Asm. Margie Donlon

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public school staff in New Jersey to complete training on caring for students with epilepsy or seizure disorders every two years. It directly affects school staff (including teachers, coaches, and support personnel) and students with these conditions. The training, provided through Department of Health-approved courses by nonprofit organizations, covers recognizing seizures, emergency response, and daily care. This update builds on existing law (P.L.2019, c.290) that already requires schools to develop individualized health plans for affected students but adds the mandatory biennial staff training requirement. The law applies to all school-sponsored activities, including those outside regular school hours.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Education (DOE) to create a statewide policy for student cell phone and social media use during school hours, on school buses, or at school events. The policy must include age-appropriate rules (like banning non-academic use during class), allow emergency phone access, accommodate students with disabilities, and cover devices like smartwatches. School districts must adopt a local policy consistent with this DOE policy by the start of the next full school year, though districts may apply for an exemption. The policy also outlines storage options (e.g., lockers) and network restrictions for social media access.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $52,798,268 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and existing farmland preservation funds to New Jersey's State Agriculture Development Committee. It funds the protection of farmland through purchase or easements, providing grants to counties (up to 80% of acquisition costs) and nonprofits (up to 50% of costs), plus $3.45 million for stewardship activities like soil conservation and deer fencing. The funds also cover administrative costs ($28.3 million) for program management and enforcement. This directly supports landowners selling easements, local governments acquiring farmland, and farm operators maintaining preserved land.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $34 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues to fund farmland preservation. It provides counties with base grants ($500,000-$1 million) and eligibility for competitive grants (up to $7.5 million per county) to cover up to 80% of costs for acquiring development easements - conservation agreements that permanently protect farmland from development. The funds target specific counties and municipalities approved for farmland preservation projects under existing state law. The bill redirects existing constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues (approved by voters in 2014) to the Preserve New Jersey Farmland Preservation Fund, with no new tax revenue required.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Board of Medical Examiners to allow physicians to count one optional continuing medical education (CME) credit toward their license renewal for training on menopause. The training covers menopause's physiological and psychological aspects, treatments, related health risks (like heart health and osteoporosis), and communication strategies. Physicians who complete this training would earn a credit that counts toward their required 100 CME hours for license renewal. The bill defines menopause as the natural process where a woman permanently stops having menstrual periods after 12 months without one. It does not mandate the training but offers it as an optional credit.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A6280) amends New Jersey law to reduce the minimum number of New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority (NJ EFA) members required for a quorum. Currently, a quorum requires a majority of the total authorized membership (at least 4 of 7 members). The bill changes this to require only "a majority of the current membership, but not less than three members" present at a meeting. This directly affects the NJ EFA board, making it easier to hold meetings and make decisions by lowering the threshold for quorum. The change applies to all future meetings of the authority without altering the board's size or membership appointments.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires licensing for owners and operators of boarding houses in New Jersey, including cooperative sober living residences (which serve individuals recovering from addiction). It clarifies definitions - such as "boarding house" (excluding hotels/motels) and "cooperative sober living residence" - and mandates separate licensing categories for owners and operators, with fees ranging from $150-$600. Operators must obtain a license from the Department of Community Affairs (or a participating municipality), and violations carry civil penalties up to $25,000 per building. The law directly affects boarding house operators, sober living residences, and the Department of Community Affairs, which administers the licensing process.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) authority to regulate sober living homes and halfway houses as residential substance abuse aftercare facilities. It requires background checks for facility administrators, representative payees (who receive government benefits on behalf of residents), and property owners, disqualifying those with certain criminal convictions. The bill mandates a one-week notice period before removing a resident (except in cases of immediate safety threats), requires biweekly inspections during investigations, and establishes a public registry tracking available openings in these facilities by county. These provisions aim to enhance safety and transparency for residents of substance abuse treatment facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires retailers to provide a raincheck for 60 days if a product or service advertised via a digital coupon (like a phone or website discount) is unavailable at the time of purchase. It directly affects retailers using digital coupons and protects consumers who cannot redeem the advertised offer. The key provision mandates that retailers issue a written raincheck allowing customers to obtain the same item at the same discounted price within 60 days. Violations would be considered consumer fraud under New Jersey law, with penalties including fines.