Asm. Wayne DeAngelo

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 summaryThis ceremonial resolution (ACR 80) commemorates the 126th anniversary of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (JWV), founded in 1896 by 63 Jewish Civil War veterans. It honors the JWV’s historical role as the nation’s oldest continuously active veterans organization, including its advocacy for Jewish service members’ rights (like Yom Kippur leave in 1913) and support during major conflicts. The resolution formally recognizes the JWV’s legacy and directs that copies be sent to its national commander. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it is purely symbolic, acknowledging the organization’s 126 years of service and its 20 posts across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1990) requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to create a free emergency notification system for schools to alert students, staff, parents/guardians, and teachers during active shooter incidents on school grounds. The system must allow users to register any mobile device (like phones or tablets), work with all device types, and automatically contact local law enforcement or state police upon activation. Schools must customize the system using registered contact information, and it will be provided at no cost to all public and nonpublic schools. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the tax on cigars in New Jersey to a maximum of $0.50 per cigar, replacing the current 30% tax on wholesale price. It directly affects cigar retailers and consumers by capping the tax rate, which previously could exceed $0.50 for higher-priced cigars. The key mechanism is amending the tobacco tax law to set this flat maximum, clarifying that cigar tax cannot exceed 50 cents regardless of wholesale cost. This change aims to level the playing field for New Jersey brick-and-mortar cigar shops competing with out-of-state online sellers that don’t collect state tax.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires cable companies with system-wide franchises in New Jersey to provide free, business-class Internet service at public libraries. It mandates that the Internet bandwidth and circuit capacity must match each library's specific needs, not a standard level. The requirement applies only to libraries and applies to cable companies seeking or renewing system-wide franchises. This is a direct policy change affecting cable companies' service obligations and public library access to reliable high-speed Internet.

Maddy summaryThe "Ensuring Transparency in Prior Authorization Act" requires New Jersey health insurance companies and health plans to publicly disclose their prior authorization requirements, clinical criteria, and approval/denial statistics on their websites in plain language. It mandates that physicians - not administrative staff - make decisions on denied services (adverse determinations) and sets strict time limits for decisions (one business day for routine services, 24 hours for urgent care). The law prohibits prior authorization for emergency services, medications for opioid use disorder, and certain generic medications, while preventing insurers from revoking authorizations within 45 business days of care being provided. This bill directly affects insurers, healthcare providers, and patients by making the prior authorization process more transparent and patient-focused.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a two-year grant program using funds from the societal benefits charge. The program provides grants to individuals, businesses, non-profits, and educational institutions to develop innovative technologies for pilot projects at publicly-owned drinking water and wastewater systems. These projects must improve water quality, flow, purification, conservation, or infrastructure - especially those incorporating energy efficiency or renewable energy like in-pipe hydropower - and cannot cover routine infrastructure upgrades. The BPU must consult with relevant agencies, solicit proposals, evaluate applications, and report annually on funded projects, with potential recommendations for statewide adoption after the program ends.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits non-electric vehicles and electric vehicles that are not actively charging or are fully charged from parking in designated electric vehicle (EV) charging locations. It requires these locations to have clear signage identifying them as EV charging spots only, with specific markings indicating that violations are subject to penalties. The law applies to publicly accessible parking spaces designated for EV charging and would allow enforcement against drivers who park in these spots under the prohibited circumstances. Violations could result in fines up to $50 or up to 15 days in jail, or both. The bill aims to ensure that EV charging spaces remain available for electric vehicle drivers who need to charge their vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow spouses and dependent children of disabled veterans to attend New Jersey's four-year public colleges tuition-free. To qualify, students must be enrolled in an undergraduate program, apply for all available state/federal grants/scholarships, and apply for VA education benefits under the Post-9/11 Act. The state would reimburse colleges for waived tuition and fees. It directly affects disabled veterans' families pursuing undergraduate degrees at public institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2634) allows emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics to use their state-issued certification cards as two points of identification when applying for or renewing New Jersey driver licenses, commercial licenses, non-driver ID cards, or boat operator licenses through the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). Currently, applicants must provide two separate documents for the MVC's Six-Point Identification Verification Program; this bill would let EMT/paramedic certification cards count for both required points. The change directly affects EMTs and paramedics seeking MVC services, simplifying their documentation process. The bill requires the MVC to update its verification rules to accept these certification cards as valid identification.