Asm. Anthony Verrelli

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A1698) allows eligible voters to register to vote on election day or during early voting at their assigned polling place or early voting site, provided they meet specific requirements. It directly affects voters who missed the standard 21-day registration deadline before an election. Key provisions require voters to provide valid ID (like a utility bill or photo ID), complete a provisional ballot affirmation statement confirming they haven't voted already, and submit the registration in person. The bill updates existing law to make same-day registration at polling locations a standard option, ensuring provisional ballots from eligible voters are counted if all requirements are met.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes it a crime for someone to falsely claim ownership or possession of a residential rental property they don’t legally own or control, with the intent to rent it out or gain a benefit. Violations are classified as fourth-degree crimes (up to 18 months in jail or $10,000 fine) and also violate New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act. It specifically targets "imposter landlords" who misuse online platforms like Craigslist to rent properties they don’t own, while exempting actual tenants, subtenants, and real estate professionals acting in good faith. The law does not apply to internet platforms or override existing civil/criminal liabilities for fraud or theft.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey colleges to let final-year graduate students in mental health fields (like psychology or social work) graduate early or enter clinical residencies before the usual graduation date during the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 academic years. To qualify, students must complete all coursework, and institutions must assign a staff mentor to guide them during their residency. It specifically covers licensed mental health professionals including psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and therapists. The law aims to address pandemic-related mental health workforce shortages by accelerating student entry into practice.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 1791) creates a new "special probation" option for drug and alcohol-dependent individuals convicted of certain non-violent offenses who would otherwise face mandatory prison time. It allows courts to place eligible defendants on 5 years of probation requiring treatment at a licensed facility, instead of incarceration, if they meet strict criteria: they must have been dependent at the time of the offense (committed while under influence or to support addiction), have no prior violent convictions (murder, assault, etc.), no firearm involvement, and no recent serious drug distribution offenses. The program requires professional assessment, treatment compliance, and urine testing, while excluding those with multiple prior first/second-degree crimes or violent histories. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows cosigners on New Jersey's NJCLASS student loans to make voluntary payments beyond what the borrower pays, with those payments qualifying for a tax deduction. Cosigners earning $80,000 or less can deduct the full amount paid, while those earning more can deduct 50%. It also expands tax deductions for borrowers: those earning $80,000 or less can deduct all interest paid on NJCLASS loans, and higher earners can deduct 50% of interest. The policy directly affects NJCLASS borrowers and their cosigners by providing tax relief on loan payments and interest. It applies specifically to the New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students (NJCLASS) Program.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 17-member "Police Body Camera Implementation Task Force" to study and recommend best practices for body cameras used by law enforcement in New Jersey. The task force, including representatives from police unions, civil rights groups, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers, will examine implementation requirements and rules for accessing body camera recordings. It must submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature by December 30, 2021. The bill does not mandate body cameras but aims to inform future policy decisions affecting law enforcement agencies and public safety practices.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 2220) requires health care providers and insurance carriers to obtain a patient's explicit written consent before sharing their medical records related to reproductive health care services - such as pregnancy, contraception, or abortion care - unless specific exceptions apply. The law directly affects patients receiving these services, ensuring they control how their sensitive health information is used or shared. Key exceptions include medical emergencies, legal requirements (like court orders), sharing with a patient's own health care team, or disclosures to authorities investigating abuse. The bill prohibits selling, marketing, or using such records for non-treatment purposes without consent, while preserving existing federal privacy protections under HIPAA. Violations could result in $1,000 penalties per incident.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school districts or contracted transportation providers in New Jersey to maintain at least one school bus aide for every 15 special needs students on any bus transporting such students, including mixed buses with general education students. It defines "special needs" as students eligible for special education services under federal law, excluding those classified solely for "specific learning disability." The requirement applies immediately upon enactment and takes effect for the first full school year after the bill becomes law. The bill directly affects school transportation providers and ensures consistent aide staffing for students requiring specialized support during bus transit.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A 2080 requires the Attorney General to create an anonymous reporting program for school safety threats. The program will allow students, parents, school staff, and community members to report unsafe, violent, or criminal activities in schools via a phone line, mobile app, or other accessible methods, with strict privacy protections to keep reporters' identities confidential. It mandates training for schools and law enforcement on the program and requires annual reports tracking total reports, reporting methods, misuse instances, and outcomes. The program applies to all public and nonpublic schools in New Jersey, with the Attorney General submitting annual reports to the Governor and legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1666) amends New Jersey law to allow people with certain past criminal convictions to serve on juries, removing an automatic disqualification. It directly affects individuals convicted of most serious crimes (indictable offenses) in New Jersey, other states, or federal court, provided they do not have a conviction for murder or aggravated sexual assault. The key change eliminates the automatic bar for these past convictions, though current incarceration for any serious offense still disqualifies someone. The bill maintains existing exceptions for murder (N.J.S.2C:11-3) and aggravated sexual assault (N.J.S.2C:14-2), and does not apply to those currently serving prison sentences.