Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5644) requires New Jersey's Superintendent of State Police to create and implement a policy within six months that prioritizes recruiting women and minorities as civilian instructors and contractors at the State Police Academy. The policy aims to diversify the instructional staff who train new police recruits. The superintendent must annually report to the Attorney General and Legislature on the demographics (age, gender, race, ethnicity) of all civilian instructors/contractors and summarize any updates to the diversity policy. The bill focuses on changing hiring practices and reporting requirements for academy staff, not on altering police training content or outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create an online application system for residents to obtain REAL ID identification cards and licenses. It mandates that the MVC accept and process electronic copies of required identity and legal status documents through its website, aligning with federal REAL ID Act standards. The MVC must approve applications if all federal requirements are met or deny them if not, with implementation rules to be adopted within 60 days of the bill's enactment. This change directly affects New Jersey residents applying for REAL ID-compliant credentials, streamlining the process while maintaining federal compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $1 million annual "Census Complete Count Trust Fund" within New Jersey's Department of State to support efforts ensuring a full population count during each federal decennial census. The fund, financed by $1 million yearly from the State General Fund, will be invested to generate interest that replenishes the fund. Moneys will directly support state, local, and community initiatives - like outreach and education campaigns - that help residents participate in the census. The Legislature will determine eligible activities for funding in the months leading up to each census.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1825) establishes guidelines for health insurance plans regarding "step therapy" protocols, which require patients to try lower-cost medications before coverage is provided for a preferred medication selected by their doctor. It requires insurers to base these protocols on clinical guidelines developed by expert panels with conflict-of-interest safeguards, and creates a clear process for patients to request exceptions when step therapy would be harmful or ineffective. Insurers must grant or deny exception requests within 72 hours (24 hours in emergencies), and must report on exception requests and outcomes to the state insurance commissioner. This affects all health insurance carriers in New Jersey, including those offering SHBP, SEHBP, and Medicaid plans, as well as the patients and healthcare providers who use these plans.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution designates May 18 of each year as "Six Triple Eight Day" in New Jersey to honor the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-African American, all-female U.S. Army unit that served during World War II. The resolution commemorates their historic achievement in delivering over 14 million pieces of backlogged mail to U.S. personnel in Europe under difficult conditions. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance of the day. The resolution specifically recognizes that 28 New Jersey women served in the unit, including those from Allentown, where one member was born on May 18.

Maddy summaryThis bill would have New Jersey join the Social Work Licensure Compact, allowing social workers licensed in New Jersey to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The compact establishes a system where social workers must meet specific requirements (including passing national exams, holding appropriate degrees, and completing supervised practice) to qualify for a multistate license. It creates a commission to manage the compact, handle data sharing among states, and address disciplinary actions. The compact aims to increase access to social work services, reduce duplicate licensing requirements, and support workforce mobility for social workers across member states. This would directly affect social workers seeking to practice in multiple states and the states' licensing authorities.

Maddy summaryThe "Packaging Product Stewardship Act" requires producers of packaging products in New Jersey to reduce waste through specific targets: a 25% reduction in single-use packaging by 2032 (with at least 10% coming from reusable alternatives or plastic elimination), all packaging must be compostable or recyclable by 2034, and a 65% recycling rate by 2036. Producers can join a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) to collectively meet these requirements or comply individually, with PROs required to develop detailed stewardship plans funded through fees proportional to packaging volume and environmental impact. Annual surcharges on producers will fund a "Packaging Reduction and Recycling Fund" (up to $120 million total) to improve recycling infrastructure. The bill establishes an Office of Plastics and Packaging Management within the Department of Environmental Protection to oversee implementation and enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates 5% of constitutionally dedicated Corporation Business Tax revenues to a new Urban Agriculture and Horticulture Fund starting in fiscal year 2026, with $25 million to be deposited immediately. It authorizes the Garden State Preservation Trust to acquire urban land for farming and gardening purposes, prioritizing small parcels, and lease this land for agricultural use through a competitive bidding process. The bill also establishes a grant program to support activities that improve soil health and climate resiliency on acquired urban farmland. Additionally, it expands existing county and municipal trust funds to specifically include urban agriculture and horticulture as a purpose for land acquisition.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to study how state and local police departments use facial recognition technology and issue a report with recommendations within six months. The report must assess the technology's accuracy, summarize current police use (including generating reports), and propose statewide policies for law enforcement. It directly affects all law enforcement agencies by setting a process for evaluating this technology before potential policy changes. The bill defines "facial recognition technology" as software that identifies people from digital images or video frames. It does not change current law but mandates a formal review to inform future decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5582) expands the list of eligible locations where behavioral healthcare providers can work to qualify for student loan redemption under New Jersey's program. It specifically adds for-profit community mental health providers to the current list of approved sites, which previously included nonprofits, schools, and government agencies. The program helps providers like psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors redeem up to $150,000 in qualifying student loans by contracting to work at these approved sites. This change directly affects behavioral healthcare providers seeking loan relief and the for-profit organizations that can now become participating sites.