Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill 5371 authorizes municipalities and counties to establish civilian review boards that investigate police operations and officer conduct in response to specific complaints regarding excessive force, abuse of authority, discourtesy, or offensive language. These boards, composed of at least seven local residents with relevant professional experience, are granted the power to subpoena witnesses and evidence, though their investigations must cease if a related criminal prosecution is initiated. The bill requires board members to complete training developed by the Attorney General within six months of appointment before they can recommend disciplinary actions, and it mandates that law enforcement agencies disclose internal affairs reports and recordings to these boards. Additionally, the legislation appropriates $600,000 from the state General Fund to support the development and delivery of the required training courses for board members.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill 5385 establishes a five-year pilot program within the Department of Education designed to support low-income households by providing academic and job readiness services to both parents and children simultaneously. The program will operate in municipalities where the poverty rate is at least double the state average, offering integrated services such as early learning, adult education, child care, housing assistance, and financial literacy training. An interagency working group comprising state officials, legislators, business representatives, and members of low-income families will oversee the initiative, which is funded by up to $1.5 million in annual state appropriations plus available private funds. The pilot aims to create a model for statewide expansion, with a comprehensive report on outcomes and recommendations due four years after the act takes effect.