Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 2098) prohibits institutions of higher education and certain proprietary schools from withholding student transcripts due to unpaid debts of $2,000 or less for non-mandatory charges (like campus fees, not tuition or room/board). It specifically bans institutions from refusing transcripts, charging extra fees, or conditioning transcript access on debt payment for qualifying students. Exceptions apply for unpaid tuition/room/board debts, debts exceeding $2,000, or students needing transcripts for new student loans. The bill also requires institutions to post transcript policies online and clarifies that transcript access does not forgive debt or affect diploma issuance. Note: This bill was withdrawn as it was already enacted as P.L.2025, c.353.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds "source of lawful income" to New Jersey's list of protected categories in housing, prohibiting discrimination by landlords or housing providers. It directly affects renters and homeowners who use lawful income sources (such as government benefits, disability payments, or child support) for housing payments. The law expands existing protections under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination to explicitly cover this factor, making it illegal to refuse housing, impose different terms, or harass someone based on how they pay rent or a mortgage. The amendment clarifies that victims can seek remedies like damages for discrimination-related harms, including economic loss or emotional distress. (Note: The bill was withdrawn as redundant after similar protections were enacted as P.L.2025, c.251.)

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to revise the state's law enforcement use of force policy, which hasn't been updated since 2001. The revised policy must include specific requirements like mandating de-escalation techniques, ensuring force is proportional to the situation, requiring officers to report excessive force they witness, and establishing clear firearm use guidelines. It directly affects all New Jersey law enforcement agencies and officers who must follow the updated policy. The Attorney General must publish the revised policy within seven months of the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a nine-member commission to study how a 2017 Medicaid reimbursement rate increase for personal care services affected nursing homes in New Jersey. The commission will analyze impacts on nursing home operations, staffing compliance, financial health, resident costs, and closures since the 2017 law (amended in 2019), while also reviewing state funding sources for the rate change. It requires the commission to gather data from nursing homes and submit a report to the governor and legislature within 12 months. The study focuses solely on evaluating past policy effects, not proposing new laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey colleges and universities to maintain a supply of naloxone nasal spray (for opioid overdose emergencies) in secure, accessible campus locations and develop a campus policy for its emergency use. It directly affects institutions of higher education, licensed campus medical staff, and designated campus personnel like resident assistants who may administer naloxone after required training. Key provisions include mandating hospital transport for overdose victims after naloxone use, permitting trained non-medical staff to administer the drug in good faith, and providing liability protection for those acting in compliance with the law. The policy must be developed with guidance from the state’s higher education and human services departments.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $3 million from the General Fund to provide one-time bonus awards to members of Local 195 of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers who worked as frontline state employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will be distributed by state agencies to eligible union members who provided essential emergency workplace service. The bonus amount is determined per agency through consultation between the Division of Budget and Accounting and the union president. This supplemental appropriation directly affects approximately 3,000 Local 195 members across state departments, as specified in the bill text. It does not create new policy but provides targeted financial recognition for pandemic-era service.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey Medicaid to cover over-the-counter contraceptives and imposes certain requirements on insurers and the State Health Benefits Program regarding existing mandates on health benefits coverage for these products. The legislation directly affects Medicaid recipients, private health insurance plans, and state health programs by ensuring access to contraception without additional cost-sharing. Key provisions include expanding the list of authorized medical services under the Medicaid program and clarifying how contraceptive coverage must be provided within the state's health benefits framework. The bill amends existing statutory law to incorporate these coverage requirements while maintaining compliance with federal Social Security Act regulations.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill allows school districts to count virtual or remote instruction days toward meeting the state's 180-day school year requirement when schools close for more than three consecutive days due to declared emergencies (like severe weather or public health crises). It requires districts to submit approved virtual programs to the education commissioner, ensuring equal access for all students - including those with disabilities - and that virtual days count for attendance, graduation credits, and course completion. The bill also mandates guidance on addressing technology access gaps, impacts on school meals and standardized testing, and ensures teachers covered by collective bargaining agreements receive full compensation during closures. It directly affects public school districts, charter schools, and their staff during emergency closures.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Law Enforcement Critical Mental Health Assistance Grant Program within New Jersey's Department of Human Services, appropriating $3 million to provide confidential mental health services. It directly affects law enforcement officers and their immediate family members (spouses, domestic partners, children, or parents living with the officer) who are in a mental health crisis or suicidal. The program awards grants to licensed mental health providers to deliver these services, with priority given to providers located within one hour of where clients live to reduce travel barriers. The Commissioner of Human Services will manage applications, publish approved providers online, and oversee implementation once funded.

Maddy summaryAJR 95 designates October 12 of each year as "Jump4Jerry Day" in New Jersey to honor Jeremiah "Jerry" Grant, a young community leader and champion Double Dutch jumper who died at age 8 in 2017. The resolution recognizes Jerry’s legacy through the nonprofit Jump4Jerry, which helps youth develop life skills, confidence, and leadership through Double Dutch. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging community observance of the day. This is a symbolic resolution with no new policy or funding.