Asm. Anthony Verrelli

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey courts from basing child custody or visitation decisions solely on factors like a parent's disability, age, health status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. It requires courts to provide detailed written justifications if they consider these factors in custody cases involving otherwise fit parents. The law does not ban considering these factors entirely but ensures they cannot be the sole basis for rulings, while maintaining that the "best interests of the child" remains the primary standard. The bill applies to all parents in custody proceedings and aligns with New Jersey's existing focus on parental rights and child welfare. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows municipalities, counties, school districts, and fire districts in New Jersey to use project labor agreements (pre-hire union agreements for construction projects) on public works projects costing less than $5 million - previously requiring a $5 million minimum. It directly affects local governments and construction contractors by expanding their ability to negotiate such agreements for smaller projects. Key provisions let these entities choose to include project labor agreements for projects below the $5 million threshold, while still requiring adherence to prevailing wage laws and labor standards. The change applies only to the specified local entities and does not alter the existing $5 million threshold for other public works projects. The bill was withdrawn after being incorporated into a previously approved law (P.L.2025, c.327).

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey's Department of Human Services to hire American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters without following the standard civil service hiring process under specific circumstances. If the Civil Service Commission doesn't provide a certified list of eligible candidates within 60 days for ASL interpreter roles, or if no suitable hire results from the list, the department may appoint a qualified candidate after obtaining the Commissioner's written authorization. The appointee must complete a working test period to gain civil service status, and the department won't need to replace them if a new eligible list later becomes available. The goal is to reduce vacancies in ASL interpreter positions caused by delays in the standard hiring process.

Maddy summaryAJR 46 designates the first week of May each year as "Children's Mental Health Awareness Week" in New Jersey. The bill requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the week with activities promoting awareness. This procedural resolution does not create new programs or funding but formally recognizes the week to support existing efforts addressing children's mental health. It directly affects New Jersey state officials and the public through the Governor's annual proclamation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1147) establishes a $1 million pilot program in New Jersey's Office of Planning Advocacy to reimburse municipalities for specific costs related to warehouse development planning. It directly affects local governments that update zoning ordinances or conduct studies to address warehouse impacts like traffic, infrastructure, or environmental concerns. Municipalities must adopt warehouse-specific zoning consistent with state guidance to qualify for reimbursement, with priority given to those needing financial assistance. The program requires the Office to develop model zoning ordinances directing warehouse development to suitable locations and report on program effectiveness after funds are used. The pilot expires upon submission of this report.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes two grant programs under New Jersey's Department of Labor to support workforce development in the cannabis industry. It creates a **Cannabis Certified Worker Grant Program** for training programs (e.g., retail, cultivation, manufacturing) and a **Social Equity Certified Worker Hiring Grant Program** to help businesses hire workers from underrepresented groups. Eligible applicants - including community organizations, colleges, and cannabis businesses - must partner with the industry, demonstrate workforce needs, and report on outcomes like enrollment, completion rates, and job placements for minorities, disabled veterans, and women. Funds cannot replace existing programs or displace current workers, and annual reports will track program effectiveness.

Maddy summaryThis bill (now enacted as P.L.2025, c.277) establishes new requirements for New Jersey charter schools, their boards of trustees, and charter management organizations (CMOs). It mandates that charter schools conduct annual "compensation studies" comparing top staff pay to public school equivalents, sets enrollment limits (max 500 students or 25% of the district’s student body), and requires detailed application materials covering governance, curriculum, admission policies, and community involvement. These rules directly affect charter schools seeking approval, their governing boards, and CMOs operating multiple schools. The law aims to standardize oversight while ensuring charter schools meet academic performance standards and maintain transparency in staffing and operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Blue Acres Buyout Fund within New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), appropriating $25 million from the General Fund. The fund will provide relocation assistance to homeowners and tenants displaced by Blue Acres property acquisitions, cover the state's costs for purchasing flood-prone lands under the Blue Acres program, and pay for program administration (limited to 5% of annual funds). It directly affects residents in flood-prone areas who may be relocated due to these acquisitions. The fund operates as a nonlapsing, revolving account managed by the DEP.

Maddy summaryACR 44 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the 138th anniversary of the Knights of Columbus' founding. It commemorates the organization's history, charitable work, and values of charity and patriotism, specifically honoring the New Jersey State Council's contributions. The resolution directs copies to the Knights of Columbus New Jersey State Council and takes effect immediately. As a non-binding recognition, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Bill A1696 updates optometrists' scope of practice by expanding their ability to provide eye care services. The bill allows optometrists to prescribe pharmaceutical agents (including controlled substances under specific conditions), administer immunizations for coronaviruses, flu, and shingles (for patients 18+), and perform minor procedures like removing superficial foreign bodies or treating chalazions. It also permits certain non-invasive laser/ultrasound treatments (e.g., trabeculoplasty) using only topical anesthesia, while explicitly prohibiting invasive eye surgery, orbital procedures, or general anesthesia. These changes apply to all optometrists practicing in New Jersey and require adherence to CDC guidelines for immunizations and reporting to the state immunization registry.