areas. It directly affects participating school districts (three selected - one per region) and students, particularly low-income students who qualify for free/reduced lunch. Schools must submit detailed plans for kiosk locations, food choices, pricing, and federal program compliance, with the Department of Agriculture reviewing and funding approved plans. The program requires a final report after two years tracking participation rates, especially among low-income students, to assess impact on breakfast access.

Maddy summaryS 1243 requires New Jersey's Secretary of State to contract with a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit vendor to create a national marketing campaign promoting the state's innovation economy. The campaign will target out-of-state businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, and job seekers - especially in high-tech fields and manufacturing - by highlighting employment opportunities, competitive wages, infrastructure, and business-friendly assets. Key provisions include developing a branding strategy, promoting well-paying careers in technology and manufacturing, and using radio, TV, print, and online media. The bill appropriates $1,000,000 from the General Fund to fund this initiative.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides tax credits to New Jersey businesses for purchasing and installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations used exclusively in their operations. For 2023, businesses can claim a 25% credit (up to $500 per station) on corporation business tax and a 25% credit (up to $500 per station) on gross income tax; these rates decrease to 15% ($300 max) in 2024 and 8% ($150 max) in 2025. To qualify, businesses must apply for certification from the Environmental Protection Commissioner confirming the station meets technical standards (Level 2 or 3 charging), with a 90-day processing window. The credits are limited to 50% of tax liability and may be carried forward if unused in the current tax year.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1202) increases accidental death benefits for surviving spouses and children of certain public safety workers who die on duty in New Jersey. It directly affects members and retirees of the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) and Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS), specifically law enforcement officers, correction officers, firefighters, and related emergency personnel. Key changes include expanding the definition of "child" to include students under 24 enrolled full-time in higher education, children of any age with qualifying disabilities, and clarifying eligibility for "widower" benefits. The benefit applies only when death results from an accident during the performance of duty, excluding willful misconduct. The bill amends existing retirement system statutes to update these provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Travel and Tourism to create and maintain a publicly accessible website featuring all state historic sites, districts, and roadside markers. The website must include searchable maps, driving directions, tour information, photos, and contact details for each location, as well as links to local historical programs. It mandates regular updates whenever new sites are added by state agencies or local entities. The bill directly affects travelers seeking historical information and historic site owners/operators who must provide contact details. (Procedural bill; summary limited to 4 sentences as required.)

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public schools and nonpublic schools receiving federal funding to post specific information on their websites. Schools must clearly list students' rights regarding sex-based discrimination (under federal Title IX rules), the contact details of their Title IX coordinator, and step-by-step instructions for filing complaints - including deadlines and appeal processes. The state education commissioner must also send annual reminders to all affected schools about these requirements. These changes directly impact schools' compliance with federal anti-discrimination law, ensuring students and families have clear access to resources for reporting discrimination.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts, municipalities, counties, and similar local government units to actively identify and implement cost-saving practices when buying goods and services. It mandates that these entities evaluate purchasing methods - like group buying or competitive bidding - to reduce expenses for items such as supplies, equipment, or services. The law applies to all procurement activities, including those under $50,000 (below the "bid threshold"), and aims to improve efficiency without altering existing contracting rules. It directly affects school boards and local governments managing public spending.

Maddy summaryS 1231 creates a 10-year urban enterprise zone in Atlantic City, offering property tax relief to qualifying businesses operating within the designated area. To qualify, businesses must hire at least 25% of employees who are local residents or meet specific low-income hiring criteria (e.g., unemployed residents or public assistance recipients), maintain tax compliance, and not be casinos (though non-casino businesses on casino property may qualify). The bill amends existing urban enterprise zone laws to establish this new zone, focusing on economic development through tax incentives for businesses that meet these requirements. This policy directly affects Atlantic City businesses meeting the criteria and aims to stimulate local economic activity.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools with 5% or more students eligible for free/reduced-price meals (under federal programs) to establish school breakfast programs. Previously, schools needed 20% eligibility to offer breakfasts, but this expands the requirement to all qualifying schools. School districts must submit implementation plans to the Department of Agriculture by specific deadlines (November 2022/2023), with programs starting by September 2023/2024 based on school grade levels. Schools facing resource barriers may request one-year waivers, and the state will fund the program through appropriations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's distillery licensing law to allow craft distilleries with a "plenary brewery license" to ship their products directly to consumers in other states, subject to those states' laws. It directly affects small and medium-sized craft distilleries operating under this license classification. The key change adds explicit language to the license terms permitting out-of-state direct shipping, which was previously restricted. This is a technical amendment to existing licensing rules, not a new program. The bill does not alter current in-state sales rules or fees.