Sen. Carmen Amato

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public schools (grades 7-12) and colleges to print mental health and suicide crisis resources on the back of student ID cards. It revises prior law by replacing the specific requirement to list the NJ Hopeline number with a flexible mandate for schools to include resources determined by education and human services officials. Schools may also add contact information for other services like the National Lifeline or campus crisis centers. The change applies immediately to the next school year following enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to teach labor history as part of the social studies curriculum for students in grades 6-12. It mandates the State Board of Education to adopt specific learning standards covering organized labor history, notable strikes, unionization efforts, and collective bargaining processes in both U.S. and New Jersey contexts. School districts must integrate this content into their curriculum, using inclusive instructional materials that highlight labor movement contributions. The bill does not specify funding or assessment methods but requires implementation concurrent with future updates to existing social studies standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an independent Office of the Veteran Advocate within New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), with the position appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The Veteran Advocate will investigate complaints about veteran services, monitor care in state facilities, and ensure veterans receive proper treatment, with authority to conduct site visits, issue subpoenas, and establish a 24-hour hotline. The office will report annually to the Governor and Legislature on issues affecting veterans and make recommendations for improving services. The bill appropriates funds from the General Fund to support this new office, which will serve as an ombudsman for veterans and their families receiving services from state entities or state-funded private providers.

Maddy summaryS 4590 requires New Jersey employers of first responders (law enforcement officers and paid firefighters) to provide workers' compensation coverage for up to 12 hours of confidential counseling after a critical incident, with up to 24 additional hours permitted if a mental health professional deems it necessary. Critical incidents include events like gunfights, witnessing serious injuries or deaths, or responding to crimes involving minors. Employers must cover these sessions without requiring the use of personal leave during work hours, and all counseling must be completed within one year. The bill also protects confidentiality of mental health communications between first responders and peer support teams or resiliency program officers, except in cases of imminent risk to self or others.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3812) removes a restriction that allowed the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) to withhold retirement or death benefits from members due to ongoing civil lawsuits related to their employment. It directly affects current and future PFRS members (police officers and firefighters) who are involved in civil litigation over their jobs. The bill requires the PFRS Board to pay benefits immediately, but permits adjustments if a legal case later results in penalties. It maintains existing rules that allow withholding for criminal charges or administrative dismissals from public employment.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for members of New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS), and State Police Retirement System (SPRS) to apply for accidental disability retirement benefits related to 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations. It allows members to file within two years of this bill's effective date (with possible two-year extensions), replacing the previous deadline of two years after a 2019 law. The bill also relaxes medical documentation requirements, permitting members to use evidence from medical exams performed before or after entering public service instead of requiring proof they passed a pre-employment physical. Retirement systems must notify members about these changes within 60 days of enactment through certified mail.

Maddy summaryS 4146 requires New Jersey driver education programs, the driver's manual, and written knowledge examinations to include specific information about drivers' responsibilities when approaching and passing pedestrians, cyclists, and people using personal conveyances. The bill mandates that this information cover safe passing practices, recognizing bicycle lanes, navigating intersections safely, and the penalties for failing to comply with these responsibilities. This affects all new drivers in New Jersey, including those under 18 who are learning to drive, as well as driver education instructors and the Motor Vehicle Commission. The bill does not change existing traffic laws but requires this content to be included in all driver education materials. The goal is to improve road safety by ensuring new drivers understand their obligations toward vulnerable road users.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates New Jersey's sales tax on specific baby products and sunscreen. It exempts baby wash, shampoos, lotions, powders, car seats (child restraint systems), cribs, nursing bottles/nipples, and strollers from the state sales tax. It also exempts FDA-regulated sunscreen (lotion, cream, spray, or gel for UV protection) but excludes cosmetic products like sunscreens marketed for beautification. The exemption applies to retail sales starting October 1, 2025, directly affecting parents and caregivers purchasing these items for infants and young children.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the monthly personal needs allowance (PNA) from $50 to $140 for low-income residents in nursing homes, state psychiatric hospitals, and state developmental centers. The allowance is intended for personal expenses like phone calls, meals, clothing, and hobbies, allowing residents greater autonomy over basic needs. The new amount will be adjusted annually by the same percentage as the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, starting January 1 of the year following enactment.

Maddy summarySJR 166 designates the first Sunday in May each year as "Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service Day" in New Jersey to honor volunteer and career firefighters who died while on duty. The resolution requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation urging public officials and citizens to observe the day, and directs all state and local government agencies to fly U.S. and New Jersey flags at half-staff in tribute. It specifically recognizes the approximately 145 New Jersey firefighters who died on duty between 1990 and 2024. This is a ceremonial resolution with no new funding or policy changes, aligning New Jersey's observance with the existing National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service Day.