Asm. Tennille McCoy

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) and Department of Human Services (DHS) to assess whether employment opportunities through community rehabilitation programs and businesses - such as call centers, work crews, AbilityOne contracts, and rehabilitation facility programs - meet federal "competitive integrated employment" standards under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). It directly affects people with disabilities seeking jobs in these settings by ensuring their employment options are evaluated for compliance with WIOA's criteria, including interaction with non-disabled coworkers in typical work environments. The law mandates case-by-case assessments to determine if programs qualify as "competitive integrated employment," while prohibiting disqualification solely based on program type (e.g., AbilityOne or rehabilitation facility contracts). This creates a formal process for agencies to verify that employment options provide equitable opportunities aligned with federal guidelines.

Maddy summaryBill A 2414 creates the New Jersey STEM Entrepreneur Fellowship Program, requiring the Secretary of Higher Education to establish and fund at least 20 three-year fellowships for STEM entrepreneurs. The program supports individuals with viable STEM business ideas that benefit society and can become self-sustaining, prioritizing applicants with backing from state-supported incubators. Fellowships provide funding primarily for commercializing ideas and building structured businesses at New Jersey’s county colleges and four-year institutions. The Secretary must evaluate the program’s effectiveness in creating new businesses within five years of the first fellowship.

Maddy summaryThis bill adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism as an educational resource for New Jersey state agencies, schools, and law enforcement. It defines antisemitism as hatred toward Jews, including specific examples like Holocaust denial, harmful stereotypes (e.g., conspiracy theories about Jewish control), and double standards applied to Israel. The definition is explicitly non-binding and must be used while protecting constitutional rights like free speech. New Jersey lawmakers cite the state's high rate of antisemitic incidents - including ranking third nationally in 2023 - as the basis for this measure.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires veterinarians to provide clear, written disclosures to pet owners before rabies testing on dead companion animals. It mandates that veterinarians give owners a standard notification form detailing testing reasons, body handling protocols, and disposal rules (including that heads may not be returned after testing), along with a pamphlet explaining rabies vaccines and testing procedures. The pamphlet must be provided to owners when a rabies vaccine is administered, and veterinarians must display a related poster in their offices. The law applies to pet owners and veterinarians, with penalties for non-compliance, while also establishing optional mental health training for veterinary staff.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $2 million grant program to provide mental health services to New Jersey veterans. It directs the state's Adjutant General to fund qualified veterans organizations (like 501(c)(3) groups or federally chartered veterans service organizations, including specific New Jersey groups) to contract with licensed mental health professionals. The program aims to expand access to mental health care for veterans through these designated community partners. The $2 million appropriation comes directly from the state General Fund and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires group homes licensed by New Jersey's Division of Developmental Disabilities (serving adults with developmental disabilities receiving Tier C+ services) to install electronic monitoring devices in common areas only when all residents and their authorized representatives unanimously consent in writing. It mandates that group homes must actively seek this consent, provide annual notices about the option, and allow residents to withdraw consent anytime without affecting housing placement. Devices must record continuously, retain footage for 90 days, undergo weekly inspections, and permit residents to review recordings upon request. The bill explicitly prohibits using refusal to consent as a barrier to housing and requires visitor notices at entrances.

Maddy summaryThis bill gives consumers the right to cancel certain home improvement contracts (over $500) within 3 business days, or up to 5 days if aged 60+ or with an intellectual disability. For consumer goods contracts over $500, seniors and individuals with intellectual disabilities may cancel within 3 business days. Contractors must include a clear cancellation notice in contracts and refund all payments within 30 days of cancellation. The law applies to home remodeling and similar goods but excludes real estate transactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates 2026 as New Jersey's "Year of Black History" to celebrate 100 years of Black History Month (since 1926) and mark the 250th anniversary of American independence. It requires the New Jersey Department of State to coordinate events, the Department of Education to develop school materials, and the Economic Development Authority to support film/media initiatives focused on African American history. The bill allocates state funds to cover these activities, including educational programs and community events. It directly affects all New Jersey residents through state-funded educational and cultural initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey cities to stop new lifeguards from joining existing pension plans and modifies certain current pension benefits for lifeguards. It makes it optional for cities to create new pension plans for future lifeguards (instead of requiring them). The changes affect all lifeguards in fourth-class cities and their retirement benefits, including eligibility for pensions after 20 years of service or disability. The bill does not specify exact benefit changes but alters how cities manage these pension funds.