Asm. Tennille McCoy

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey employers to provide specific accommodations for employees who are breastfeeding their infants. It mandates employers to offer reasonable break time during work hours (paid at the employee's regular rate), job restructuring, and modified work schedules for breastfeeding needs. Employers must also provide a private, non-restroom space for expressing breast milk, free from intrusion by other employees or customers. These accommodations must be provided for as long as the employee desires, and employers cannot penalize employees for requesting or using these accommodations. The bill clarifies these protections as part of New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires law enforcement officers who respond to incidents involving dead bodies to remain at the scene until a medical examiner takes charge of the body. It applies to situations where a medical examiner's investigation is required, such as deaths from criminal violence, accidents, suspicious circumstances, or other scenarios listed in the bill. The law aims to ensure proper handling and preservation of bodies during critical investigation periods. This change affects all responding law enforcement officers in New Jersey who encounter dead bodies requiring a medical examiner's investigation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the "New Jersey Works Dual Enrollment Option Program" to help at-risk high school students (identified by school districts as likely to drop out) and recent dropouts complete their diplomas. It allows these students to take college courses at county colleges, where credits count toward both their high school diploma and a college credential - all at no cost to the student. Upon successful completion, the state’s Department of Labor must provide job placement assistance. The program requires school districts and county colleges to form agreements outlining course credits and funding, with school districts receiving state aid for participating students.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to cover Advanced Placement (AP) exam fees for high school students from households earning at or below 3.70 times the federal poverty level (approximately $87,135 for a family of four in 2024). Specifically, districts must pay fees for students at or below 1.85x poverty level (up to $43,567.50 for a family of four), and for those between 1.85x and 3.70x poverty level. The state will reimburse districts for these costs, with district payments not exceeding current fees. The law takes effect for the 2024-2025 school year.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A3551) requires all new front-loading washing machines and dryers sold in the state to include child safety locks that prevent doors from opening and cannot be removed without a key or combination. It also mandates manufacturers to provide and install these locks (at no cost to consumers) on existing machines sold without them, along with warning stickers and notices about the risks. The bill cites Consumer Product Safety Commission data showing at least three child deaths and 3,000 injuries since 2014 related to children becoming trapped in these appliances. Violations carry civil penalties up to $10,000 per offense, enforced by the Division of Consumer Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a two-year scholarship program for New Jersey public college students committed to community service in climate action, K-12 education, or food insecurity. It provides $10,000 scholarships per student (totaling $9 million) to undergraduates who commit to 15 hours per week of service during one academic year and agree to pursue full-time work in these fields after graduation. Public colleges may also apply for $100,000 grants (totaling $1 million) to develop partnerships with community organizations in these service areas and offer academic credit for service work. The program requires students to be NJ residents or eligible for state aid and remain in good academic standing. The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority and Secretary of Higher Education will administer the scholarship and grant programs, respectively.

Maddy summaryThis bill, A3506, requires New Jersey's child welfare system to notify children in resource family care (foster care with a foster family) and their foster parents when a case manager or supervisor is assigned or reassigned to the child. It also mandates that the Department of Children and Families promptly inform children about property or benefits they own (such as Social Security) at the time of placement. Additionally, the department must notify children of its intent to apply for federal benefits on their behalf and allow them to review the application before submission. These changes ensure transparency and direct involvement for children in foster care regarding their case management and financial entitlements.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A513 would provide tuition-free classroom training for eligible apprentices in registered apprenticeship programs. It directly affects low-income individuals whose household income is below New Jersey's median (determined by U.S. Census data), who are enrolled in apprenticeships and meet specific criteria: their employer doesn't cover tuition, they've exhausted federal aid, and they maintain active apprenticeship employment with good academic standing. The bill requires public colleges and vocational schools to waive tuition for these courses, funded through existing state workforce development funds or Wagner-Peyser Act dollars. This policy change aims to reduce financial barriers for apprentices pursuing vocational training.

Maddy summaryACR 109 is a New Jersey Assembly concurrent resolution urging Congress to pass the federal Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA). It specifically calls for Congress to authorize grants for palliative care training centers, fund physician/nurse fellowships, and support research on end-of-life care. The resolution also asks New Jersey's congressional delegation to advocate for funding solutions like carving out Medicare graduate medical education funds for palliative care fellowships. This resolution directly affects federal policymakers and New Jersey healthcare institutions by seeking to expand palliative care training programs. (Note: ACR 109 is a non-binding resolution, not a law, so it does not directly change policy but requests federal action.)

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 101) urges President Biden to use executive authority to cancel up to $50,000 in federal student loan debt per eligible borrower. It directly addresses the 43 million Americans holding approximately $1.6 trillion in federal student loans, with particular focus on borrowers disproportionately impacted by debt burdens (including women, minorities, and low-income households). The resolution cites Section 432(a) of the Higher Education Act as the legal basis for administrative debt cancellation, referencing prior pandemic-era relief under this authority. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new law but formally requests the President take action.