Asm. Tennille McCoy

Maddy summaryACR 111 is a New Jersey Assembly resolution urging Congress to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which expired in 2019. VAWA is a federal law that provides funding and resources to combat domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking, supporting victims through improved law enforcement responses, court protections, and victim services. The resolution references current reauthorization efforts (like H.R. 1620) that include expanded firearm restrictions for abusers, enhanced protections for Native American women, and increased legal assistance for victims. As a symbolic request - not a binding law - it directs copies to Congress, the Department of Justice, and New Jersey’s congressional delegation to encourage federal action.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 19-member Task Force on Institutional Discrimination in Health Care within New Jersey’s Department of Health. The task force will study why health outcomes differ by race and income, review existing research, and identify specific solutions like hospital evaluations and anti-racism training for medical staff. It must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within six months of forming, after which the task force will expire. The bill directly affects New Jersey’s healthcare system and aims to address systemic disparities in patient care.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3632) requires all New Jersey State employees in career, executive, or unclassified service positions to complete training on disability law and etiquette. The training, developed by the State Treasurer with the Commissioner of Human Services, covers the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations, and proper interaction protocols with people with disabilities. Employers must implement the training within one year of the bill’s effective date, requiring existing employees to complete it within 180 days of implementation and new hires within 180 days of hire, with biennial refreshers. Employees must submit certification of completion, and employers must maintain records for the employee’s tenure.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to create a multimedia advertising campaign aimed at attracting individuals to health care careers. The campaign will promote health care professions as engaging and rewarding, highlight available financial support like scholarships and student loan programs, and use digital, TV, radio, and print media. It also requires targeted advertising to recruit more health care professionals from underrepresented racial groups and into high-demand fields identified by state health agencies. The state will fund the $1 million campaign using federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) funds.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution urges Congress and the President to reauthorize the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), which provides the primary federal funding for domestic violence services. The FVPSA currently supports over 1,600 community-based programs nationwide, offering emergency shelter, counseling, legal aid, and crisis intervention to approximately 1.3 million victims annually - including services like the National Domestic Violence Hotline. The resolution highlights that since FVPSA’s 2015 authorization expired, funding has remained below the authorized $175 million, leaving over 11,000 service requests unmet nationally (including 131 in New Jersey) in 2017. It specifically references pending bipartisan bills (S.2784/H.R.6014) seeking to reauthorize the law through 2023.

Maddy summaryAJR 133 designates February 4th of each year as "Women and Girls in Sports Day" in New Jersey. This symbolic resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to recognize and celebrate women's and girls' contributions to sports, while promoting gender equality in athletics. It highlights ongoing gender disparities in sports resources like funding, facilities, and equipment, though the resolution itself does not create new policies or allocate funds. The measure aligns with the existing national observance of "National Girls and Women in Sports Day" and encourages public awareness through community activities. As a joint resolution, it serves as a formal state recognition rather than a legislative mandate with concrete policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey Medicaid coverage to include cochlear implants and auditory osseointegrated devices, in addition to hearing aids, for individuals with hearing impairments when deemed medically necessary. It specifies that these devices, along with related accessories and services, must be prescribed or recommended by a licensed physician or audiologist. The bill codifies and expands upon New Jersey's existing Medicaid coverage for hearing aids, which was already available for medically necessary cases. This change directly affects Medicaid recipients with hearing impairments who require these assistive devices for daily functioning and communication.

Maddy summaryBill A3602 provides a $250,000 supplemental appropriation to fund pediatric clinical services at the Tourette Syndrome Clinic of Rutgers University. It directly supports children with Tourette Syndrome and related disorders in New Jersey by covering diagnostic assessments and counseling services through the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders. The funding is allocated specifically for the clinic’s operations, including sliding-scale fees for families with financial need. This appropriation supplements existing state funding under the 2024 budget for the Division of Family Health Services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all State, county, and municipal social service workers in New Jersey to complete training on implicit bias and cultural competency. Workers must finish an online tutorial by April 1 of every even-numbered year and attend annual in-person training sessions. County boards, municipal councils, and state department heads must certify completion and submit these records to the Department of Labor, making the certifications public information. The training aims to help workers recognize unconscious biases and improve interactions with diverse communities they serve.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3682) requires utility companies providing electricity, gas, water, or sewer services to electronically notify New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) at least five business days before scheduled work in public rights-of-way. The BPU must create and maintain a real-time online database of this information, accessible to all government agencies and utility providers to coordinate work and avoid conflicts. Exceptions apply for emergency repairs, where providers must notify the BPU "as soon as possible" after work begins. The law aims to improve communication and planning for infrastructure projects without altering utility service standards.