Sen. Troy Singleton

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the definition of "child" under New Jersey's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) and State Police Retirement System (SPRS) to include children of any age who are disabled due to intellectual disability or physical incapacity. Specifically, it adds a new provision (d) requiring the disability to prevent substantial gainful work for at least 12 months, as certified by a medical board. This change directly affects surviving family members of retired or deceased police and firefighter members who qualify as disabled children under the new criteria. The policy shift ensures these disabled children may now receive survivor benefits previously only available to younger or education-focused dependents.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 4037 establishes the "Enhanced Transit Village Program" to incentivize mixed-use development near public transit. Administered by the Office of Planning Advocacy (Department of State) and DOT, it requires participating municipalities (already designated "transit villages") to adopt zoning for higher density housing (50 units/acre within 1/4 mile of transit, 25 units/acre beyond) and include 30% affordable housing (adjustable for distressed municipalities). The program provides technical assistance, prioritizes federal funds for infrastructure, and mandates walkability improvements, bike paths, and pedestrian-friendly designs to reduce car dependency. It appropriates $25 million from the Transportation Trust Fund for the first three years to support these changes in eligible communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public and nonpublic schools in New Jersey to have at least one FDA-registered portable anti-choking device (which uses manual suction to clear airway blockages) available in the cafeteria, school nurse’s office, and other accessible locations during school hours and events, with clear signage. Schools must develop policies requiring staff training in airway management and device use, and the Commissioner of Education will provide annual training opportunities. The Department of Education will reimburse schools for device costs through a formal application process. The bill directly affects all New Jersey schools and their staff, focusing on immediate accessibility and preparedness for choking emergencies.

Maddy summaryS 2974 reduces parking space requirements for new residential developments in New Jersey based on proximity to public transportation. It mandates a 20% reduction for projects ½ to 1 mile from transit, 30% for ¼ to ½ mile, and 50% for developments within ¼ mile of transit stations, bus routes (with 5+ regular routes or 15+ bus stops), or ferry terminals. The bill directly affects residential developers by lowering mandated parking spaces in areas near public transportation infrastructure. It amends statewide site improvement standards to prioritize transit accessibility over parking capacity. The changes take effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1445 requires public colleges and universities to readmit undergraduate students who withdrew due to military service (including active duty, National Guard, or Reserve service). Schools must reinstate students with their exact academic standing from before their service interruption. Students must submit a written request for the next available semester, and institutions cannot charge application or processing fees for these requests. The law applies starting the first full academic year after its effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $7.65 million from New Jersey's "Securing Our Children's Future Fund" to expand career and technical education programs at the Cumberland County Technical Education Center. The funding is specifically directed to this single institution in Cumberland County for vocational program enhancements. The bill does not create new programs but allocates existing state funds for immediate use under the Securing Our Children's Future Bond Act.

Maddy summaryS 4252 prohibits recording certain service agreements related to residential real estate (1-4 dwelling units) that last more than one year and include specific terms: binding future owners, allowing assignment without owner consent, or creating liens. It makes recording such agreements a crime (fourth degree), requires recording officers to refuse them, and states recorded unlawful agreements don’t bind good-faith purchasers. Property owners can sue to have these agreements declared unenforceable and recover damages, costs, and attorney fees. Key exemptions include home warranties, insurance contracts, homeowners association agreements, and mortgage loans.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands information sharing about insurance fraud among insurance companies, agents, and fraud prevention organizations while strengthening legal protections for those who share such information. It broadens the definition of "insurance-support organizations" to include entities that can collect and report information about any person or entity involved in insurance transactions, not just individual policyholders. The bill allows sharing of privileged information related to fraud with other insurance entities, law enforcement, and fraud prevention organizations, and extends civil immunity to cover all types of legal claims rather than just specific ones like defamation. This aims to improve fraud detection and prevention by facilitating more open information flow between insurance providers, law enforcement, and fraud prevention organizations.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Senate Resolution (SR 126) condemns the U.S. House of Representatives for passing a budget resolution that would cut $1.5 trillion from federal spending over ten years. It specifically targets $880 billion in cuts to healthcare programs (like Medicaid and Medicare), $330 billion from education funding, and $230 billion from food assistance programs (SNAP). The resolution urges the U.S. Senate to reject the House plan, citing that these cuts would severely impact New Jersey residents: approximately 1.8 million people rely on NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid/CHIP), and 830,000 depend on SNAP for food support. The resolution emphasizes that reduced federal funding could lead to cuts in benefits, eligibility restrictions, or loss of critical healthcare and nutrition services.

Maddy summaryS 843 requires New Jersey's Adjutant General (within the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs) to create a program helping veterans access evaluation and treatment for service-connected PTSD, total brain injury, or traumatic brain injury. The program must coordinate support services like transportation, assistance filing disability claims, updating discharge status, and connecting veterans to healthcare resources at local, state, and federal levels. It directly affects New Jersey veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces or Reserve components, including the National Guard. The bill amends state law to mandate this program, which will be developed in coordination with relevant state agencies.