Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey school districts and public colleges from creating policies that block active-duty military members or veterans from speaking to students at events like assemblies, classes, or graduation ceremonies. It requires schools to forward correspondence from military/veteran speakers to county superintendents and allows state aid reductions for non-compliance. The law directly affects school districts and public higher education institutions by mandating they permit these speakers without restrictions. Key provisions include banning exclusionary policies, requiring transparency in speaker requests, and enabling state funding penalties for violations. The bill aims to ensure military members and veterans have equal opportunity to address student groups across New Jersey's public education system.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs to create a public internet database containing government records from all state and local agencies (including departments, commissions, and authorities). It appropriates $10 million from the State General Fund to implement the database, with the Commissioner determining which records are included and whether they remain in their original format or are converted to a more user-friendly version - balancing public accessibility against conversion costs. The database must be accessible to the public, and the bill takes effect 180 days after enactment. This directly affects state and local government agencies responsible for submitting records and the public seeking government information.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals moving into an assisted living or long-term care facility to terminate their trash collection contract without paying an early termination fee. To qualify, they must have a physician's order or a care plan for the move (for at least 90 days) and provide at least 45 days' notice, though immediate termination within 48 hours is permitted if a physician requires urgent relocation. Trash collection providers must supply a standard termination form upon request and may require written proof of relocation, such as a physician's letter, within the notice period. The bill takes effect 12 months after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill restricts political contributions from legislative aides to their own legislators. It prohibits aides (current or former) who worked directly in a legislator's district office - such as personal assistants or advisors - from giving contributions exceeding $30 per election to that legislator's campaign committee. The rule also bans legislators or their committees from soliciting or accepting such larger contributions. Violations are classified as a fourth-degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. The restriction applies to aides during employment and for two years after leaving the position.
Maddy summaryS 3718 authorizes New Jersey's Secretary of Higher Education to appoint an antisemitism monitor at any public institution of higher education. The monitor reviews campus policies protecting Jewish students/staff, establishes anonymous reporting procedures for antisemitism incidents, and issues quarterly reports with recommendations to the institution and legislature. Institutions must implement the monitor's recommendations and provide necessary support, with non-compliance risking reduced state funding or loss of student aid eligibility. The bill defines antisemitism using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's 2016 working definition.
Maddy summaryThis bill would exclude tips from being counted as taxable income for New Jersey state income tax purposes. Currently, tips are included in the definition of gross income alongside wages, salaries, and other compensation. The bill would amend New Jersey's tax code to remove "tips" from the list of taxable income categories and specifically treat tips as "property acquired by gift," which is already excluded from gross income. This change would directly affect service industry workers who receive tips as part of their compensation. The bill would apply to taxable years beginning on or after January 1 following its enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to eliminate walk-in and bicycle entrance fees at state parks and forests during Memorial Day weekend, the week of the Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekend. It directly affects visitors entering these parks using those specific entry methods during the designated holiday periods. The key provision mandates the DEP to waive these fees without exception for the specified holidays. The law would take effect one year after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all battlefield cross memorials in New Jersey - both existing and future ones - to include replicas of a vertical rifle, helmet, boots, and dog tags in their traditional configuration. It applies to memorials located anywhere in the state, as defined by the bill. The legislation cites the Gulf War-era configuration (since 1991) as the standard for honoring fallen soldiers, replacing older designs. The requirement takes effect 90 days after the bill is enacted.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for New Jersey's small employer health benefits plans to include volunteer firefighters and other emergency responders (like first aid, rescue, or ambulance squad members) who serve their municipalities. It directly affects these volunteer emergency personnel by allowing them to enroll in the same group health insurance plans available to full-time municipal employees. The key change updates the definition of "eligible employee" in existing law to specifically include these volunteers, removing barriers they previously faced. This ensures they can access affordable health coverage through their municipal employer's plan, similar to paid municipal staff.
Maddy summaryThis joint resolution designates August 30 of each year as "Keith Pinto Day" in New Jersey to honor Keith Pinto, a 19-year-old Toms River lifeguard who died in a lightning strike during his shift on August 30, 2021. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging state agencies, organizations, and citizens to observe the day with commemorative activities recognizing Pinto's service and community impact. The resolution does not create new laws or affect specific groups, as it is a symbolic observance.