Asm. Antwan McClellan

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's Megan's Law to require individuals convicted of sex offenses in foreign countries (or fleeing charges there) to register with local police, similar to domestic offenders. It specifically mandates law enforcement to ask sex offenders about their immigration status and cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The law applies to anyone who is enrolled in an NJ school, employed in the state for specified periods, or resides in New Jersey after a foreign conviction. Registration requirements include submitting forms to local police within 10 days of moving to NJ or 120 days after the law's effective date, with penalties for non-compliance. The bill does not change the definition of "sex offense" but extends existing registration obligations to cover foreign convictions.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill amends child custody laws and mandates new training for judicial staff. It requires courts to prioritize equal parental rights in custody decisions, consider specific factors like domestic violence history and child safety, and document reasoning for non-agreed custody arrangements. The bill also mandates that all judges and court personnel complete annual training on child abuse, domestic violence, adverse childhood experiences, trauma impacts, and evidence-based practices. These changes directly affect judges, court staff, and parents involved in custody or child abuse cases. The training must cover abuse types, mental health impacts, and community resources, with curriculum updates every two years.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges New Jersey's state and federal agencies to pause sonar testing and wind turbine mapping near offshore wind projects. It cites NOAA data showing 12 whale deaths (including 8 humpbacks) and 5 dolphin deaths in February 2023 off New Jersey's coast - deaths occurring near active wind development sites. The resolution requests an immediate moratorium to allow scientific study of whether these activities interfere with marine mammals' navigation and communication. It specifically targets the Department of Environmental Protection and the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. The resolution does not create new law but calls for a pause while investigations continue.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates an additional $1 billion in state funding specifically for after-school recreation programs in urban areas. The funds, managed by the Commissioner of Education, will directly support urban communities by improving playgrounds, pools, and recreational infrastructure; reopening closed parks; and creating mentorship programs with computer science, home economics, and life skills education. The money is designated for physical facility upgrades and educational programming, not for general school operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to provide both vehicle registration services (like license plates and ownership certificates) and driver licensing services (like driver's licenses and ID cards) in every county. Specifically, the MVC must operate either separate agencies for each service type in every county, or a single agency handling both services per county. The bill mandates this change to ensure all New Jersey residents can access these essential services locally, rather than traveling to centralized locations. It takes effect three months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires developers of new affordable housing projects (10+ units or 4+ stories) to meet LEED Silver or equivalent green building standards. It also mandates that these developers submit four impact studies to local municipalities before construction: traffic, school, storm water, and carbon (if clearing over one acre of land). The requirements apply to "inclusionary developments" as defined under existing law and do not affect projects with applications submitted before the bill's effective date. The bill directs the Commissioner of Community Affairs to adopt implementing rules within eight months of enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state employees whose jobs involve face-to-face public interaction (like in-person services at state offices) to return to in-person work during the ongoing pandemic emergency. State agencies must publish safety plans within 15 business days of the bill's enactment, detailing protective measures like PPE, cleaning protocols, social distancing, and accommodations for high-risk employees. If an office must temporarily close, agencies must provide public alternatives such as virtual services or mobile units. The bill expires when the state's declared public health emergency ends.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to add specific, age-appropriate instruction about cannabis and marijuana risks to health and physical education curricula for grades 3-12. It mandates teaching students about cannabis' effects on adolescent brains and bodies, THC's impact, addiction risks, driving under influence dangers, differences between medicinal and recreational use, and factors influencing usage decisions. The Department of Education must develop this content in consultation with the Division of Addiction Services. The policy takes effect 60 days after enactment, directly affecting all K-12 public school students and educators in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for New Jersey employers who hire qualified individuals with disabilities. Employers can claim a 15% credit on wages paid to these employees (up to $2,000 per employee annually), provided the worker meets ADA criteria, works at least 35 hours weekly at $15+ per hour, and is not an independent contractor. To qualify, employers must apply for certification through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, which must approve applications within 90 days. The credit applies to both corporation business tax and gross income tax returns, with limits preventing credits from reducing tax liability below the statutory minimum.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey's State Board of Education from requiring teachers to use "student growth objectives" (SGOs) to measure student progress as part of teacher evaluations. Currently, SGOs account for 15-50% of a teacher's evaluation score. The bill directly affects all public school teachers by eliminating this specific evaluation component. The key provision bans the State Board from mandating SGOs or any substantially similar assessment for teacher evaluations, effective immediately upon enactment.