Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill would exempt poll workers' wages from being counted toward unemployment compensation calculations. Currently, earnings from poll work could reduce or eliminate an individual's unemployment benefits. The bill amends New Jersey's unemployment compensation law to specifically exclude wages earned by members of district boards of elections from being considered "employment" for unemployment benefit purposes. This change would directly affect individuals who serve as poll workers during elections and seek unemployment benefits afterward.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded internship program for New Jersey legislators, allowing each member to hire interns using up to $10,000 annually from a $1.2 million state appropriation. It requires interns to be full- or part-time students at accredited higher education institutions (excluding law and PhD programs), with New Jersey residents or students at NJ schools receiving priority. Participants complete at least one work period in a legislator's district office and receive a $1,000 stipend per period, paid bi-weekly or monthly. The program aims to provide practical experience for students while supporting legislative staff capacity.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1973) requires hospitals, birthing centers, and healthcare providers in New Jersey to screen individuals who were diagnosed with preeclampsia during pregnancy and later show symptoms of endometriosis. It mandates that providers use industry-standard screening tools, provide education about endometriosis symptoms, and obtain written consent (with an option to refuse screening) within six weeks of giving birth. If screening is positive, providers must discuss results and develop a treatment plan to address endometriosis risks. The bill directly affects pregnant people and new mothers with preeclampsia who exhibit endometriosis symptoms, aiming to improve early detection through standardized health system protocols.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 17 of each year as "Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Awareness Day" in New Jersey. It requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the day through awareness activities. The bill highlights NEC - a serious intestinal disease affecting premature infants that can cause life-threatening complications, long-term health issues, and high healthcare costs - without creating new laws or funding. It aligns with existing national observances like World NEC Awareness Day.

Maddy summaryS 3199 establishes the New Jersey-Haiti Commission within the Department of State to strengthen economic and cultural ties between New Jersey and Haiti, with a specific focus on addressing economic challenges faced by New Jersey's Haitian-American community - the state's fourth-largest Haitian population in the U.S. The 13-member commission, led by the Secretary of State and including 12 public members appointed by the Governor (based on legislative recommendations), will conduct research, hold quarterly public hearings, and analyze data on migration patterns, demographics, and economic impacts. It will identify opportunities for collaboration in areas like trade, healthcare, education, and cultural exchanges, then submit annual reports with policy recommendations to the Governor and Legislature. This bill creates a formal structure for ongoing dialogue and evidence-based policy development between New Jersey and Haiti.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey financial institutions (like banks, credit unions, and mortgage servicers) to allow homeowners (mortgagors) to choose biweekly payments (every two weeks), bimonthly payments (twice monthly), or extra payments directly to their mortgage principal - without penalties. It mandates that any amount paid beyond the annual required total in biweekly plans must reduce the principal balance. The law applies to all new mortgage agreements signed six months after enactment and affects homeowners seeking more flexible repayment options to potentially pay off loans faster. It does not change existing mortgage terms but expands payment choices for future agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts serving grades 4 through 12 to hold annual, 3- to 5-day bullying prevention programs. The programs must include age-appropriate sessions on cyberbullying, bystander intervention, empathy, and conflict resolution for students, while mandating staff training on bullying prevention strategies. Districts must ensure all students attend grade-level sessions and may apply for grants from the new Bullying Prevention Fund to support implementation. Failure to comply could result in the Commissioner of Education withholding state education aid.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the New Jersey State Police from requiring pregnant or postpartum troopers to take physical fitness exams during those periods. It specifically states that troopers cannot be asked to complete the exam, appear at testing sites, submit related documentation, or undergo height/weight checks while pregnant or during the postpartum period (defined as the time before clearance from both their personal physician and a State Police physician). The bill also ensures troopers will not face disciplinary action, promotion barriers, or penalties for not taking the exam during these times. It directly affects pregnant and postpartum State Police troopers by removing a specific requirement during these health-related periods.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Police to create a dedicated community policing unit within their division. The unit must develop strategies to boost community engagement - like partnering with local groups and law enforcement to address neighborhood concerns - and increase diversity in State Police recruitment. It also mandates biennial training for all troopers on inclusive community practices and sets a yearly minimum for community engagement hours per trooper. The Superintendent must submit an annual report to the Attorney General and Legislature detailing the unit's activities. These changes directly affect State Police operations and troopers, aiming to improve trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5642) requires New Jersey's State Police to hold a recruit training class at least once every six months and establishes a formal recruitment program. It mandates the Superintendent of State Police, with the Attorney General, to set annual recruitment goals based on available funding and projected officer attrition (due to retirement or resignation). The program must actively seek diverse applicants, including specific targets for women and minorities, using outreach in low-income communities, partnerships with schools and community groups, and modern digital advertising. The Superintendent must annually evaluate the program's effectiveness in meeting diversity goals and adjust strategies as needed.