Asm. Antwan McClellan

Maddy summaryThis resolution establishes a special committee to investigate New Jersey's Veterans' Memorial Homes in Menlo Park, Paramus, and Vineland. The committee will examine how state actions, laws, and regulations have affected residents, families, and staff since March 2020, focusing on changes made after federal inspections. The committee, composed of seven members appointed by the Assembly Speaker (with no more than four from the same party), has authority to hold hearings, require testimony and documents, and issue public reports. It will provide findings and recommendations to the legislature and public regarding the homes' operations and policies.

Maddy summaryACR 97 is a concurrent resolution urging the Governor to create a plan for applying to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' State Home Construction Grant Program. This program provides federal grants covering up to 65% of costs for constructing, renovating, or repairing state-operated veterans homes and care facilities. The resolution highlights that New Jersey’s three existing veterans homes serve only 948 residents - far below the needs of over 350,000 veterans in the state, with more than half aged 65+. It does not create new law but formally requests the Governor develop a strategy to access these federal funds for expanding veterans care.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to provide outreach and services to human trafficking victims using state resources, collaborating with victim support organizations like the Victims of Crime Compensation Office. It authorizes a pilot program to fund service providers in urban areas with the highest crime rates and communities near major ports that have significant minority populations. The pilot program must be evaluated after implementation to determine if it should be continued, expanded, or made permanent. The bill applies statewide but targets specific communities for initial service delivery through the pilot.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A2310) requires all health insurance carriers to cover mental health treatment and therapy for victims of domestic violence as medically necessary, providing full benefits without limitations. It applies to all health insurance providers, including hospitals, medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and individual and group health insurance plans. The bill amends current law to mandate that mental health treatment for domestic violence victims be treated the same as physical injury treatment for coverage purposes. This fills a gap where insurance previously covered physical injuries from domestic violence but not mental health services for the same victims. The coverage requirement applies to all plans where insurers can change premiums.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Auditor to analyze the costs and benefits of certain state-funded programs and initiatives. It applies to any program or tax credit initiative receiving $1 million or more annually in state funding, including those run by accounting agencies or economic development authorities. The auditor must assess direct/indirect costs, tangible/intangible benefits, compare feasible alternatives, and conduct sensitivity testing. The findings must be reported to the Governor, Legislature, and made publicly available online. This provides lawmakers with data to evaluate program effectiveness and make informed budget decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-funded grant program through New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development to support YouthBuild programs for economically disadvantaged youth. It directly affects young people aged 16-24 who have not completed high school, providing them with integrated education and job skills training (split evenly between classroom instruction and construction/vocational training). The program requires participating organizations to provide stipends, leadership development, counseling services, and job placement assistance, with participants earning industry-recognized credentials. The bill appropriates $4 million for fiscal year 2024, increasing annually to $6 million by fiscal year 2028, to fund these programs for eligible nonprofit organizations.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 78) urges Congress to extend the five-year time limit for upgrading certain military honors, such as the Medal of Honor. It specifically references Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe, who died in 2005 after heroic actions in Iraq that saved six soldiers but were only posthumously recognized with a Silver Star (the third-highest combat honor). The resolution highlights that the current rule prevents upgrading awards after five years, even when the Department of Defense recommends an upgrade (as Secretary Esper did for Cashe), and requires Congressional action to waive this limit. The resolution directly affects military personnel whose valor was initially recognized with a lower honor but later deemed worthy of a higher award beyond the five-year window.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey courts to consider the results of a domestic violence assessment before dissolving restraining orders when a defendant has two or more such orders against them. The assessment, conducted by a qualified professional like a psychologist or social worker, evaluates the likelihood of future violence and is paid for by the defendant. Courts must weigh this assessment along with other factors, including whether the victim fears the defendant, the defendant's history of contempt violations, and whether the defendant has engaged in counseling. The bill defines the assessment process and requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to develop standards for who can conduct these assessments.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to create a program offering one-time grants of up to $10,000 to veterans who purchase business franchises in the state. It directly affects veterans who are approved by the EDA for participation and become franchisees operating within New Jersey. Key provisions include requiring veterans to apply for approval, prioritizing those applying within six months of the bill's effective date, and mandating annual reporting to verify the funds were used for franchise purchases within the state. The EDA will administer the program using a dedicated fund supported by state appropriations and eligible private donations.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a 2020 law that prohibited stores, restaurants, and food pantries from providing single-use plastic bags, paper bags, polystyrene foam containers, and plastic straws. It would allow these businesses to once again sell or provide these items without requiring customers to specifically request them. The repeal directly affects retail establishments, food service businesses, and food banks that currently face restrictions on these products. This change reverses specific environmental restrictions on single-use products implemented in 2020.