Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in New Jersey to cover preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) with in vitro fertilization (IVF) for people who are not infertile, specifically to prevent certain serious genetic conditions from being passed to offspring. Coverage is required when both partners are carriers of specific genetic disorders, one partner is a carrier with a child who has the disorder, or the genetic condition would cause significant health problems in offspring. The bill defines specific medical conditions that qualify for coverage and limits it to those cases, while allowing religious employers to request exclusions if coverage conflicts with their religious beliefs. The coverage must be provided at facilities meeting specific medical standards, with the same copayments and deductibles as other pregnancy-related services.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act, prohibits state and local government agencies from collecting immigration status information unless strictly necessary for service eligibility and from assisting federal immigration authorities. It requires government entities to adopt policies protecting sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, and shelters from immigration enforcement activities, ensuring immigrants can access public services without fear. The law mandates law enforcement training on these restrictions, prohibits detaining individuals based on immigration status, and requires annual reporting on interactions with federal immigration authorities. It also establishes a public awareness campaign to inform immigrants of their rights under the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $20 million in additional state funding for New Jersey's Summer Tuition Aid Grants program for the summer 2025 semester. It directs that eligible undergraduate students - those who received aid in the prior fall or spring semester and are enrolled in summer courses at the same institution - will receive 75% of the full grant amount they would normally qualify for under current law. The funds are allocated to the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to cover tuition costs for students enrolled in six or more credits during summer 2025. This is a supplemental appropriation to the existing FY2025 budget, specifically increasing the grant amount for summer enrollment without changing eligibility requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4977) requires New Jersey's Public Safety Risk Assessment (PSA) tool to explicitly include firearm-related charges as a factor when evaluating pretrial release risks. Specifically, it mandates that the PSA must consider any offense involving firearm use or possession - including "ghost guns" and modified firearms - as a risk factor for both community danger and failure to appear in court. The change responds to a September 2024 report by the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation (SCI), which found current PSA calculations fail to account for the heightened danger posed by firearms, especially in public discharge incidents or when firearms are modified to function like machine guns. The bill directly affects defendants charged with firearm-related offenses during pretrial hearings, altering how courts assess their risk level.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires large supermarkets and grocery stores (over 16,000 square feet with 90% food space) and food suppliers to make a reasonable effort to donate edible food that would otherwise be discarded. It mandates donations to food banks, nonprofits, or individuals, not for profit but to cover minimal handling costs. The law applies to food still safe for consumption but not sold due to normal business operations, such as unsold perishables. It defines "donate" as free or minimal-cost transfers and takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale of ammunition through vending machines that dispense ammunition directly to consumers after payment. It defines a "vending machine" as any device accepting payment and dispensing items, making it illegal for vendors to sell ammunition this way. Violating this law is a fourth-degree crime punishable by up to 18 months in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. The law directly affects vending machine operators and anyone purchasing ammunition through such machines.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Treasury and Department of Human Services (DHS) to annually identify unspent state funds available for NJ FamilyCare, evaluate care quality for beneficiaries, and create a prioritized list of the 12 most urgent improvements needed. It directly affects low-income residents enrolled in NJ FamilyCare (which includes Medicaid and children's health insurance) by mandating that state officials assess funding gaps and quality issues. The key mechanism is an annual report to the Governor and Legislature detailing available funds, care deficiencies, and specific cost estimates for implementing top priority changes. The bill does not allocate new funds but directs existing resources toward addressing identified care shortcomings.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require New Jersey's Medicaid program to cover community violence prevention services for individuals who have received medical treatment for violence-related injuries and have been referred by healthcare providers as being at elevated risk of further violence. It mandates the Department of Health to approve a training and certification program for violence prevention professionals within six months, requiring at least 35 hours of initial training covering trauma effects, prevention strategies, and privacy laws, plus six hours of continuing education every two years. The bill defines "community violence" as intentional physical force in public areas not involving family members, and specifies that prevention services must be evidence-based, trauma-informed, and non-psychotherapeutic. It also prohibits unqualified individuals from using the title "certified violence prevention professional" and requires employers to verify professionals' certification status.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4906) limits how New Jersey correctional facilities can restrict phone calls as a disciplinary measure for incarcerated individuals. It requires facilities to allow at least one phone call every two weeks during any suspension, caps suspensions at 90 consecutive days or 180 days per year, and prohibits suspensions within 60 days of release (terminating any existing sanctions during that period). The bill also bans suspensions for individuals in Restorative Housing Units and mandates that facilities notify emergency contacts if calls are restricted. These changes directly affect incarcerated people and their families by ensuring more consistent communication access during incarceration.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "Type S School Bus Certificate" that would allow certain qualified drivers to operate specific school buses without needing a commercial driver's license, passenger endorsement, or school bus endorsement. To qualify, drivers must be at least 21 years old, have held a basic driver's license for three years, pass physical and eye exams, complete a knowledge exam, and finish special training for students with special needs. The certificate would apply to "Type S school buses," defined as vehicles designed for nine passengers or less (excluding driver) with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more, used for transporting students to and from school. This would streamline school bus operations for qualified drivers while maintaining safety standards for student transportation. The bill amends existing school bus regulations to include this new certification pathway.