Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) in New Jersey to be enrolled in the Workers Compensation Judges Part of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) instead of the current Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP). ALJs currently enrolled in DCRP would be transferred to the Workers Compensation and Administrative Law Judges Part of PERS within 90 days of the bill's effective date, with their retirement accounts and service credit transferred as well. The State General Fund would cover the unfunded liability for benefits related to this transfer. This change would bring ALJs under the same retirement system as Workers Compensation Judges, who have been in this specific PERS part since 2001.

Maddy summaryThis bill A4266 requires that only structural engineers or employees of certified fire escape inspection companies can install, service, repair, inspect, and maintain fire escapes and exterior stairways. It amends existing law to specify that compliance inspections for fire escapes must be conducted by these qualified professionals, and adds fire escapes to the definition of "fire protection equipment." The bill creates a new "Fire Escape Contractor" certification classification for contractors working on fire escapes, with specific requirements for certification. This requirement applies to both contractors performing fire escape work and construction officials responsible for enforcing fire code related to fire escapes.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 10% tax credit against New Jersey's corporation business tax and gross income tax for commercial farm operators who donate eligible fruits and vegetables (fit for human consumption) to qualifying charitable organizations in New Jersey. To claim the credit, farms must obtain written verification from the charity detailing the donation's value, quantity, and origin, and submit it with their tax return. Unused credits can be carried forward for up to five years, but the total credit cannot exceed 50% of a farm's tax liability for the period. The bill also requires the state tax division to publish annual reports tracking credit usage, donation volumes, and beneficiary organizations.

Maddy summaryAssembly Bill A5193 declares contracts to conceal, alter, or destroy evidence for payment (to hinder law enforcement) unlawful and void. It directly affects crime victims whose evidence was hidden by individuals or private entities (like companies) in exchange for money or compensation. The bill creates a new civil lawsuit right for victims to sue those parties within five years of discovering the concealment. Key provisions make such agreements unenforceable and allow victims to pursue separate legal remedies without replacing existing rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to study urban vehicle parking challenges and propose solutions for communities where parking is scarce. The study must examine current state, local, and federal parking laws, signage rules, and street regulations to identify opportunities for increasing available parking - such as updating or removing unnecessary signs. DCA must complete the study and submit a public report to the Governor and Legislature within two years of the bill's enactment. The bill directly affects urban residents and businesses in New Jersey cities facing parking shortages, but does not change existing parking rules itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4475) establishes mandatory standards for court-ordered domestic violence counseling programs in New Jersey. It directly affects domestic violence offenders required by courts to participate in counseling and the counseling programs themselves. The bill requires all such programs to include four key components: risk assessments identifying escalation factors, education on power/control tactics, clear attendance tracking protocols, and regular reviews by the Department of Children and Families for funded programs. These standards ensure consistent accountability and program effectiveness for offenders mandated to attend counseling.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to create a loan program helping beginning farmers purchase essential farming capital like land, farm buildings, and equipment. Beginning farmers are defined as New Jersey residents with low or moderate net worth who are actively farming or planning to start farming. To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria including New Jersey residency, property location within the state, relevant farming experience, and plans for active farm operation. Loans would be issued by NJEDA with terms and interest rates set by the agency, and borrowers may need to provide financial statements to ensure business viability.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to prioritize projects that include or allow for flood mitigation when funding land acquisition for recreation and conservation (known as "Blue Acres" projects) and certain environmental infrastructure projects. It mandates that these projects receive additional priority points in the ranking system used to determine which projects get funded through the Green Acres Program and environmental infrastructure programs. The change affects local governments, nonprofit organizations, and others applying for DEP funding for projects that protect against flooding while serving recreation, conservation, or infrastructure needs. The bill implements this by amending existing laws to require the DEP to factor flood mitigation into its evaluation criteria for funding applications.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes funding to protect the safety of cooperating witnesses - individuals who testify for the government to help prosecute crimes, including confidential informants. It expands New Jersey's Crime Victim's Bill of Rights to guarantee these witnesses assistance with psychological and practical challenges of testifying, protective measures before, during, and after trials, and court procedures ensuring their safety. The bill amends existing laws to allow the Victims of Crime Compensation Office to cover relocation and safety expenses, and authorizes the Victim and Witness Advocacy Fund to provide grants to organizations offering services like emergency shelter, medical advocacy, and safety planning for these witnesses and their families. These changes directly affect witnesses who cooperate with law enforcement in criminal cases, ensuring they receive concrete support and protection while navigating the justice system.

Maddy summaryAJR 89 is a symbolic joint resolution passed by the New Jersey legislature that unconditionally condemns all forms of hate, hate-based violence, and bias crimes targeting individuals based on race, religion, ethnicity, disability, age, marital status, gender, or sexual orientation. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but urges the Governor and Attorney General to continue existing efforts like supporting victims, improving hate crime reporting, enhancing security at vulnerable sites, and researching solutions. The resolution emphasizes New Jersey’s commitment to protecting citizens from hatred and promoting an inclusive community, reflecting the state’s ongoing stance against bias-motivated incidents. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct legal effect on individuals or policies.