Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's bill A 954, the "Sexual Assault Evidence Submission Act," requires law enforcement agencies to submit sexual assault forensic evidence (commonly called a "rape kit") to a designated lab within 10 business days of receipt. It mandates that labs analyze the evidence within six months of receipt, if staffing and resources allow, and establishes deadlines for agencies to report unsubmitted backlog cases (within 45 days) and arrange submission of past cases (within 180 days). Agencies must also submit a detailed analysis plan to state leaders within 120 days, including resource needs. Violations by officers incur civil penalties ($1,000-$5,000 per incident), though reasonable efforts to comply are exempt. The bill directly affects law enforcement agencies and forensic labs handling sexual assault cases in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies eligibility rules for New Jersey's state small business set-aside program, which helps direct government contracts to qualifying small businesses. It specifies that employee size limits apply only to businesses without a federal revenue standard (13 CFR §121.201), and changes how gross revenue is calculated: businesses must now average revenue over five tax years (instead of three), with specific formulas for newer businesses or those with short fiscal years. These rules directly affect small businesses seeking state contracts under the program. The bill was withdrawn after being approved as part of P.L.2025, c.254, so it did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires property owners of new apartment buildings to clearly disclose rent control exemption status to tenants and maintain public records. It limits rent control exemptions to 30 years after construction completion (or the mortgage amortization period, whichever is shorter), and mandates owners to provide written statements with expiration dates before leasing. Owners must submit documentation - including mortgage records and certificate of occupancy - to municipalities and the state's public registry, which will be searchable online. Tenants in exempt properties will receive clear lease notices about the exemption's end date, and owners face penalties for failing to comply. The law applies specifically to newly built multiple-dwelling properties claiming exemption under existing rent control ordinances.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1787) extends the duration of wage replacement payments for specific public safety workers injured during official duties from six to 12 months. It directly affects correctional officers, parole officers, human services police, campus police, medical security officers, and civilian employees working with inmates, who suffer serious bodily injury from assaults by those under their supervision or custody. The bill requires employers to provide supplemental payments so injured workers receive their full net wage (combined with workers' compensation) for up to 12 months, while protecting existing fringe benefits. It amends existing law (P.L.2017, c.93) to update the timeframe and ensure continued income support during recovery.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 3-year pilot program requiring counties to create "Code Red" alert systems for extreme heat or poor air quality events. It directly affects at-risk individuals (defined as those living outdoors or in poorly insulated settings) by mandating counties to coordinate cooling centers, outreach plans, and transportation through municipal and social service partners. Alerts trigger when the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory or air quality index reaches 151, with counties reporting program outcomes to the State Office of Emergency Management by the 30th month. The program expires after three years, with counties eligible for reimbursement of administrative costs. (Note: Bill was withdrawn January 13, 2026, as it was incorporated into P.L.2025, c.297.)

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) to include annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) in contracts with organizations providing child, youth, and family services. The COLA would be calculated using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the previous year (October 1-September 30) and announced by DCF each October 1. It directly affects contracted social service organizations - including those receiving Medicaid funding - by ensuring their fixed service rates (which cover staff wages and operational costs) adjust annually for inflation. This mechanism aims to sustain funding for essential services and maintain competitive staff compensation as living costs rise. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners or operators of public community water systems in New Jersey to regularly test drinking water for Legionella bacteria. Specifically, they must test a random sample of at least 0.1% of service lines every three months and a random sample of at least 1% of water system facilities (like storage tanks and treatment plants) each month. If Legionella levels exceed the standard set by the Department of Environmental Protection, the system must immediately notify affected customers and complete remediation within six months. All testing must follow DEP-approved best practices and be conducted by accredited labs, with results reported to the department.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Health (DOH) to provide SNAP (food assistance), WFNJ (cash assistance), and WIC (nutrition program) recipients with clear information about card skimming, cloning, and fraud prevention. It mandates that agencies replace stolen benefits through established claims processes using federal funds (per the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act) or state funds if federal funds are unavailable. DHS and DOH must also coordinate with card vendors to implement security measures like embedded microchips and transaction alerts. The bill directly affects millions of low-income New Jersey residents who rely on these programs for essential support.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's proposed A1678 would create a new Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as a principal agency within the state executive branch. The department would be led by a commissioner appointed by the governor, who would advise state agencies on diversity in investments, procurement, and housing programs. It would transfer existing diversity functions from the Treasury Department's Office of Diversity and Inclusion to this new department. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly State and Local Government Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Medicaid program to cover social adult day care services for seniors aged 60 and older who meet the clinical, income, and asset requirements for the state's Medicaid Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) program. It expands current coverage - previously limited to MLTSS enrollees - by mandating Medicaid coverage regardless of MLTSS enrollment. Social adult day care is defined as non-medical, community-based care provided during daytime hours when caregivers are unavailable, designed to support seniors with functional impairments. The bill also requires the state to seek federal Medicaid waivers for funding, with implementation pending federal approval.