Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Secretary of Higher Education to establish statewide standards for public colleges and universities to assess and award college credit for prior learning experiences, such as job training, military service, or industry certifications. The standards must cover assessment methods (including exams, portfolios, and industry credentials), minimum credit acceptance requirements, credit transfer between institutions, dispute resolution processes, and annual data collection to track student success. Public institutions must adopt policies meeting these standards - potentially through partnerships with Thomas Edison State University or approved third parties - and may charge a small fee for assessment (not full tuition). The bill also mandates annual reports to the Governor and Legislature on compliance and the system's impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires crisis pregnancy centers in New Jersey to clearly state in English and Spanish that they are not licensed health care facilities and whether they employ a physician to supervise pregnancy-related services. Centers must display this information in waiting areas, examination rooms, and all rooms used for client discussions, as well as in every advertisement (online, print, radio, or other media). Violations could result in penalties under the Consumer Fraud Act, and the Attorney General can seek court orders to stop deceptive practices. The law specifically targets centers offering non-medical counseling (like adoption referrals) but not abortion or prenatal care services.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows licensed New Jersey audiologists to select, prescribe, and order hearing aids - expanding their current authority to only fit and sell them - if they complete approved training. It directly affects audiologists who must now meet specific educational requirements and New Jersey residents needing hearing aids, particularly for prescription-grade devices under new FDA classifications. The key change aligns state law with updated federal rules that distinguish between over-the-counter and prescription hearing aids. This amendment modifies existing licensing standards under P.L.1983, c.420, requiring audiologists to complete coursework in the full scope of hearing aid services.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the State Treasurer to sell the former Riverfront State Prison property (16.5 acres) in Camden as surplus state property. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will purchase the "NJEDA Site" for up to $5 million or the appraised value, while the City of Camden receives the "City Site" for $1 - on the condition that Camden later sells its "Southwest Site" parcel to the NJEDA. The sale bypasses prior approval requirements from the State House Commission or Legislature, repealing a 2013 law that previously attempted to facilitate this sale but failed to transfer title. The property is split into defined parcels for redevelopment, with the City Site requiring preservation for public parks or recreation.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A3700 establishes a voluntary, three-year pilot program to provide Medicaid coverage for remote maternal health services to eligible pregnant beneficiaries. The program covers remote patient monitoring (like tracking blood pressure or glucose), remote non-stress tests, and tele-ultrasound, using FDA-approved, HIPAA-compliant technology. It targets pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries who: (1) have high-risk pregnancies due to medical conditions, age, or lifestyle factors; (2) live in areas with few obstetric providers; or (3) face socioeconomic barriers like transportation issues. Participation requires a health care provider referral and is contingent on federal approval of Medicaid waivers. The program aims to expand access to maternal care in underserved communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill would extend New Jersey's early voting period for primary elections to begin 11 days before the election (up from 4 days for non-presidential primaries and 6 days for presidential primaries), ending on the second day before the election. It would require county boards of elections to designate public locations for early voting based on population size, with specific requirements for accessibility and security of ballots. The bill specifies that early voting would occur Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM at designated locations. The bill appropriates $6 million to support these changes, which would affect all registered voters participating in primary elections in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 5303) requires New Jersey's Attorney General to review and update the statewide policy for investigating human trafficking. It directs the AG to specifically consider: (1) using audio/video recordings in undercover operations to protect investigations and victims, (2) strict rules for sharing such recordings, (3) involving county prosecutors early in investigations, and (4) other relevant areas. The review responds to a 2024 Commission report on human trafficking in the massage industry. This policy update will affect law enforcement agencies conducting human trafficking investigations statewide.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires human trafficking awareness signs to be displayed in four languages - English, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean - instead of the current two (English and Spanish). It applies to businesses and facilities already mandated to display such signs, including strip clubs, massage businesses, airports, bars, hotels, and emergency rooms. The signs must meet specific size and font requirements (8.5x11 inches, 16-point font) and include the national human trafficking hotline information. The change follows a 2024 State Commission of Investigation report recommending expanded language accessibility for vulnerable communities. The law takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows commercial farms on preserved farmland (that produce at least $10,000 annually in agricultural products) to host special occasion events like weddings and parties on their land. It specifically permits the use of permanent structures built within the last five years for these events, provided the total revenue from such events doesn't exceed 10% of the farm's annual revenue. Farms must obtain approval from the entity holding the farmland preservation deed, and events are limited to 26 per year with restrictions on size (max 10 acres or 10% of land) and guest numbers (max 250 for six events). Temporary structures like tents are allowed year-round with certain restrictions, while permanent structures built more than five years ago can always be used.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires mental health services in New Jersey to be provided in a culturally affirming and linguistically appropriate manner for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. It mandates that services be delivered in the client's primary method of communication, as determined by the client's preference or a communication assessment, and that mental health professionals be certified as fluent in that method. The bill establishes a deaf services coordinator position within the Department of Human Services to oversee implementation, develop certification standards for professionals, and ensure access to services statewide, including through telemedicine in underserved areas. It also requires the development of a statewide system of care with specific standards for communication accessibility and cultural competence in mental health services.