Asm. Tennille McCoy

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey's cosmetology licensing exam requirements. It expands language options beyond English by requiring the State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling to offer practical and written exams in English plus the four most commonly spoken languages in the state (determined using Census data). This affects both new applicants and practicing licensees, who may now take each exam portion in one of these four languages or use a translator for practical exams if approved by the board. The Division of Consumer Affairs must verify and update the list of available languages every five years using official data. The change replaces the current limited option of Spanish for practicing licensees.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows bingo halls, raffle organizers, and penny auction operators in New Jersey to accept credit cards, debit cards, or other electronic payments for tickets or shares. It requires the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission to create regulations enabling these electronic payment methods, which are currently prohibited under existing law. The change directly affects licensed operators of these games and their customers, who will now have more payment options. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases annual payments from New Jersey's Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund to municipalities by $15 million (from $740 million to $755 million) over two years. It directly affects most municipalities (excluding those with a municipal purposes tax rate of $0.10 or less per $100) by requiring them to subtract this additional aid from their property tax levies. The bill also prohibits municipalities from anticipating certain revenue when creating annual budgets. These changes aim to provide more direct property tax relief to local governments through the existing fund, which receives energy-related tax revenues.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health to create and distribute pamphlets about family leave programs (under the 1989 Family Leave Act) to healthcare providers. Specifically, maternity care facilities must provide these pamphlets to patients during discharge and display them in waiting areas. The materials will explain available family leave resources, and hospitals must include them in discharge plans for patients needing after-care assistance. This affects maternity care providers and patients transitioning home after hospital stays.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2491, "Concerns electricity load forecasting") requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities to collect and review load-forecasting data from electricity providers (like utilities and large commercial customers) and coordinate with the regional grid operator, PJM. It mandates that utilities and load-serving entities submit their forecasting methods, data, and related contracts to the Board, which must analyze this information to ensure accurate regional grid planning. The Board must also coordinate with PJM and neighboring states to prevent duplicate counting of projects and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature starting in 2026. The goal is to improve forecasting accuracy, maintain grid reliability, and prevent unnecessary costs for New Jersey consumers due to overbuilding or underbuilding infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2468) requires public water systems serving over 500 customers in New Jersey to publish specific financial and operational information online. It directly affects water purveyors (not publicly regulated utilities) by mandating they create a website or webpage on a municipal/county site to post seven key items: service area maps, annual budgets, financial reports, audit documents, management contact details, relevant policies, and vendor payments over $17,500. The goal is to increase public transparency about water system operations and spending. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to grant a 12-week payment pause on NJCLASS student loans for eligible borrowers who become parents. To qualify, borrowers must submit proof of a child's birth or adoption within 120 days, with the deferment starting once proof is received and ending 12 weeks later. During this period, no interest accrues on the loan, directly affecting new parent borrowers enrolled in the NJCLASS program. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A-2436 expands the Early Intervention Support Services (EISS) program to provide crisis intervention services in every county. The bill requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) to establish one EISS program per county, directly affecting adults 18+ with serious mental illness who need rapid access to medication, therapy, and case management outside hospitals. Key mechanisms include DHS funding for county expansion and program enhancements based on need, coordination with counties to improve public awareness and referral pathways, and annual reporting on service usage, stabilization outcomes, and program improvements. The bill mandates DHS to collect data from all programs and issue annual reports to the Governor and Legislature by 18 months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a New Jersey nurse aide workforce development program to support individuals seeking certification. It requires the Department of Health to provide clear information on certification benefits, requirements, and cost-free competency evaluations for nurse aides employed by or offered jobs at long-term care facilities. The program also details employer reimbursement rules: facilities must cover training costs for new hires within 12 months, and employers cannot charge for training if an aide leaves voluntarily or involuntarily. A separate one-year pilot reimburses up to 25% of training costs for completed courses. All resources will be posted on a dedicated Department of Health website.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2412) requires New Jersey public utilities providing gas, electric, water, or sewer service to mail affected customers a detailed explanation of any proposed rate increase before the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) makes a final decision. The notification must include a clear justification for the settlement agreement that would raise individual rates, tolls, charges, or schedules. It applies directly to utility companies and their customers in the service area impacted by the rate change. The bill aims to provide transparency by giving customers advance notice and detailed reasoning before rate hikes are finalized.