Asm. Anthony Verrelli

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an Anti-Bullying Youth Council composed of 21 student members (appointed by county school superintendents from public and nonpublic middle and high schools) and 4 nonvoting legislative members (appointed by Senate and Assembly leaders). The council’s sole purpose is to advise New Jersey’s existing Anti-Bullying Task Force on youth perspectives regarding bullying prevention and response in schools, through research, analysis, and specific recommendations. Student members must be enrolled in school (with parental permission required for under-18 members), and the council must submit written recommendations and annual reports to the Task Force, Governor, and Legislature. The council expires when the Anti-Bullying Task Force ends.

Maddy summaryACR 93 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase New Jersey's property tax deductions for three groups: senior citizens (65+), persons with disabilities, and veterans. The current annual deduction of $250 would rise to $500 starting in 2024, while maintaining existing income limits ($10,000 annually) and eligibility rules. Surviving spouses of eligible individuals would also receive the increased $500 deduction after their spouse's death. This change applies to deductions on real property taxes and cooperative housing, with no additional changes to current qualification criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey employers to pay minors (ages 16-18) the state minimum wage, removing a previous exemption that allowed some minors to be paid less. It mandates overtime pay for minors working more than 40 hours per week, while codifying specific exemptions for seasonal amusement occupations and mechanics in automotive repair. The bill clarifies that minors working at summer camps, conferences, or retreats operated by nonprofit or religious organizations during June-September are exempt from overtime requirements. It does not affect existing exemptions for certain employee categories, such as bona fide executives, regardless of age. This bill updates New Jersey's wage and hour law to provide consistent minimum wage and overtime protections for all minor workers.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2126) requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to clearly post a toll-free customer service phone number at all official vehicle inspection facilities. Drivers using these facilities can call the number to report problems with the inspection process itself, such as technical issues or service concerns. The law takes immediate effect upon passage and directly affects drivers seeking vehicle inspections across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a two-year pilot program to improve coordination of behavioral health services for people with severe mental health or substance use disorders in New Jersey. Managed care organizations will identify eligible patients using Medicaid data, require providers to conduct needs assessments, and implement care transition methods like warm hand-offs and supportive contacts. The program will be funded through a Medicaid value-based payment system that allows managed care organizations to retain savings if they reduce per-patient costs through effective coordination. After two years, the Department of Human Services must report on the program's effectiveness to the Governor and Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey state contractors to adjust construction contracts when material costs rise unexpectedly above 5% from the contract's original award date. It applies only to contracts awarded before April 1, 2020, for materials purchased after March 1, 2020. Contractors must provide evidence (using U.S. Labor Department indices) to the Treasury for approval of cost adjustments, which cannot include labor or profit. Any future price decreases must also be adjusted downward. The bill expires June 30, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires private education lenders to register with the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance and establishes several protections for borrowers and cosigners. Lenders must provide clear disclosures to cosigners about how loans will impact their credit and must give annual notices about cosigner release options, including the criteria for eligibility. The bill prohibits lenders from accelerating loan payments except for payment default, requires lenders to release cosigners when borrowers are deemed totally and permanently disabled, and mandates detailed disclosure requirements for debt collection practices. These provisions directly affect private education lenders operating in New Jersey and protect borrowers and cosigners from unfair lending practices.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A2864 establishes a five-year pilot program requiring the Department of Human Services (DHS) to coordinate "START" services for adults with both developmental disabilities and mental illness. The program provides community-based therapeutic respite and stabilization services through designated respite homes in each of the state's three regions, offering two types of beds: respite beds for crisis prevention and stabilization beds for active crises. DHS must develop individualized crisis management plans, provide 24/7 crisis response services, and coordinate cross-system care to help eligible adults avoid institutionalization while maintaining community living. DHS will report annually on program participation, bed usage, and effectiveness, with a final report recommending whether to make the program permanent after five years.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a 1% administrative fee on the total value of public construction contracts awarded to out-of-state contractors in New Jersey. The fee applies specifically to contracts subject to the state's prevailing wage law and public works contractor registration rules. Contractors can reduce the fee by subtracting other state registration fees they've already paid. The collected fees would go to the state's general fund. The bill applies to contracts awarded after its effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all schools and child care centers to test drinking water for lead at every outlet used for drinking or food preparation at least every two years. If lead levels exceed five parts per billion, facilities must immediately stop using affected outlets, notify parents and staff in writing, and provide alternate drinking water. The bill also mandates installation of filters certified to reduce lead levels at all such outlets, with regular cartridge replacements as recommended by the manufacturer. Test results must be posted publicly within 96 hours, and written notifications must include health information and details about remediation steps.