Sen. Jim Beach

Maddy summaryThis bill allows registered New Jersey voters to apply for a mail-in ballot online up to seven days before an election, using the Secretary of State's secure website. Voters must verify their identity using a New Jersey driver's license number, nondriver ID number, or last four digits of their Social Security number. The online system automatically confirms submissions and provides status updates, while maintaining the same deadline for paper applications. This directly affects all registered voters seeking mail-in ballots, making the application process more accessible without changing eligibility requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 822) requires New Jersey to replace the wheelchair symbol on accessibility signage with a new dynamic character logo (showing movement) and change the word "handicapped" to "accessible" on all public signs, placards, license plates, and markers identifying accessible features like restrooms, ramps, and parking. It applies only to new installations or replacements - not mandatory for existing signs - and takes effect 60 days after enactment. The change aligns with similar laws in New York and Connecticut and reflects the Accessible Icon Project’s global adoption of a symbol emphasizing mobility and action over passivity. The bill does not impose new state costs, as it only affects signs replaced during routine maintenance or installation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1885) simplifies New Jersey's definition of "veteran" for benefits eligibility by removing specific historical conflict date and location requirements. It eliminates the need for veterans to have served during exact periods like "World War II, between September 1, 1939 and September 2, 1945" or "Vietnam conflict, on or after December 31, 1960," instead requiring only 90 days of active military service (excluding basic training) with an honorable discharge. This change directly affects veterans whose service dates or locations no longer match current definitions but still meet the general service duration criteria. The bill focuses on streamlining access to benefits, maintaining exceptions for those with service-connected injuries regardless of service duration.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires non-profit organizations that train service dogs for disabled veterans to register annually with New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs. It mandates these organizations to provide handlers (disabled veterans) with vests or harnesses labeled "DISABLED VETERAN ASSISTANCE DOG" or "DVAD," featuring a logo identifying the dog as trained for veterans. Organizations must also issue ID cards with the handler's name, dog's details, and training organization upon request. Violating these requirements would be considered an unlawful practice under New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1258) amends New Jersey's brewery licensing laws to create three new license classifications: Plenary, Limited, and Restricted. It directly affects breweries seeking to operate salesrooms, with key changes including: (1) setting specific annual brewing volume limits (e.g., up to 300,000 barrels for Plenary licenses), (2) requiring on-site sales to come from in-state warehouses, and (3) linking Restricted licenses to adjacent restaurants with specific ownership requirements. The bill also establishes tiered fees based on production volume (e.g., $1,250-$7,500 annually) and restricts off-premise sales of samples to 15.5 gallons per person. It does not address wineries, despite the title, as the provisions apply specifically to breweries.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1399 allows county election officials to begin processing early in-person votes and mail-in ballots before Election Day under strict conditions. County clerks may start counting early votes (excluding provisional/emergency ballots) 24 hours after early voting ends, while mail-in ballots can be opened five days prior and counted three days before the election. The bill requires security measures, including following Secretary of State guidelines, keeping results confidential until polls close, and prohibiting public disclosure of results before Election Day - violations are punishable as third-degree crimes. This directly affects county election boards and ensures pre-election processing occurs securely without premature result release.

Maddy summaryS 1420 establishes New Jersey's "VETeach Pilot Program" to help veterans become public school teachers. The program targets veterans who served after September 11, 2001, by enrolling them in a 36-month teacher preparation track at up to four selected public universities. Upon completion, participants earn a teaching certification (with advanced standing) allowing them to teach in grades K-8 and certain secondary subjects. The pilot requires participating universities to design the program, with the Department of Education reporting on outcomes like veteran enrollment and hiring rates after four years.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1216) updates New Jersey's legal definitions and reporting requirements for cases involving vulnerable adults experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation. It revises key terms like "abuse," "caretaker," and "vulnerable adult" (defined as an adult 18+ with physical/mental limitations in a community setting who lacks capacity to make decisions about their well-being). The bill modifies who must report suspected cases: it removes the mandatory reporting duty for health care professionals, law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians (previously required under Section 4), while keeping optional reporting for others. It also maintains protections for reporters from liability and prohibits retaliation against those who report in good faith. The bill directly affects vulnerable adults, their caretakers, and county protective services providers responsible for handling reports.

Maddy summaryS 1604 establishes the "State House Flag Program" through the State Capitol Joint Management Commission, allowing members of the New Jersey Legislature to request commemorative New Jersey State flags flown over the State House. The program requires the Building Management office to mail each requested flag with a certificate detailing the date flown and the recipient (individual, group, or organization). The bill appropriates funds from the General Fund to cover implementation costs for this ceremonial program. This is a procedural measure with no substantive policy changes, solely enabling symbolic recognition through flag displays.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires utility companies (like electric, gas, and water providers) to notify New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) about planned service work at least five business days in advance, unless it's an emergency. The BPU must create and maintain a real-time online database sharing this information, accessible to all government agencies and utility providers. This system aims to improve coordination for planning roadwork and other projects in public rights-of-way. Emergency repairs have a separate, immediate notification process. The bill takes effect immediately but remains inactive for 60 days after enactment.