Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1784) requires owners of certain public spaces - like theaters, libraries, medical waiting areas, banks, restaurants, and grocery checkout zones - to install induction loop listening systems during new construction or substantial renovations costing over $40,000. These systems wirelessly transmit sound to hearing aids and cochlear implants with telecoil features, reducing background noise for people with hearing loss. Owners must also display permanent signage indicating the system’s availability and submit biennial self-certifications confirming it remains functional. Exceptions apply if a building code agency determines installation would be impractical, based on the owner’s request during permit applications.

Maddy summaryBill A 376 allows New Jersey counties to create voluntary registries for senior residents (65+ years old) to receive additional emergency assistance. Counties must establish a central registry collecting basic contact and medical information, conduct public awareness campaigns, and maintain data privacy protections. Each county may also prepare and distribute emergency supply kits to registered seniors, with kit contents determined locally. The bill does not require all counties to implement these measures but provides state funding for kit preparation upon approval.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 34) expresses formal support for the Abraham Accords - peace agreements between Israel and several Middle Eastern nations including the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. It urges U.S. federal officials to continue promoting peace dialogue in the region and recognizes the importance of mutual understanding and coexistence among religious communities. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the President, Secretary of State, and New Jersey’s congressional representatives as a symbolic gesture of endorsement. The resolution does not create new laws or directly affect any specific group but serves as a public statement of support for diplomatic efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all health insurance companies and state health programs in New Jersey to cover treatment for suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts for women during the one-year postpartum period (after childbirth). It specifically defines "suicidal ideation" as thoughts or plans about suicide and "attempted suicide" as harmful behavior meant to cause self-harm or death. The coverage applies immediately to all existing and new health plans in the state, including those for state and school employees. The bill addresses a critical health gap, as suicide is a leading cause of death among postpartum women, with studies showing up to 20% of postpartum deaths may involve suicide.

Maddy summaryAJR 19 designates May 7 of each year as "Cystinosis Awareness Day" in New Jersey. This symbolic resolution aims to raise public awareness about cystinosis, a rare genetic disorder affecting approximately 500-600 Americans, including children in New Jersey. The bill requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging state agencies, organizations, and residents to support education and advocacy efforts. It specifically references the Cystinosis Research Network's existing May 7 designation to promote early detection and treatment awareness. The resolution does not create new laws or funding, but seeks to amplify existing awareness initiatives for a condition that causes organ damage if undetected.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create an online application system for residents to obtain REAL ID-compliant identification cards and driver's licenses. It directly affects New Jersey residents who need these federally recognized IDs for activities like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. The key provision mandates the MVC to accept digital copies of required identity and residency documents through its website, while ensuring applications meet federal REAL ID standards. The MVC must also establish privacy safeguards for personal information processed online, with rules to be adopted within 60 days of the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios for hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specific state facilities (like psychiatric hospitals and developmental centers) in New Jersey. It requires facilities to maintain specific ratios, such as 1 nurse for every 5 patients on medical/surgical units and 1 nurse for every 2 patients in critical care units. The law aims to improve patient safety and reduce errors by ensuring adequate nursing coverage based on patient acuity, while requiring facilities to use acuity-based staffing systems to adjust for changing patient needs. These requirements apply to all direct-care registered nurses providing patient services, not administrative staff.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's "Safe Storage of Firearms Act" (Bill A 3560) requires all legal firearm owners to store unloaded firearms in locked containers (like gun safes) and keep ammunition separate at their homes or premises. It repeals older laws about minors accessing firearms and mandates a $500,000 public awareness campaign by the Attorney General. Retail dealers must provide written warnings about these storage rules to customers, and courts must inform convicted violators about firearm ownership restrictions. The law directly affects firearm owners, with exceptions for active law enforcement officers and certain retail displays.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) from using federal benefits (like Social Security or Veterans benefits) received by children in foster care to cover state costs for their care, except to maintain eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits or avoid violating federal asset limits. It requires DCF to manage these benefits as representative payee, monitor federal resource limits, establish ABLE accounts for eligible children, and provide annual financial reports to children, families, and courts. The law specifically directs DCF to prioritize children’s SSI eligibility over seeking state reimbursement for foster care costs under federal law. The bill was withdrawn after being approved as P.L.2025, c.162.

Maddy summaryACR 66 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the annual income limit for New Jersey residents to qualify for a property tax deduction. It directly affects seniors (65+ years) and permanently disabled residents who own or rent housing in the state. The bill would raise the current income cap from $10,000 to $15,000 per year for eligibility, effective in 2023. This change updates a limit that has remained unchanged since 1983, when it increased from $9,000 to $10,000.