Asm. Tennille McCoy

Maddy summaryThis bill provides additional state school funding to New Jersey school districts experiencing enrollment increases when age-restricted housing developments (like senior communities) are converted to regular housing. The aid amount equals the increase in student enrollment from the last full school year before the housing conversion multiplied by the district's actual cost per pupil or its tuition rate, whichever is lower. The funding is limited to the actual number of students who reside in the converted development and enroll in public schools. This assistance helps districts cover costs associated with new students from housing conversions. The bill applies immediately to districts where such conversions occur.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic Assembly Resolution (AR 122) condemns the Alabama Supreme Court ruling in *LePage v. Mobile Infirmary Clinic* (which treats embryos as "extrauterine children") and federal bill H.R. 431 (which would extend constitutional personhood to embryos from fertilization). It reaffirms New Jersey’s existing protections for reproductive health care access, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), which the state already supports through laws requiring insurance coverage for fertility services. The resolution does not create new legal requirements but publicly opposes actions that threaten IVF access and reproductive freedom. New Jersey has previously enacted measures to shield patients and providers from out-of-state prosecution for legally accessed reproductive care.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly resolution urges the U.S. Congress to permanently fund the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides discounted broadband internet and device subsidies to low-income households. The ACP currently offers up to $30 monthly for internet service (or $75 for Tribal lands) and a one-time $100 discount for devices like laptops, helping over 20 million households nationwide - including 335,079 in New Jersey as of January 2024. The resolution notes the program is set to expire in April 2024 due to a $14.2 billion budget exhaustion, risking the loss of $8.3 million monthly in broadband cost savings for New Jersey households. It calls for permanent congressional funding to maintain these benefits, which support essential activities like education, work, and healthcare access.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Autism Education Council within New Jersey's Department of Education to improve services for students with autism in public schools. The council, composed of seven members including the Education Commissioner and appointed representatives from parent groups and autism organizations, will distribute $9.6 million annually (from a $10 million appropriation) to public school districts and colleges. Grants fund professional development for educators, hiring additional support staff, and supplemental programs like after-school socialization and transitional planning. The council must monitor grant impacts and submit annual reports to the Governor, Legislature, and school districts detailing grant recipients, amounts, and outcomes.

Maddy summaryThe "John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New Jersey" establishes a state-level voting rights law to protect racial, color, and language-minority groups' voting rights. It requires election policies to be narrowly tailored to compelling justifications and prohibits methods that impair protected class members' ability to elect their preferred candidates. The bill creates a preclearance process for political subdivisions with prior voting rights violations before implementing election policies, mandates language assistance for language-minority groups meeting census thresholds, and provides remedies including alternative election processes and redistricting changes.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A3726 establishes the State Commission on Minority Affairs within the Department of State. The commission, composed of government officials and 16 public members (appointed with diversity and geographic considerations), will study and address issues affecting minority communities. Its key duties include researching minority employment, business opportunities, affordable housing, and access to services; collecting and sharing data on available programs; advising the Governor; and recommending legislation. The commission must submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature by December 31 each year.

Maddy summaryAJR 162 designates May 1st of each year as "Silver Star Service Banner Day" in New Jersey to honor military service members and veterans who were wounded, ill, or injured during service. It directly affects these individuals and their families, who may display the Silver Star Service Banner as a symbol of their sacrifice. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public recognition through appropriate activities and programs. This is a ceremonial observance with no new funding or regulations, aligning with a national recognition established by Congress in 2010.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the scope of practice for optometrists in New Jersey by allowing them to prescribe more pharmaceutical agents (including some controlled substances), administer certain immunizations (for coronaviruses, influenza, and varicella-zoster virus), and perform simple ophthalmologic procedures like non-invasive laser treatments. It clarifies that optometrists must complete specific training and credentialing to provide these expanded services, including evidence of competence through accredited education programs. The bill directly affects licensed optometrists in New Jersey and their patients, who will have access to a broader range of eye care services from optometrists. The legislation updates the legal definition of optometry practice to better align with optometrists' doctoral education and clinical training.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3778) reaffirms the ongoing operation of the Rutgers Institute of Management and Labor Relations, established in 1947, and appropriates $750,000 annually from the state General Fund to support its work. The Institute will continue offering affordable educational programs - including classes, conferences, and webinars - focused on labor-management relations, with tuition designed to be free for New Jersey residents. It mandates an advisory council with equal representation from labor, management, and the public to guide the Institute’s programs. The funding is supplemental to existing state allocations and must be used to support the Institute’s educational and research activities on workplace issues.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 121) urges New Jersey restaurants that offer mobile ordering to add pop-up warnings cautioning customers against placing orders while driving. It does not create new law but asks restaurants to implement safety features like these warnings during the mobile ordering process. The resolution cites distracted driving as a leading cause of traffic fatalities, noting 42 New Jersey interstate deaths in 2021 were linked to driver inattention, with cell phone use being the most common distraction. It specifically targets mobile ordering features used while operating a vehicle, aligning with existing state law prohibiting handheld device use while driving. The resolution was introduced by Assemblywoman Tennille McCoy (District 14) and directed to the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association.