Asm. Luanne Peterpaul

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Children's System of Care (DCSOC) to change how family support and respite care services are provided to individuals under 21 with developmental disabilities. It establishes a 12-month authorization period for services (replacing the current 90-day renewal), ensures families receive a dedicated "bank" of respite care hours separate from other support hours, and replaces annual reapplications with an annual reevaluation of service needs. The bill specifically covers three respite care types: agency-hired (worker employed by contracted agency), agency-weekend (weekend services outside home), and self-hired (family hires and pays for care). It prohibits reducing existing respite care hours during the 12-month period.

Maddy summaryACR 157 is a symbolic resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry, directly affirming support for Hindu Americans in New Jersey. It formally declares the state's stance against prejudice toward Hinduism ("Sanatana Dharma") and Hindus, citing documented hate crimes and Hindu contributions to U.S. society. The resolution requires transmission to the Governor, New Jersey’s congressional delegation, and the Hindu American Foundation in Washington, DC. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create legal obligations but serves as a public statement of the state’s position. It recognizes Hinduism’s global significance and the community’s economic and cultural contributions to New Jersey and the U.S.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a three-year pilot program for Integrated Domestic Violence Courts in Camden, Essex, Hudson, and Middlesex counties. It combines domestic violence cases, divorce, child custody, and related criminal matters under a single judge to streamline proceedings, reduce court appearances, and improve victim safety. The courts will include on-site resource coordinators, victim advocates, and social workers, and judges must have specialized knowledge in domestic violence law. The program requires the court administration to monitor effectiveness and report to the legislature after 12 months and at the program’s conclusion.

Maddy summaryThe "Climate Superfund Act" would hold fossil fuel companies liable for climate change damages by requiring them to pay compensatory payments based on their historical greenhouse gas emissions. It targets companies that extracted or refined fossil fuels and are responsible for over one billion metric tons of emissions between 1995 and the bill's effective date. The bill establishes a program through New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to collect these payments and distribute funds for climate adaptation projects, such as flood protection, infrastructure upgrades, and health programs. Companies would pay their proportional share of damages over nine years, with options for installment payments, and the collected funds would specifically support projects that help communities prepare for climate impacts.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1445 requires public colleges and universities to readmit undergraduate students who withdrew due to military service (including active duty, National Guard, or Reserve service). Schools must reinstate students with their exact academic standing from before their service interruption. Students must submit a written request for the next available semester, and institutions cannot charge application or processing fees for these requests. The law applies starting the first full academic year after its effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school meal providers to prioritize purchasing foods from local sources when using federal or state funds for school meal programs. It mandates that school food authorities and contracted vendors give geographic preference to foods produced within 100 miles of the school, with specific preference given to in-state farmers within that 100-mile radius. The policy applies to procurement under the Local Food for Schools program and similar initiatives, requiring contracts to include compliance provisions and documentation to verify adherence to these sourcing requirements. The bill aims to support local agriculture while ensuring school meal programs follow specific geographic sourcing guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 5303) requires New Jersey's Attorney General to review and update the statewide policy for investigating human trafficking. It directs the AG to specifically consider: (1) using audio/video recordings in undercover operations to protect investigations and victims, (2) strict rules for sharing such recordings, (3) involving county prosecutors early in investigations, and (4) other relevant areas. The review responds to a 2024 Commission report on human trafficking in the massage industry. This policy update will affect law enforcement agencies conducting human trafficking investigations statewide.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey electric and gas utilities using smart meters to create an "Energy Bill Watch" program for customers. It mandates utilities to notify smart meter customers on the 10th and 20th days of each billing cycle if their usage exceeds their previous cycle's average, allow customers to set dollar-based usage alerts, and provide monthly cost and consumption data in notifications. Utilities must automatically enroll smart meter customers (with opt-out options), advertise the program via email, social media, websites, and bills, and include specific billing details - previous cycle cost, current cycle cost, and the difference - on all customer bills. The program applies only to utilities using smart meters and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires mental health services in New Jersey to be provided in a culturally affirming and linguistically appropriate manner for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. It mandates that services be delivered in the client's primary method of communication, as determined by the client's preference or a communication assessment, and that mental health professionals be certified as fluent in that method. The bill establishes a deaf services coordinator position within the Department of Human Services to oversee implementation, develop certification standards for professionals, and ensure access to services statewide, including through telemedicine in underserved areas. It also requires the development of a statewide system of care with specific standards for communication accessibility and cultural competence in mental health services.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution (AR 178) condemns the U.S. House of Representatives for passing a budget resolution that would cut $1.5 trillion from the federal budget over ten years, specifically targeting healthcare (Medicaid/Medicare), education, and SNAP benefits. It urges the U.S. Senate to reject the House resolution, citing potential severe impacts on New Jersey residents who rely on these programs: approximately 1.8 million low- and moderate-income people use NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid/CHIP), and 830,000 receive SNAP food assistance. The resolution states that funding cuts could reduce federal Medicaid support by up to $5.2 billion and threaten SNAP benefits through eligibility restrictions or benefit limits. As a procedural resolution, it does not change laws but expresses New Jersey's opposition to the proposed cuts.