Rep. Gerry Scharfenberger

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey to join the Athletic Trainer Compact, a national agreement that lets licensed athletic trainers practice in other member states without needing separate licenses for each location. Under the new rules, qualified trainers from other states can provide services in New Jersey through a streamlined "compact privilege" as long as they meet uniform standards and agree to be regulated by the state where the patient is located. The legislation also includes provisions to support military families, facilitate telehealth services, and improve the sharing of disciplinary information among member states to protect public safety.

Maddy summaryAJR 119 designates November 7 of each year as "Shwachman Diamond Syndrome Awareness Day" in New Jersey. This symbolic resolution directly affects residents of New Jersey living with Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS), a rare genetic disorder impacting bone marrow, pancreas, and skeletal development. The bill requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the day with awareness activities. It aims to increase public understanding of SDS, support affected individuals, and promote further research into the condition. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal recognition of the disorder.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to create special "250th Anniversary Revolutionary War" license plates for motor vehicles. Vehicle owners who apply (paying a $50 one-time fee plus a $10 annual fee) can display these plates, with all fees deposited into a dedicated fund. The fund, managed by the Department of Treasury, uses these monies to support the preservation of Revolutionary War sites across New Jersey. The design and implementation involve coordination between the Motor Vehicle Commission and the New Jersey Historical Commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a provisional license for new motor vehicle dealers in New Jersey, allowing them to operate temporarily while their full license application is processed. It directly affects new dealers who are setting up businesses, enabling them to begin selling vehicles before meeting all permanent licensing requirements. The bill amends state law (R.S.39:10-2 and R.S.39:10-19) to define the provisional license, including standards for dealer facilities and vehicle inventory. This change streamlines the licensing process for new dealers without reducing regulatory oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the continuing education rules for real estate licensees in New Jersey and increases oversight of the companies and instructors that provide this training. It directly affects real estate brokers, salespersons, and the organizations that teach them, requiring more specific training hours and stricter standards for course providers. The legislation also expands background check procedures for license applicants and clarifies requirements for those working with real estate referral companies.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts wages earned by poll workers during election cycles from being counted when calculating an individual's unemployment benefits. It directly affects poll workers who may otherwise have their unemployment compensation reduced due to income earned from temporary election work. The key provision amends New Jersey's unemployment law to exclude poll workers' wages from the "annual payroll" calculation used to determine benefit eligibility. This change ensures poll workers can receive full unemployment benefits without their election-season earnings affecting their claim. The bill focuses solely on adjusting the calculation method for this specific group of workers.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to create a program that helps businesses understand and adopt employee ownership models, such as worker cooperatives or stock ownership plans. To support this goal, the program will offer funding for feasibility studies, provide expert consulting advice, and publish educational resources online for both employers and employees. Eligible businesses must be located in New Jersey, have at least 20 full-time employees, and maintain good standing with state agencies to receive these services. Additionally, the authority will partner with educational institutions to offer early-stage technical assistance to smaller companies that may not yet be ready for a transition.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces New Jersey into the Athletic Trainer Compact, a national agreement designed to allow licensed athletic trainers to practice across multiple member states without needing separate licenses in each location. The legislation establishes a commission to oversee the program and creates a streamlined process where qualified professionals can work in other states while still adhering to the specific rules and scope of practice of the state where the patient is located. Key provisions include mutual recognition of licenses, support for military families relocating, and the use of telehealth to expand access to care. By adopting this compact, New Jersey aims to increase workforce mobility and public access to athletic training services while maintaining state authority over public health and safety.