Sen. Carmen Amato

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 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 summaryNew Jersey's S 4257 establishes a 20-member Forest Fire Preparedness Commission within the Department of Environmental Protection. The commission, including officials like the Environmental Protection Commissioner and State Firewarden, plus appointed members from firefighting groups and environmental experts, will audit the state's wildfire response systems and develop coordination protocols for emergency responders. Key duties include reviewing existing fire plans, creating a statewide response roadmap for firefighters, police, and medical teams, standardizing communication channels, and assessing controlled burns. The commission must submit its final report within two years and dissolve 30 days after submission.

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 New Jersey bill requires most employers to verify new employees' work authorization through the federal E-Verify program before hiring, with larger employers (100+ employees) needing to comply by December 31, 2020, and smaller employers by December 31, 2021. It prohibits knowingly or intentionally employing unauthorized workers and establishes penalties including civil fines of $100-$1,000 per violation, temporary business license suspensions for first violations, and permanent license revocation for repeat offenses. The law creates a state audit program to monitor compliance and requires employers to submit quarterly reports during probationary periods following violations. Employers who verify through E-Verify are presumed to have complied with the law, and courts must consider federal verification of work authorization when determining violations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May of each year as Military Spouse Appreciation Month in New Jersey. It requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public recognition of military spouses' contributions. The resolution acknowledges military spouses for their support, sacrifices, and role in strengthening military families and communities, without creating new obligations or funding. As a ceremonial measure, it has no direct regulatory or financial impact on affected individuals.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to issue special "Support Our Veterans" license plates for motor vehicles. Drivers would pay a $50 one-time fee plus a $10 annual fee for these plates, with all collected funds deposited into the "Support Our Veterans License Plate Fund." The fund's money is required to support services for homeless veterans at Veterans Haven facilities through the Veterans Haven Council. The program directly affects vehicle owners who choose the special plates and provides dedicated funding for veteran homeless services.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the period allowing police and fire chiefs to remain in their roles beyond age 65. It specifically applies to chiefs serving as of April 12, 2022, who would turn 65 during the original 24-month window (ending in 2024). The extension changes the deadline from 24 to 48 calendar months after the effective date, permitting continued service until the end of the calendar year they turn 67 if approved in writing by their appointing authority. The bill also requires the retirement system board to report on the impact of this extension to the Governor and Legislature.

Maddy summaryS 2386 creates a New Jersey gross income tax credit for active volunteer members of fire departments, ambulance squads, or rescue organizations who use their personal vehicles for emergency duties. It allows eligible volunteers to claim a credit based on miles driven for active duty (defined as direct response to emergencies), calculated using the federal IRS business mileage rate, with a maximum credit of $500 for single filers or $1,000 for married couples filing jointly. To qualify, members must maintain active status without regular pay (only receiving clothing allowances or limited service awards), meet attendance requirements for drills/meetings, and document service through their organization’s certification. The credit applies to taxable years beginning after the bill’s enactment and is refundable if it reduces tax liability to zero. This directly benefits New Jersey volunteer emergency responders who incur vehicle costs while serving.