Asm. Anthony Verrelli

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Fund or the Department of Transportation's Airport Improvement Program into future years, preventing funds from being rescinded.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.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Corrections to ensure inmates in state prisons or county jails can participate in Medicaid enrollment sessions at least 60 days before release. Specifically, it mandates a peer-led information session about Medicaid benefits and application processes, followed by a staff-assisted enrollment session within five days. Inmates who complete applications must receive eligibility notifications and a Medicaid card at the time of release. The law directly affects incarcerated individuals transitioning to community life, aiming to streamline access to healthcare coverage upon release. It does not change Medicaid eligibility standards but implements a process to connect inmates with services before they leave correctional facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to include data on graduates' post-high school pathways in their annual performance reports ("report cards"). Specifically, schools must report the number and percentage of students achieving "positive placement" after graduation, including those entering apprenticeships. The requirement applies to all schools and districts, adding this metric to existing report card content like graduation rates and college enrollment. The change aligns with current reporting standards for student outcomes and takes effect for the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1834) establishes a 11-member "Kidney Disease Prevention and Education Task Force" within New Jersey's Department of Health. The task force will develop public awareness campaigns for early kidney disease detection, examine racial disparities in kidney disease outcomes and transplant access, and recommend a statewide plan for early screening and treatment. It includes legislators, health officials, kidney specialists, healthcare representatives, and a member with chronic kidney disease (Stages 2-4). The task force must submit its report to the Governor and Legislature within two years, after which it will expire.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1868) would require most New Jersey residents to register existing body armor with the Attorney General within 90 days of the law taking effect and obtain a permit for new purchases. Eligibility for permits would be limited to law enforcement officers, active military personnel, individuals in high-risk jobs (as determined by the Attorney General), and licensed body armor dealers. Sellers must register each sale with the Attorney General within three business days and face civil penalties for noncompliance. Exceptions include government employees using body armor for work and licensed dealers who register with the Attorney General. Violating these rules would be a third-degree crime punishable by up to five years in prison.