Asm. Tennille McCoy

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 901, "Max's Law") requires New Jersey public school districts to include age-appropriate instruction on the dangers of fentanyl and xylazine in health education for students in grades 6-12. Key provisions mandate teaching specific topics like abuse prevention, poisoning symptoms, emergency response, and legal protections for seeking help, using resources from federal agencies like the CDC and DEA. The bill also requires the state education department to provide resources, maintain online materials for schools and parents, and submit annual reports on the curriculum's effectiveness. The bill was withdrawn after being approved as P.L.2025, c.278.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's "AI Job Creation and Economic Development Fund Program" to provide financial support for local businesses adopting AI technology. It directly affects New Jersey-based start-ups (operating ≤7 years), small businesses (SBA-defined), and medium-sized businesses that develop AI capabilities, offering grants up to $500,000 for AI innovation hubs or low-interest loans up to $1 million for business expansion. To qualify, businesses must demonstrate AI intellectual property, a job-creation plan, and financial need for the assistance. The program appropriates $175.5 million from the state budget, with the Economic Development Authority administering the funds and requiring annual reports on job creation and loan repayments.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's Military Recruit Graduation Assistance Program within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). It provides financial assistance to cover travel and related expenses for low-income immediate family members (spouses, parents, children, or siblings) of military recruits to attend boot camp graduation ceremonies. Eligibility requires household income at or below 50% of the median income for similar-sized households in the area. The program requires the DMVA to develop application guidelines, award criteria, and record-keeping procedures, with no application fees and implementation dependent on future legislative funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 20-member Chronic Absenteeism Task Force to study chronic absenteeism in New Jersey public schools. The task force, appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders, will analyze root causes - including mental health, school climate, pandemic impacts, and discipline policies - and research state best practices to develop recommendations. It must issue a final report to the Governor and Legislature within six months, focusing on strategies to improve school attendance and family engagement. The task force expires 30 days after submitting its report. This bill directly affects public school students and districts by addressing a growing issue: chronic absenteeism rose to 16.6% in 2022-2023, up from 10.6% pre-pandemic.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill provides temporary mortgage relief to homeowners directly impacted by Hurricane Ida's 2021 flooding. It requires mortgage servicers to grant a one-year payment pause (forbearance) to eligible homeowners who received federal disaster aid for storm-damaged primary residences, meet income limits (under 150% of median income), and have limited savings. During this period, servicers cannot charge fees, penalties, or report negative credit information, and must halt foreclosure actions. The relief applies only to those who obtained FEMA or similar federal assistance for damage sustained to their homes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs to cover medically tailored nutrition services for enrollees diagnosed with specific health conditions. It mandates coverage for 10 ready-to-eat medically tailored meals weekly for conditions like heart failure and type 2 diabetes, medically tailored foods for 14 meals weekly for type 2 diabetes or obesity, $25+ weekly food subsidies for pre-diabetes or hypertension, and medical nutrition therapy for diabetes or kidney disease. All services must be prescribed by a doctor and designed by a registered dietitian or licensed nutritionist as part of a treatment plan. The bill applies directly to eligible Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare enrollees with these diagnosed conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes establishing the New Jersey Life Sciences Training and Development Program within the existing Workforce Development Partnership Fund. It allocates 2% of the fund's resources (from designated workforce development revenues) to this program, which would be managed by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development in collaboration with the Economic Development Authority and Higher Education. The program aims to provide training and development opportunities for workers in the life sciences sector, directly supporting job readiness and career advancement in this industry. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Health Infrastructure Committee after its introduction on January 13, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to review and update statewide policies for investigating human trafficking. It directs the AG to specifically consider: whether recording undercover investigations protects victims and investigation integrity, strict rules for sharing such recordings, and involving county prosecutors early in cases. The policy review must address these points to better protect victims and support law enforcement. The bill responds to a 2024 commission report on human trafficking in New Jersey's massage industry and applies directly to county/municipal law enforcement and victims of trafficking.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a single online application portal for New Jersey residents to pre-apply for multiple affordable housing options (rental, for-sale, temporary, and priority housing) across the state. It consolidates 10 separate housing subsidy programs - including Section 8 vouchers, rental assistance, and homeless prevention programs - into one application that can determine final eligibility. The portal will let applicants select specific municipalities or regions and replace the current system where residents must submit duplicate applications for each program. This change aims to simplify the process for low-income residents seeking housing assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for on-demand micro transit services (like app-based shared rides) operating in New Jersey. It requires providers - such as the New Jersey Transit Corporation, county agencies, or other entities - to report monthly data on costs, ridership, and wait times, and to publish quarterly summaries online. Key requirements include ensuring drivers have commercial licenses, receive fair pay comparable to other transit workers, provide accessible services for people with disabilities (including wheelchair vehicles and non-smartphone options), and create new service in areas without existing transit ("transit deserts") rather than replacing it. A new Micro Transit Oversight Committee must certify all plans meet these standards before services begin.