Asm. Anthony Verrelli

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's special probation program for individuals with substance use disorders who are convicted of certain offenses. It expands eligibility by removing previous conviction barriers (except for serious violent offenses), gives courts more flexibility to choose between residential or nonresidential treatment based on clinical needs, and provides clearer pathways for expungement of criminal records after successful treatment completion. The bill also removes automatic revocation for certain violations and requires courts to consider treatment progress when determining if probation should continue.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey colleges and universities to maintain a supply of naloxone nasal spray (an opioid overdose reversal medication) in secure but accessible campus locations and develop specific emergency response policies. The policy must designate a licensed medical professional to oversee naloxone use, permit trained staff (including resident assistants) to administer it in good faith during suspected overdoses, and mandate hospital transport after administration. Institutions must also provide required training on naloxone protocols to designated personnel, with liability protection for good-faith actions. The bill specifically exempts licensed athletic trainers from violating their licensure act when using naloxone under these protocols.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Cannabis Regulatory Commission to annually report the number of cannabis applications received and licenses or permits issued to minorities (as defined by law), Veterans, and women for five specific license types. These include standard and conditional medical cannabis treatment center permits, clinical registrant permits, and standard and conditional adult use cannabis licenses. The commission must provide this data each year to track participation by these groups in the state's cannabis licensing system. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment, adding a transparency requirement without changing existing licensing rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows state employees who were temporarily working at New Jersey psychiatric hospitals or correctional facilities before joining the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) to apply for accidental disability benefits if injured during that temporary employment. It deems injuries sustained while performing duties (e.g., as nurses, correction officers, or healthcare workers) at those facilities as occurring "during membership" for PERS benefit eligibility, even if the injury happened before PERS enrollment. The change applies retroactively to January 1, 2003, and covers employees who later become PERS members without interruption in their job. This specifically affects temporary workers in state psychiatric or correctional facilities who were previously ineligible for PERS disability benefits after becoming members.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Household Water Assistance Program to provide financial assistance for water, sewer, and stormwater utility costs to low-income households in New Jersey. It appropriates $75 million from American Rescue Plan Act funds to provide direct assistance, water efficiency measures, plumbing repairs, and debt relief for unpaid water bills. Eligible households include those with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, those receiving certain government benefits like SNAP or LIHEAP, or those experiencing temporary financial hardship. The program will be administered by the Department of Community Affairs with input from a newly established advisory group and will coordinate with existing assistance programs. The goal is to make water services affordable and prevent disconnections for households unable to pay their bills.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the "Trenton Makes Commission" within New Jersey's Economic Development Authority to develop strategies supporting the state's manufacturing sector. The 13-member commission - including Governor-appointed representatives from business groups, education, and legislative leaders - will study other states' manufacturing incentives, identify cost-effective methods to attract new manufacturers and strengthen existing ones, and consult academic experts. It must report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within one year. The commission has no authority to enact laws or allocate funds; its role is strictly advisory, focusing on research and policy suggestions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Statewide Opioid Antidote Coordinator position within New Jersey's Department of Human Services. The coordinator will centrally manage the bulk purchasing and distribution of opioid antidotes (like naloxone) for state agencies, emergency medical services, law enforcement, schools, public access venues, and sterile syringe programs. It also requires the coordinator to maintain a public website with overdose response information and submit annual reports detailing distribution quantities, cost savings, and outreach efforts. The office will be funded through state appropriations and available federal funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires businesses bidding on New Jersey state contracts exceeding $50,000 to disclose all labor and employment law violations committed by the business within the past two years. It applies to violations of federal, state, or local laws covering wage/hour rules, workplace safety (like OSHA), workers' compensation, and the New Jersey Employer-Employee Relations Act. State agencies must review these disclosures and may disqualify bidders with serious violations that threaten employee health/safety or show disregard for labor laws. The requirement applies to all state agencies contracting for goods, services, or public construction.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state and county correctional facilities to offer hepatitis B and C blood testing to all inmates upon the start of their sentence. Inmates would not be required to participate in the testing. The law applies to all facilities housing incarcerated individuals, with testing provided at the beginning of confinement. It does not mandate testing but ensures facilities proactively offer the service.

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers administration of all school meal programs in New Jersey from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Education. It covers programs including the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Summer Food Service Program, and emergency meal distributions, which provide nutritious meals to students and children in childcare settings. The transfer includes all related functions, funding, staff, records, and existing rules (which remain in effect until replaced by the Department of Education). The change aims to align program management with the Department of Education’s mission of supporting student academic success through school-based services.