Asm. Tennille McCoy

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale, distribution, manufacture, or import of jewelry containing more than 0.03% cadmium by weight in New Jersey. It directly affects jewelry manufacturers, distributors, importers, and retail stores, requiring immediate recalls of non-compliant products. Retailers must remove recalled jewelry from sale within 48 hours and return all inventory to the manufacturer within 14 days at the manufacturer's cost. Manufacturers must dispose of recalled jewelry within 60 days to prevent public access, with violations enforced under the Consumer Fraud Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3495) strengthens protections for hotel, motel, and similar hospitality franchisees in New Jersey by amending the Franchise Practices Act. It prohibits franchisors from: keeping rebates from vendors without sharing them with franchisees, forcing exclusive purchases from franchisor-designated suppliers when comparable options exist, opening competing outlets in franchisees' protected territories without consent, unilaterally changing key contract terms (except for health/safety), imposing undisclosed fees, charging for low guest enrollment in loyalty programs, or selling loyalty points without compensating franchisees for lost revenue. The law applies only to franchises requiring a physical location in New Jersey and ensures franchisees cannot be terminated for violating these new rules. It directly affects franchisees operating hospitality businesses under agreements requiring in-state operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill would adopt New Jersey into the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, an interstate agreement that allows dentists and dental hygienists licensed in one participating state to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses in each state. To practice in another participating state, licensees would need to meet requirements like passing national board exams and having graduated from accredited programs, and would apply for a "compact privilege" to practice there. The compact would establish a commission to oversee the agreement and a data system to share licensure and disciplinary information among participating states, with adverse actions in one state affecting a professional's ability to practice in all participating states.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "EMS Part" within New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), specifically for emergency medical services employees. It establishes enhanced retirement benefits including a pension equal to 50% of final compensation for employees with 20 or more years of service, plus additional benefits for those with 20-25 years of service. Eligible positions include emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical services supervisors, and other certified health professionals providing emergency medical services. The State will cover increased pension costs for counties and municipalities resulting from this new retirement system component.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for developers building affordable housing projects in designated low-income neighborhoods across New Jersey. It directly affects developers constructing housing meeting federal affordability standards (50% of area median income) within specific "distressed neighborhoods" or "deep poverty pockets" identified by the state. The key mechanism provides tax credits to offset development costs, targeting areas with high poverty rates (20%+ poverty level) or low median family income (80% of state average). The credit applies to projects in four defined zones: distressed municipalities, Garden State Growth Zones, aviation districts, or areas near major rail stations. The bill amends existing law to establish this credit, with projects requiring approval from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health, in collaboration with the Department of Labor, to create and distribute a pamphlet about family leave programs under the Family Leave Act (P.L.1989, c.261). Health care facilities providing maternity care must display the pamphlet in waiting areas and give it to patients at discharge. Hospitals must also include the pamphlet in discharge plans provided to caregivers, ensuring patients receive clear information about available family leave resources. The goal is to improve access to family leave support for new parents and caregivers after hospital stays.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 130) urges New Jersey's Governor and Legislature to create programs supporting social work education. It specifically addresses the high student debt burden faced by social work students (average $26,500 for bachelor's degrees and $48,000 for master's degrees) and low median salaries ($50,390), which deter individuals from entering the field. The resolution proposes initiatives like scholarships and loan redemption programs to incentivize social work careers and strengthen the state's workforce. It directly affects prospective and current social workers pursuing degrees in New Jersey. The resolution is non-binding and serves as a formal request for action.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 134) urges the U.S. Congress to renew funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides monthly internet discounts and device subsidies to low-income households. The ACP currently serves over 20 million households nationwide - including 335,079 in New Jersey as of January 2024 - with discounts of up to $30 monthly (or $75 for Tribal lands) and a one-time $100 device subsidy. Without congressional action, the program is set to expire in April 2024 after exhausting its $14.2 billion budget. The resolution highlights how the ACP helps households access essential services like education, healthcare, and remote work by closing the digital divide.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public community water systems in New Jersey to test water quality quarterly for compliance with secondary drinking water standards. Systems must sample at least 10% of customer taps (in addition to entry points) and report results to the state environmental department, local municipalities, and customers. If tests exceed standards, systems must create a compliance plan within 30 days to fix issues within 30 days, and submit a maintenance plan to ensure ongoing adherence. The law aims to improve transparency and consistency in water quality monitoring for residents served by public water systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a certification program for businesses owned and controlled by LGBTQ+ individuals in New Jersey. To qualify, a business must be at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by LGBTQ+ persons (including real, substantial management authority), not just formally registered. The Division of Revenue will process applications and maintain a public listing in the SAVI database for state contracting agencies to identify certified businesses. This creates a standardized process for certification but does not require state agencies to prioritize these businesses in contracts.