Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A 797 prohibits the sale of certain consumer products containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) starting in 2026. It directly affects consumers purchasing items like feminine hygiene products, juvenile products (e.g., baby sleepers, car seats), cookware, apparel, and cosmetics. The bill bans PFAS in these products but excludes regulated medical devices, FDA-approved food packaging, and items required by federal law. Key provisions require manufacturers to reformulate products to avoid intentionally added PFAS, with specific exemptions for items already covered by federal regulations. The bill is currently before the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1735) establishes rules for "earned income access services," which allow workers to access their earned but unpaid wages early through providers partnered with employers. It requires providers to verify income through employer contracts, disclose fees in writing, and avoid withholding wages without consent. Providers must obtain a license from New Jersey’s Department of Banking and Insurance, and non-compliant services will be treated as loans subject to usury laws. The bill directly affects workers using these services, employers partnering with providers, and the providers themselves. It aims to prevent disguised loans by clarifying that fees - not interest - apply to these services.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows students with diagnosed menstrual disorders (including severe cramps, endometriosis, heavy bleeding, or PCOS) to attend school remotely. Students' parents or guardians must submit a written request by the start of the school day, and schools may require medical documentation to verify the condition. Remote attendance counts as a full school day for graduation and course credit requirements. The bill directs education and health officials to create guidelines for schools on implementing this accommodation. It directly affects students in New Jersey public schools who experience these specific, medically recognized conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) rules to allow temporary state employees at psychiatric hospitals or correctional facilities to qualify for accidental disability benefits. It specifically covers injuries sustained after January 2003 while working temporarily at these facilities (before becoming a PERS member), making such injuries eligible for PERS benefits once the employee gains membership. The key change deems these pre-membership injuries as occurring "during membership" if the employee joins PERS without interruption in the same job. This expands eligibility beyond current rules, which only provided workers' compensation for such injuries before PERS membership.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the weekly cap for Medicaid-covered personal care assistant (PCA) services from 40 to 91 hours for beneficiaries clinically eligible for nursing facility-level care. It directly affects vulnerable Medicaid recipients who rely on PCA services - such as help with daily living tasks (e.g., bathing, dressing) under a nurse’s supervision - to remain safely in their homes or communities. The key provision removes the previous hour limit, requiring the Department of Human Services to update its assessment tool and secure federal approval for rate adjustments to cover the expanded hours. This change ensures medically necessary PCA services align with individual care plans without case-by-case exceptions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's fiscal year 2026 budget to reassign $2 million in health services funding from "Salvation and Social Justice" to the Greater Mount Zion Community Development Corporation. The funds will continue supporting a maternal health birthing center in Trenton, with no change to the total appropriation amount or the purpose of the funding. The reassignment specifically updates the budget line item to direct the grant to Greater Mount Zion, a Trenton-based nonprofit focused on maternal health and community development. The bill does not create new funding or alter existing program goals.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's Second Chance Program within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The program provides career opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals by partnering with labor organizations to identify and create employment pathways in local trades. It directly affects people recently released from prison who face significant barriers to stable work. The key mechanism requires labor organizations - defined as per federal law - to collaborate with the state in developing job placement plans, aiming to reduce recidivism through meaningful employment. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey state agencies (like the Department of Community Affairs, Environmental Protection, and the Board of Public Utilities) from requiring buildings to use electric heating or water heating systems as the sole or primary method until a specific report is issued. It directly affects building owners, developers, and utilities by delaying mandatory electric system requirements, though it does not stop voluntary adoption or private use of electric systems. The key mechanism requires the Department of Community Affairs to hold six public hearings across the state within 18 months (covering costs, environmental impacts, and worker effects) and submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within 24 months. After the report is published, the prohibition on mandates expires, allowing agencies to proceed with rules based on the findings.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a requirement for New Jersey veterans to have served in active duty or federal active duty to qualify for a $6,000 gross income tax exemption. It directly affects honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, reserve components, and New Jersey National Guard members who previously needed active duty service to claim this exemption. The key change removes the phrase "in active duty status or federal active duty status" from the tax code, allowing all eligible honorably discharged veterans to claim the exemption regardless of their service status. The policy change applies to taxable years beginning after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires health insurance plans sold in the state and the Medicaid program to cover specific family planning and reproductive health services without any out-of-pocket costs for enrollees. It mandates no deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance for services including abortion (both aspiration and medication types), emergency care for mothers/newborns, contraception counseling, genetic testing, inpatient care for mothers and infants, well-baby visits, and ultrasounds. The coverage applies to all in-network providers under insurance contracts and Medicaid, but excludes childbirth services. Religious employers may still qualify for exemptions under existing law.