Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 3401) expands the state's child tax credit to include children aged 6-11, who were previously ineligible. It increases credit amounts for all children under 12 over two years: for example, taxpayers with income under $30,000 will receive $500 (2023-2024) or $600 (2025+) for children aged 6-11, and $750 (2023-2024) or $1,000 (2025+) for children under 6. Credits phase out completely for taxpayers earning over $80,000 annually and are refundable if exceeding tax liability. The bill directly affects New Jersey residents with children in these age groups who file state taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1901) removes specific date and location requirements for veterans to qualify for New Jersey civil service and pension benefits. It eliminates past restrictions that limited eligibility to veterans who served during exact timeframes (e.g., "between July 14, 1914 and November 11, 1918") or in specific locations (e.g., "in Lebanon" for certain missions). The key change amends the definition of "veteran" in state law to broaden eligibility, allowing veterans who served honorably in designated conflicts to qualify without proving they met these prior time or place conditions. This directly affects veterans whose service history no longer aligns with the old, narrow criteria but otherwise meets the general eligibility standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2886) requires New Jersey's State Planning Commission to create model rules for placing warehouses near different zoning areas, including design and setback requirements. Municipalities can then update their local zoning plans and master plans to align with these models, giving them flexibility to regulate warehouse locations. The rules specifically apply to warehouses like distribution centers and flex-warehouses that store goods for later distribution. This directly affects local governments (which can adopt the models) and warehouse developers (which must follow the new zoning standards).

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1723) requires prime contractors who win state construction, goods, services, or professional services contracts to notify subcontractors they listed on the bid within 30 days of receiving contract award notice. The notification, sent by certified mail, must include the state agency name, a description of the prime contractor's work, and the subcontractor's specific tasks with timeframe. Prime contractors who fail to provide this notice face penalties outlined in their contract. The law directly affects prime contractors and subcontractors working on state projects in New Jersey. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryAJR 56 designates September each year as "Kinship Care Month" in New Jersey through a symbolic resolution. The bill requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to recognize kinship caregivers - such as relatives or close family friends raising children when parents cannot - and highlight children in these arrangements. It does not change laws, provide new resources, or alter existing policies. This resolution aligns with national recognition of kinship care, which prioritizes maintaining family connections for children in foster care.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a new corporate status called "Garden State Corporation" for manufacturing businesses operating primarily in New Jersey. It requires these corporations to include half of their board members elected by employees working in New Jersey facilities, giving workers equal voting rights and access to company records. The bill also offers significant tax credits: up to 60% of certain taxes for the first five years if the company qualifies as both a Garden State Corporation and a benefit corporation, decreasing over time. This would directly affect eligible New Jersey manufacturing companies that choose to adopt this corporate structure, with the tax benefits applying over nine years. The bill is currently pending before the Assembly Commerce Committee.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Bill A-1329 establishes the "New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative" to connect students, workers, and job seekers with training for high-demand careers. It creates Centers of Workforce Innovation at community colleges focused on 11 key fields like healthcare, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and manufacturing. These centers will develop public curricula, provide job-specific skills training, promote financial aid (including Community College Opportunity Grants), and expand apprenticeships. The bill was introduced in 2026 but withdrawn after being approved as P.L.2025, c.374.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey county colleges to collaborate with county social services boards and state agencies to expand access to social services for low-income students. It mandates colleges to work directly with social services representatives to help students apply for programs like SNAP, TANF, and childcare subsidies, and to streamline enrollment processes. The bill also directs colleges and workforce boards to partner with community organizations to identify unemployed residents who could benefit from college enrollment for career pathways. These provisions aim to connect students with existing support systems and improve access to education and workforce opportunities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Labor to establish a heat stress standard by June 2025, creating rules to protect workers from heat-related illness. It directly affects all employers in the state - including construction, agriculture, and indoor workplaces without climate control - by mandating written heat illness prevention plans. Key provisions include employer requirements for monitoring heat exposure, providing cool water (66-77°F or 35-65°F), paid rest breaks, shade or cooling areas, and emergency response protocols. The standard aims to address risks highlighted by rising temperatures and existing deaths from heat exposure, aligning with protections in other states like California and Oregon.

Maddy summaryThis bill would provide $615,000 in additional state funding to the NJ 2-1-1 Partnership, a statewide service that connects residents to human services like food assistance, housing support, and mental health resources through a free 24/7 phone hotline. The funds would be allocated within the Department of Human Services' budget specifically for the Partnership's ongoing operational costs to maintain its 2-1-1 service. Since 2002, the NJ 2-1-1 Partnership has been the sole provider of New Jersey's 2-1-1 dialing code, serving all residents statewide. This is a routine budgetary measure to sustain an existing community resource, not a new policy.