Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryAJR 167 designates May 17 of each year as "Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Awareness Day" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public recognition of this day to increase awareness about NEC, a serious intestinal condition affecting premature infants. It aligns with existing World NEC Awareness Day designations and aims to highlight NEC's impact, including its prevalence in premature infants and associated healthcare costs. (Procedural resolution; no new funding or regulations enacted.)

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies the requirements for installing ignition interlock devices (IIDs) for New Jersey drivers convicted of certain DWI offenses. It allows individuals who would otherwise lose their driving privileges to instead install an IID in their vehicle and receive one day of credit toward their license suspension for every two days the device is installed. This credit is not available if the offense resulted in serious bodily injury, involved narcotics or hallucinogenic drugs, or involved operating a commercial vehicle under the influence. The bill modifies existing penalties for first, second, and third DWI offenses to clarify IID installation requirements during license forfeiture periods, with provisions taking effect immediately and expiring on January 1, 2029.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to create written policies allowing students to use sunscreen and sun-protective clothing (like hats and sunglasses) during outdoor school activities and school events. It specifically prohibits schools from demanding medical documentation from students or parents to authorize sunscreen or protective clothing use. The policy must apply to all students equally without requiring physician notes. The law takes effect in the first full school year after it is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the New Jersey-Haiti Commission within the Department of State to strengthen economic and cultural ties between New Jersey and Haiti. The 13-member commission (including the Secretary of State as chair and 12 appointed public members) will study historical connections, analyze data on New Jersey's Haitian-American community (which has the 4th largest Haitian population in the U.S.), and identify economic collaboration opportunities like trade and cultural exchanges. The commission must hold quarterly public hearings, conduct research, and submit annual reports with recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within one year of its first meeting. It directly affects New Jersey's Haitian-American residents and the state's relationship with Haiti by focusing on concrete policy recommendations for economic development and partnership.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1992) would amend New Jersey's jury duty law to explicitly exempt nursing mothers from service. Specifically, it adds a new category allowing mothers of children under one year old who are nursing or expressing milk to claim an exemption without needing to prove broader hardship. Currently, such mothers might rely on general "care of a dependent" exemptions, but this bill clarifies and streamlines the process. The exemption applies during the first year of a child's life and aligns with state health initiatives supporting breastfeeding.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a process for designating a nonprofit Public Health Institute in New Jersey to collaborate with the state's Department of Health. The Institute will coordinate public health efforts across government agencies, community organizations, and private sector partners to improve health outcomes, address racial disparities, and strengthen responses to public health emergencies. The Commissioner of Health must select an entity meeting specific criteria (such as being a New Jersey-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit with public health expertise) and require it to submit operational plans, report data, and align with state health priorities. The bill also creates a dedicated Public Health Institute Fund within the Department of Health to support the Institute's establishment and activities.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A567) requires courts to order counseling for children who have witnessed or been exposed to domestic violence in households where abuse has occurred. It establishes a legal presumption that custody of minor children should be awarded to the non-abusive parent when a final restraining order is issued in domestic violence cases. The bill also permits courts to order the abusive parent to pay for the child's counseling and requires them to provide proof of payment to the court. Additionally, it mandates that courts consider the child's exposure to domestic violence when making custody decisions, prioritizing the child's safety and well-being.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey law enforcement officers to complete periodic, commission-approved training as a condition of continued employment. It prohibits law enforcement units and officers from attending training provided by unapproved private companies or instructors, mandating that such providers must obtain annual approval from the Police Training Commission. The Attorney General will establish the application process and any fees for private training providers seeking approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A861) makes it illegal for crisis pregnancy centers to use deceptive advertising about pregnancy-related services under New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act. It targets nonprofit centers that provide non-medical counseling (like adoption referrals or parenting resources) but do not offer abortion or medical care, prohibiting them from making untrue or misleading claims about their services - such as falsely implying they provide medical exams or pregnancy testing. Violations could lead to penalties under the Consumer Fraud Act, and the Attorney General can seek court orders to stop deceptive ads or require corrective actions. The law directly affects crisis pregnancy centers and aims to ensure transparency for people seeking pregnancy-related information.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4944) requires New Jersey’s Department of Human Services (DHS) to launch a public awareness campaign about doula and midwife services. It directs DHS to educate women and birthing persons - especially those enrolled in NJ FamilyCare - on the benefits of these services, including improved maternal and infant health outcomes, culturally competent care, and coverage for prenatal, birthing, and postpartum support. The campaign will use print and digital media, and DHS must post clear information and an annual updated directory of approved doula and midwife providers on its website. The bill specifically aims to increase access to these services by clarifying NJ FamilyCare coverage details.