Asm. Antwan McClellan

Maddy summaryThis bill would exempt certain plastic materials processed at advanced plastic processing facilities from New Jersey's solid waste disposal and recycling laws. Specifically, plastics transported to and processed using chemical methods like gasification, pyrolysis, or solvolysis would no longer be classified as "solid waste" under state law. The exemption does not apply to plastics labeled with codes 1 (PETE) or 2 (HDPE). Advanced plastic processing facilities would still be subject to environmental regulations governing air and water pollution. This change would primarily affect plastic processors using these advanced chemical conversion methods.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows certain New Jersey school districts that will lose state aid to submit their budgets after the state's FY2025 budget is finalized. It specifically applies to districts where the state aid reduction exceeds their unused tax authority (known as "banked cap" under current law). The Commissioner of Education must permit these districts to submit budgets within five days after the FY2025 appropriations act is enacted, and may adjust the budget calendar to create a compressed timeline for approval. The change applies only to the 2024-2025 school year.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "EMS Part" within New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), specifically for emergency medical services employees. It establishes enhanced retirement benefits including a pension equal to 50% of final compensation for employees with 20 or more years of service, plus additional benefits for those with 20-25 years of service. Eligible positions include emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical services supervisors, and other certified health professionals providing emergency medical services. The State will cover increased pension costs for counties and municipalities resulting from this new retirement system component.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4256) requires New Jersey's Attorney General to repeal Attorney General Law Enforcement Directive No. 2018-6. The directive currently restricts state, county, and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities in specific ways, such as providing assistance solely to enforce civil immigration law or extending detention based only on immigration detainer requests. If passed, the bill would eliminate these restrictions, allowing law enforcement to share information and cooperate with federal immigration authorities under federal law. The bill directly affects all New Jersey law enforcement agencies operating under the Attorney General's authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's Megan's Law registration requirements to include individuals convicted of sex offenses in foreign countries or fleeing charges there. It requires these individuals to register with local law enforcement, similar to those convicted within New Jersey. Additionally, the bill mandates that law enforcement officers inquire about the immigration status of all registered sex offenders and cooperate with federal immigration authorities. These provisions directly affect foreign nationals convicted of sex offenses who reside in New Jersey and law enforcement agencies responsible for registration enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly resolution urges the U.S. Congress to permanently fund the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides discounted broadband internet and device subsidies to low-income households. The ACP currently offers up to $30 monthly for internet service (or $75 for Tribal lands) and a one-time $100 discount for devices like laptops, helping over 20 million households nationwide - including 335,079 in New Jersey as of January 2024. The resolution notes the program is set to expire in April 2024 due to a $14.2 billion budget exhaustion, risking the loss of $8.3 million monthly in broadband cost savings for New Jersey households. It calls for permanent congressional funding to maintain these benefits, which support essential activities like education, work, and healthcare access.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the scope of practice for optometrists in New Jersey by allowing them to prescribe more pharmaceutical agents (including some controlled substances), administer certain immunizations (for coronaviruses, influenza, and varicella-zoster virus), and perform simple ophthalmologic procedures like non-invasive laser treatments. It clarifies that optometrists must complete specific training and credentialing to provide these expanded services, including evidence of competence through accredited education programs. The bill directly affects licensed optometrists in New Jersey and their patients, who will have access to a broader range of eye care services from optometrists. The legislation updates the legal definition of optometry practice to better align with optometrists' doctoral education and clinical training.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) to automatically stop collecting tolls on the Atlantic City Expressway east of the Garden State Parkway whenever U.S. Route 40 is closed at any point east of that parkway. It directly affects drivers traveling between Atlantic City and areas like Pleasantville who would otherwise face tolls if U.S. Route 40 closures force them onto the expressway. The key mechanism is an automatic toll suspension triggered solely by the closure of U.S. Route 40 east of the Garden State Parkway. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Community Learning Program within the Department of Education to fund comprehensive after-school programs in school districts located in "impact zones" - areas historically affected by cannabis-related enforcement, high unemployment, and poverty. It dedicates a portion of annual state cannabis tax revenue (from recreational sales) to cover all program costs for eligible districts. Impact districts must develop and submit detailed program plans - including service descriptions, staffing, locations, and costs - to the Commissioner for approval, and must provide transportation for students. The program aims to close achievement gaps by offering academic support and enrichment during non-school hours, including summer, with funding contingent on annual cannabis tax revenue deposits.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners of low-speed electric bicycles (max 20 mph) and low-speed electric scooters (max 19 mph) in New Jersey to register these vehicles with the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and maintain liability insurance. Registration costs $8, expires after 11 months, and requires MVC approval of the vehicle type. Owners must carry minimum liability coverage of $35,000 per person for bodily injury, replacing prior exemptions that allowed operation without registration or insurance. The bill directly affects all residents who own or operate these devices on New Jersey roads and paths.