Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5321) codifies Medicaid coverage for eligible pregnant women for a 365-day period beginning on the last day of pregnancy. It extends current coverage that has been provided since FY 2022 through budget language and the NJ FamilyCare 1115 demonstration, aligning with federal changes that allow states to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months instead of 60 days. The coverage applies to pregnant women whose income does not exceed the highest income eligibility level established for pregnant women under New Jersey's Medicaid plan. This policy is currently in effect through June 30, 2028, under the existing demonstration authority.

Maddy summaryAssembly Resolution 168 urges the U.S. Congress to enact legislation allowing individuals receiving federal disability benefits (specifically Supplemental Security Income/SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance/SSDI) to retain those benefits upon marriage. Currently, federal law imposes low asset limits for married couples (unchanged since 1989), which can force beneficiaries to lose support if they marry, as seen in cases highlighted by the documentary "Patrice: The Movie." The resolution cites the Social Security Administration's acknowledgment that these policies are outdated and notes recent administrative improvements to SSI. It does not change existing law but formally calls on Congress to update asset limits and marriage rules to prevent loss of benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5449) exempts specific oral healthcare products from New Jersey's sales and use tax. It adds "oral healthcare products for human use" to the list of tax-exempt items, covering products like toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, and oral irrigators designed to maintain oral health. The exemption excludes food, dietary supplements, and durable medical equipment. This change directly affects consumers purchasing these everyday oral care items, reducing their cost by removing the state tax.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Jersey Strong Public Service Scholarship Program, providing scholarships to New Jersey residents employed full-time in public service sectors facing critical workforce shortages (such as hospitals, public schools, or first responder roles). Students who complete one year of qualifying employment receive up to $25,000 for two years of college at a public NJ institution, while those completing two years receive up to $50,000 for four years. To qualify, applicants must be NJ residents and citizens, have graduated from a NJ high school within the past year (or soon), and apply for other financial aid before receiving the scholarship. The program requires repayment if students are dismissed from school or withdraw without approval, but exempts repayment for approved withdrawals due to medical or family emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a mandatory low-carbon transportation fuel standard program under New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). It requires fuel refiners, importers, and alternative fuel producers to ensure their fuels meet annual carbon intensity limits - aiming for a 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from gasoline and diesel by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. The program creates a credit-trading system where entities exceeding standards earn tradable credits to offset deficits from fuels that fall short of requirements. It also mandates that 40% of credits generated by utilities and state agencies must fund electric vehicle programs in overburdened communities, such as school bus electrification and charging infrastructure. The DEP must implement the program within one year of the bill’s effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Council for Community Recovery and Family Success, a new 25-member body within New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (though independent of it), to develop a statewide initiative focused on preventing family crises and promoting well-being for infants, children, youth, and families. The Council will identify gaps in current services, recommend policies to shift focus from crisis response to prevention, and coordinate with state departments and community organizations across New Jersey. It will create county-level councils to assess local needs and develop preventive services, and will receive $4 million in state funding to implement these efforts over three years. The initiative aims to improve outcomes through four pillars: positive family relationships, financial security, quality education, and health. The Council must submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature with recommendations for improving family support services.

Maddy summaryThis bill would automatically qualify certain child care workers for state-subsidized child care services, regardless of their family income. It defines a "qualifying child care worker" as an educator or staff member employed at least 20 hours weekly by a licensed child care center or registered family child care provider. The state must verify employment through a new process and seek federal approvals to maintain funding under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act. This policy directly affects child care workers in New Jersey’s licensed facilities, making child care more affordable for them without changing income requirements for other program participants.

Maddy summaryThe "Climate Superfund Act" would hold fossil fuel companies liable for climate change damages by requiring them to pay compensatory payments based on their historical greenhouse gas emissions. It targets companies that extracted or refined fossil fuels and are responsible for over one billion metric tons of emissions between 1995 and the bill's effective date. The bill establishes a program through New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to collect these payments and distribute funds for climate adaptation projects, such as flood protection, infrastructure upgrades, and health programs. Companies would pay their proportional share of damages over nine years, with options for installment payments, and the collected funds would specifically support projects that help communities prepare for climate impacts.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1445 requires public colleges and universities to readmit undergraduate students who withdrew due to military service (including active duty, National Guard, or Reserve service). Schools must reinstate students with their exact academic standing from before their service interruption. Students must submit a written request for the next available semester, and institutions cannot charge application or processing fees for these requests. The law applies starting the first full academic year after its effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits self-service storage facilities in New Jersey from charging late fees, pre-foreclosure fees, or unlock fees to customers paying with government-issued vouchers (like those from Work First New Jersey) when payment delays are caused by the issuing government agency. It directly affects low-income residents using state or federal income assistance programs for storage payments. The law imposes a $1,000 civil penalty for first violations and treats subsequent violations as consumer fraud under state law. Storage facilities must comply with these rules to avoid fines or legal action.