Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's EMT Training Fund to reimburse costs for emergency medical technician (EMT) training provided to volunteer firefighters, in addition to the existing coverage for volunteer ambulance, first aid, and rescue squad members. It establishes a priority order for reimbursement, starting with EMT-A certification and recertification, followed by EMT-D, EMT-B, and epinephrine auto-injector training. The law also prohibits training providers from charging fees to eligible volunteer members of these groups. These changes ensure consistent funding for EMT training across volunteer emergency response organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1781) requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development to study how artificial intelligence (AI) affects the state's economy, specifically focusing on high-skilled professions like doctors, lawyers, and data analysts. The Commissioner must consult with the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology and submit a report within one year detailing AI's predicted impact on labor markets, affected industries, education needs, emerging jobs, and economic productivity. The report will inform future policy decisions but does not create new laws or directly change current regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to appropriate at least $10 million annually from the state General Fund for Public Health Priority Funding, starting July 1 after enactment. It directly affects local health departments by restoring a dedicated, unrestricted funding source they lost in 2010 (when the program was eliminated). The funding would allow these departments to cover core operational costs and address local health needs, rather than relying solely on restricted federal/state funds for specific services like vaccines. This reinstates a program originally established in 1977 that previously provided about 15% of local health department funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $10 million grant program to support volunteer fire companies in New Jersey by funding operational costs and sustainability efforts. The program, administered by the Division of Fire Safety, provides grants for emergency equipment like protective gear, tools, maintenance, and training (but not new vehicles or buildings). Volunteer fire companies must apply with specific details on equipment needs and how funds will improve operations, and they must report on fund usage and impact within a year. The Division will publish annual reports on program outcomes, including grant recipients, equipment purchased, and recommendations for future funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a non-refundable New Jersey gross income tax credit for eligible homeschooling expenses incurred by parents or guardians. Taxpayers with gross income under $260,000 can claim up to $2,500 per child or dependent for qualified expenses (like textbooks, educational software, school supplies, and internet fees), with a total annual cap of $7,500. An additional $1,000 credit is available per child with special needs, raising the total annual cap to $10,500. The credit applies to expenses for children or dependents and includes specific provisions for married couples filing separately.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates practice restrictions for advanced practice nurses (APNs) in New Jersey, allowing them to practice to the full extent of their training without requiring physician supervision or joint protocols. APNs with more than 24 months or 2,400 hours of experience can practice independently, while those with less experience must maintain a joint protocol with a physician for prescribing medications. The bill updates requirements for prescribing medications (including pharmacology continuing education), authorizing medical cannabis, and practicing anesthesia, and repeals sections of law requiring physician collaboration. These changes aim to improve healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas, by expanding the scope of practice for APNs who are already trained to provide primary and specialty care. The bill also modifies documentation requirements so that APNs can use their own signatures instead of requiring physician endorsements.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill 5391 creates the Riot Related Property Destruction and Restitution Act, which establishes new criminal offenses for aggravated riot and riot-related property destruction. The bill defines aggravated riot based on factors such as group size, use of weapons, obstruction of emergency responders, or leadership roles, while grading property destruction charges according to the total value of damage caused during the event. It mandates that courts order full restitution from convicted individuals to cover repair costs, cleanup expenses, and lost business revenue, in addition to any criminal penalties. Furthermore, the legislation creates a civil cause of action allowing victims to sue for economic damages and requires noncustodial sentences to include enforceable payment schedules for restitution.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill 5392 elevates aggravated assault against law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical providers, and correctional personnel to a first-degree crime if the attack occurs during a civil disturbance and causes serious bodily injury. This change imposes a mandatory prison sentence of at least ten years with a ten-year period of parole ineligibility for such offenses. The bill also removes the legal presumption that defendants charged with this specific type of aggravated assault are eligible for pretrial release, requiring courts to justify any decision to free them before trial.