Asm. Anthony Verrelli

Maddy summaryAJR 87 designates every November as "Arts and Health Month" in New Jersey. It aims to promote free or low-cost arts and health programs in underserved communities, particularly addressing disparities in arts access for Black and Hispanic students and low-income areas. The resolution requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to support activities that connect creative expression with improved mental and physical well-being. This symbolic designation does not create new programs but seeks to raise awareness of how arts engagement can reduce stress and anxiety, as noted in the resolution’s supporting statistics.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a two-year Mental Health Awareness Pilot Program within New Jersey's Department of Education, targeting middle and high school students. School districts wishing to participate must apply with data on student demographics, absenteeism, academic performance, mental health staffing, and current services. The Commissioner of Education will select six districts - ensuring regional and community diversity (urban, suburban, rural) - to implement innovative mental health awareness and coping skills initiatives. After two years, the Commissioner must report to the Governor and Legislature on the program's implementation and recommend whether to continue or expand it.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Fairness in Bidding Act (A2764) requires public entities to include certified cost estimate ranges for construction projects over $500,000 in their bid advertisements, with the range limited to no more than 5% between the highest and lowest estimate. The bill increases the required bid guaranty from 10% to 50% of the bid amount (capped at $100,000) to ensure bidders will enter into contracts if awarded. It also specifies that contracting units can only reject all bids for certain publicly stated reasons, such as when the lowest bid substantially exceeds published cost estimates or appropriations. This legislation applies to state, school, county college, and local government construction contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the annual income limit for New Jersey seniors (65+) and permanently disabled residents to qualify for a property tax deduction from $10,000 to $15,000. It directly affects low-to-moderate-income seniors and disabled residents whose current income exceeds $10,000 but stays below $15,000. The deduction itself remains capped at $250 annually against property taxes, with no change to the deduction amount. The bill requires voter approval of a constitutional amendment before taking effect, as noted in Section 2 of the legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2873) allows certain New Jersey airports to carry over unused grant funds from the Airport Safety Fund or the Department of Transportation's Airport Improvement Program into future years, preventing funds from being rescinded. It applies specifically to general aviation airports that received grants on or after January 1, 2019. To qualify, airports must obtain local approvals, submit an expenditure plan, ensure funds align with grant terms, and confirm compatibility with federal aid. The Commissioner of Transportation has sole discretion to approve carryovers, and the Department may create rules for implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's inspection requirements for all long-term care facilities - including nursing homes, assisted living residences, and dementia care homes - to expand oversight beyond previous nursing home-only rules. It mandates the Department of Health to publish quarterly public reports comparing facilities based on staff-to-resident ratios, verified complaints, violations, and other compliance metrics. The bill also requires standardized inspections covering facility policies, physical safety, staffing levels, mandatory services (like medical care and infection control), and advisory services. The Department may increase inspection frequency or duration for non-compliant facilities, with a two-year phase-in period for staffing/resource needs if required. These changes aim to ensure ongoing compliance with health, safety, and operational standards across all facility types.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) agencies to remain open during public health emergencies and ensures the state funds one HPP agency in each populous county (defined as a county with 350,000 or more residents per the latest federal census). The Department of Community Affairs must provide ongoing funding for these agencies, and if federal pandemic-related funds become unavailable, the agency may request state funding from the General Fund. This applies specifically to counties meeting the population threshold, guaranteeing continuous homelessness prevention services during emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3159) creates a 10% price preference for businesses owned by women veterans or women actively serving in the U.S. military when competing for New Jersey state contracts paid with public funds. It directly affects qualifying businesses that meet specific criteria: at least 51% ownership/control by a woman veteran or active-duty woman, with the business based in New Jersey and independently operated. The preference means a qualified business can win a contract even if its bid is slightly higher than others, as long as it remains the lowest after applying the 10% discount. The bill defines "woman veteran" as a female with an honorable military discharge and "woman serving in the military" as a female on active duty or who completed initial training.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A885) requires New Jersey's State Chief Diversity Officer to study whether disabled veteran-owned businesses are being adequately utilized in state procurement contracts. The study must determine if disparities exist between the availability of these businesses and their actual use by state agencies. Within 12 months of enactment, the officer must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature, with potential follow-up reports tracking implementation of prior recommendations. The bill directly affects disabled veteran-owned businesses and state agencies managing procurement contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's Community College Opportunity Grant Program to include career and technical education programs at county colleges and vocational schools. It allows students enrolled in at least six credits of career training at county colleges or four+ months of career programs at vocational schools to receive last-dollar grants covering remaining tuition costs not covered by other aid. The program now supports students preparing for industry certifications or licenses, with income eligibility capped at $65,000 and grants administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. Eligible students at county colleges can receive funding for up to six semesters, while vocational students can access support for up to two years. This change makes career-focused education more affordable for New Jersey residents seeking workforce skills.