Asm. Luanne Peterpaul

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $55 million from existing constitutionally dedicated tax revenues and Green Acres funds to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The funds will finance specific capital projects for state parks and recreation areas, including boating access facilities, campground improvements, habitat enhancements, bridge and building repairs, and historic structure maintenance. The allocation details $55 million across 16 categories, such as $13.2 million for recreational development and $10 million for health/safety projects. These projects directly affect state park infrastructure and public access to New Jersey's conservation lands managed by the DEP.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1067) requires the state's Department of Human Services to conduct a landscape analysis of mental health services accessible to deaf and hard of hearing residents. It mandates that mental health services be provided in a client's primary communication method (like sign language or speech), delivered by professionals certified in that method and trained in culturally appropriate care for the deaf community. The bill also requires the creation of a resource guide listing providers meeting these standards and defines key terms like "culturally affirmative mental health services." It directly affects deaf and hard of hearing individuals seeking mental health care across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows pharmacists to provide HIV prevention drugs (both PrEP for ongoing protection and PEP for emergency use after potential exposure) without a specific doctor's prescription under certain conditions. It directly affects patients seeking HIV prevention, pharmacists who will administer these services, and health insurance companies. Pharmacists must complete required training, verify patients have a recent negative HIV test (within 7 days), check for medication conflicts, and provide up to 90 days of medication. The bill also requires health insurance plans to cover these HIV prevention drugs under prescription benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey school boards to lease school properties no longer needed for educational purposes to federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) without competitive bidding. It adds FQHCs to the existing list of entities - such as government agencies, fire departments, and certain nonprofits - that can lease such property for a nominal fee without bidding. Leases must be compatible with school operations, as determined by the state education commissioner. This change simplifies access to school facilities for FQHCs, which provide community healthcare services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state agencies - including departments, commissions, public authorities, and other government entities - to make their websites fully accessible to people with disabilities and compatible with mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. It mandates compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA standard (or newer versions) for all agency websites. State agencies must obtain certification from the Chief Technology Officer within two years of the bill's effective date, with recertification required every two years thereafter. The law applies to all existing and new government websites, ensuring they can be navigated, viewed, and accessed by people with disabilities across all devices.

Maddy summaryAJR 122 designates the last weekend in October each year as "Honor Your Hometown Weekend" in New Jersey. It requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and residents to celebrate their hometowns through community events. The resolution also asks the Governor to urge Congress and the President to create a similar national observance. This is a ceremonial resolution with no new laws, funding, or binding requirements - it simply recognizes hometowns as unifying community assets. It affects all New Jersey residents by formally designating a time for local community appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Agriculture to include aquaculture products (fish and shellfish raised through farming in the state or state waters) in the existing Jersey Fresh Program, which currently promotes locally grown produce. It mandates the department to develop a specific quality grading system for these aquaculture products and allocate $100,000 annually from the General Fund for advertising and promotion. The funding supports marketing efforts to help New Jersey aquaculture producers compete in the marketplace, with the program expanding the Jersey Fresh Program's scope beyond traditional agricultural commodities. The bill directly affects state aquaculture businesses by creating a dedicated marketing channel for their products.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services to create a public awareness campaign about doulas. It mandates the campaign to explain doulas' role before, during, and after pregnancy; describe their services and benefits; and list free or low-cost resources for doula care. The campaign must develop materials in the top 10 languages spoken in New Jersey and distribute them online and through health clinics, WIC offices, Planned Parenthood, pharmacies, and community organizations. The bill directly affects residents seeking maternal care by improving access to information about doula services, without changing healthcare eligibility or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey law enforcement officers to conduct a standardized danger assessment for individuals they reasonably believe are victims of domestic violence. The assessment, done with the victim's consent using an evidence-based tool approved by the Attorney General, evaluates risk factors like recent violence, injuries, and firearm use to determine if the victim faces elevated risk of serious harm. If the assessment indicates high risk, officers must inform the victim and, with consent, immediately connect them to domestic crisis teams or other support services. The bill also mandates training for officers and judges on conducting these assessments and responding to high-risk cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits certification requirements for career and technical education (CTE) teachers seeking a "Certificate of Eligibility" through the alternate route program. It prohibits the State Board of Education from requiring these teachers to complete educator preparation programs exceeding 200 hours or one academic year (currently 350 hours). The bill also removes the requirement to pass basic skills tests like the Praxis Core if candidates demonstrate proficiency through approved alternatives (e.g., occupational licenses, portfolios). These changes aim to streamline certification for CTE teachers, addressing concerns about program length and cost that have impacted recruitment.