Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill phases out the tip credit for tipped workers in New Jersey, gradually reducing the amount employers can count toward minimum wage requirements from $9.87 per hour in 2024-2025 to $7.90 in 2026, $5.92 in 2027, $3.95 in 2028, and $1.97 in 2029, eliminating the credit entirely by 2030. Tipped workers in service industries like restaurants and bars will then receive the full minimum wage without having tips counted toward meeting that requirement. The bill directly affects tipped workers and their employers across New Jersey's service sector. By 2030, tipped workers will receive the same cash minimum wage as other workers.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require courts to order counseling for children who have witnessed or experienced domestic violence in their household when appropriate. It establishes a legal presumption that custody of children should be awarded to the non-abusive parent upon entry of a final restraining order in domestic violence cases. The bill permits courts to order the abusive parent to pay for the child's counseling services and requires documentation of payment. It also mandates that victim and child whereabouts be kept confidential in subsequent child support proceedings. The bill aims to provide additional protections for children affected by domestic violence while prioritizing the safety of domestic violence victims.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all health insurance plans and Medicaid in New Jersey to cover treatment for stuttering, including habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy as determined medically necessary by a patient's doctor. The coverage must be provided without prior authorization, utilization management requirements, or any cost-sharing such as deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. It applies to all insurance types including individual and group health plans, health maintenance organizations, and Medicaid, and covers both in-person and telehealth services. The bill defines habilitative speech therapy as therapy that helps a person keep, learn, or improve daily living skills, and rehabilitative speech therapy as therapy that helps restore or improve skills that have been lost or impaired. This legislation would directly affect individuals with stuttering who rely on insurance or Medicaid for speech therapy services.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Midwifery Licensing Act, establishing a new State Board of Midwifery to regulate midwifery practice in New Jersey, replacing the current system where midwifery was regulated by the State Board of Medical Examiners. The new board, consisting of 11 members including seven midwives, will handle licensure, set qualifications, and oversee continuing education requirements, including mandatory training on implicit and explicit bias. The bill authorizes certified midwives to prescribe medications after completing pharmacology training and requires health insurance providers to cover home births when approved. Existing midwives licensed under previous regulations will transition to the new system without needing to reapply.

Maddy summaryS 4144 clarifies New Jersey's requirements for installing ignition interlock devices (IIDs) for drivers convicted of certain DWI offenses. The bill allows individuals with a DWI conviction to install an IID in their vehicle and receive one day of credit against their license suspension period for every two days the device is installed. This credit applies to first, second, and third DWI offenses, but is not available if the DWI resulted in serious bodily injury or involved narcotics, hallucinogens, or habit-producing drugs. Commercial vehicle DWI convictions are also ineligible for this credit. The provisions take effect immediately and expire on January 1, 2029.

Maddy summaryS 3587 upgrades retail theft offenses in New Jersey, including elevating "leader of organized retail theft enterprise" to a first-degree crime punishable by 10-20 years in prison. The bill creates a new offense for "fostering the sale of stolen property" (including online sales), which is a disorderly persons offense punishable by up to six months in jail. It establishes a retail theft unit within the Department of Law and Public Safety to investigate and prosecute organized retail theft, appropriating $1 million for this purpose. The bill also includes new requirements for gift card sales to prevent fraud, such as mandatory notices for retailers and packaging restrictions for both open- and closed-loop gift cards.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to create written policies allowing students to use sunscreen and wear sun-protective clothing (like hats and sunglasses) outdoors during school and school events. It prohibits schools from demanding doctor’s notes for students to use these items and allows districts to require only parental permission for students to carry sunscreen. The policy must not mandate school staff to help students apply sunscreen. The law took effect in the first full school year after its passage in March 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 140 designates March of each year as "Amyloidosis Awareness Month" in New Jersey. This symbolic resolution aims to educate the public about amyloidosis - a rare disease involving abnormal protein buildup in organs - and its symptoms, such as fatigue, swelling, and nerve issues. It does not create new laws or provide funding but requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public awareness activities. The resolution directly affects New Jersey residents by promoting early diagnosis, which can help improve outcomes for those with the disease. It is a procedural measure focused on public education, not policy or treatment changes.

Maddy summaryAJR 217 is a commemorative resolution designating April 9 of each year as "Paul Robeson Day" in New Jersey. It honors Paul Robeson, a Rutgers University scholar, athlete, actor, singer, and civil rights activist born in Princeton, NJ, who broke racial barriers in the 1920s-1930s and advocated for global justice. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance of the day through activities and programs. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or affect specific groups but formally commemorates Robeson's legacy.

Maddy summaryAJR 202 designates March each year as "Amyloidosis Awareness Month" in New Jersey. The resolution aims to educate the public about amyloidosis symptoms - such as fatigue, numbness, swelling, and organ-related issues - to encourage earlier diagnosis and improve outcomes for those affected. It requires the governor to issue an annual proclamation urging public awareness activities. The bill does not create new laws, funding, or medical treatments, but focuses solely on raising public knowledge about this rare disease. This designation directly affects New Jersey residents, patients with amyloidosis, and healthcare providers by promoting timely recognition of symptoms.