Sen. Troy Singleton

Maddy summaryS 3387 allows New Jersey National Guard members to transfer part of their tuition benefit to a spouse or dependent child. Currently, Guard members receive up to 16 tuition-free credits per semester at New Jersey public colleges. Under this bill, a spouse can receive the full benefit (100%, up to 16 credits), while a dependent child receives half (50%, up to 8 credits). To qualify, the spouse or child must be enrolled as a student and have applied for other available financial aid, and the member can only transfer the benefit to one person.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires nonpublic schools (like private or religious schools) to share a student's disciplinary records with public school districts when the student transfers. Specifically, upon a public school's written request, nonpublic schools must provide all disciplinary information they have about the student and notify the district if they hold court or law enforcement records related to the student. No parental consent is needed to share these records, though nonpublic schools must inform parents or the student themselves about the transfer. The law applies to all nonpublic schools in New Jersey that serve grades K-12 and aims to align disciplinary record transfers with existing procedures for public school students.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows municipalities to approve converting vacant or underused office parks and retail centers into mixed-use developments (combining housing, shops, and services) without requiring special zoning variances. It applies to properties meeting specific criteria: at least 50,000 sq ft for office parks or 15,000 sq ft for retail centers with 25%+ vacancy for 18+ months, plus evidence of active marketing efforts. Key requirements include dedicating at least 20% of new housing units to affordable tiers (with 50% low-income and 13% very-low income), ensuring multiple non-industrial uses, and complying with existing mixed-use zoning standards. The bill directly affects developers, property owners, and local planning boards by streamlining approvals for repurposing declining commercial properties.

Maddy summaryS 1759 increases the portion of rent that counts as property taxes for tax deduction purposes from 18% to 30% for renters whose rental unit is their primary residence. It also raises the maximum property tax credit amount from $50 to $250 for eligible taxpayers, including those aged 65 or older, or who are blind or disabled and not subject to New Jersey income tax. These changes apply to both homeowners and renters who qualify for these tax benefits under New Jersey law. The bill modifies specific definitions and credit thresholds in the state's tax code without altering eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey school districts to teach bullying awareness and prevention as part of their health and physical education curriculum for students from preschool through 12th grade. The instruction must cover specific topics such as defining different types of bullying, the lasting impact of social media posts, how to seek help, and the consequences faced by those who bully others. Additionally, the curriculum should address how intolerance toward various identities can worsen bullying, while the state education commissioner will provide sample lessons and resources to assist schools.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for New Jersey's homestead property tax reimbursement and Stay NJ property tax benefit programs by clarifying how income limits and eligibility are calculated. It specifically revises the definition of "base year" to determine when a person becomes eligible for these benefits and adjusts the criteria for counting residency after a homeowner moves to a new property. The legislation also refines the definitions of key terms, such as "dwelling house" and "disabled person," to ensure consistent application of the programs. These changes directly affect current and future applicants for tax relief by establishing clearer guidelines for who qualifies and under what income conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities to create a program that procures new clean, firm electricity generation facilities within the state. The legislation specifically targets advanced nuclear reactors and other zero-emission resources that can operate continuously to meet rising energy demand. It requires the board to issue a request for interest from developers within 180 days and mandates that applicants submit letters of intent to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission within 60 days of that announcement. By defining these resources as dispatchable and fuel-secure, the act aims to ensure reliable power supply while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Maddy summaryS 1525 creates a new criminal offense for financial exploitation of elderly individuals in New Jersey. It directly affects seniors who may be targeted by caregivers, family members, or others in fiduciary roles (like trustees or financial advisors) who misuse their trust. The bill defines key terms to clarify what constitutes exploitation, such as unlawfully withholding or disposing of an elderly person’s property for personal gain. If passed, it would make specific financial abuse of seniors a punishable crime under New Jersey law, with penalties outlined in amended statutes. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryS 1903 establishes the New Jersey Military Family Relief Fund, a permanent fund in the State Treasury funded by voluntary taxpayer contributions designated on state income tax returns. The fund provides grants of up to $2,500 to cover essential expenses like food, housing, and medical costs for New Jersey residents who are active-duty military members (including reserves), National Guard members, veterans (with honorable discharge), or surviving spouses of eligible service members. To qualify, applicants must be NJ residents for at least 12 consecutive months, demonstrate financial hardship, and cannot receive more than one grant within a 12-month period. The Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs administers the program, determining eligibility and issuing grants from available funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey's Division of Gaming Enforcement to join a national self-exclusion program, enabling gamblers to voluntarily exclude themselves from casinos across multiple states using a single form. It requires the division to create rules and forms for this participation, ensuring individuals can select which states they want excluded from and must give explicit consent before sharing their information. The bill protects casinos from liability if they follow self-exclusion protocols and keeps the list confidential from public view. It directly affects individuals seeking to restrict their access to gambling venues in multiple jurisdictions.