Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill, now enacted as P.L.2025, c.202, prohibits the intentional addition of PFAS (forever chemicals) to most cosmetics sold in New Jersey starting two years after its effective date. It requires cookware manufacturers containing PFAS to notify consumers about their presence. The law directly affects cosmetics and cookware manufacturers, while protecting residents by reducing exposure to PFAS linked to health risks. Key mechanisms include specific product bans, disclosure requirements, and funding for PFAS research and remediation programs. The bill does not apply to trace PFAS from manufacturing impurities or products with PFAS only in internal components.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's bill A 3425 would permit individuals to collect wild fruits, fungi, nuts, and plants from state parks and forests for personal consumption (not for sale), provided they avoid protected species. It defines "personal use" as consumption by the collector, family, or friends, and requires foragers to assume all risks with no state liability. The Department of Environmental Protection may restrict foraging in sensitive areas (e.g., to protect wildlife, prevent erosion, or ensure public safety) and can impose $500 fines for negligent harvesting of endangered species. The bill is pending before the Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2279) requires New Jersey county prosecutors to collect and report data on all firearm-related incidents where no physical harm occurred. Prosecutors must submit specific details - including location, time, charges, and whether the firearm was used lawfully - for every such incident, regardless of case outcome. They would provide this data quarterly for three years to the Attorney General, who would then compile and publish a public report on the Department of Law's website. The law aims to create standardized data on non-injury shootings, which currently lack consistent reporting. (Note: The bill was withdrawn after being superseded by P.L.2025, c.365.)

Maddy summaryAJR 75 designates the last week of April each year as "Reentry Week" to raise public awareness about challenges formerly incarcerated individuals face, including finding housing, jobs, healthcare, and reconnecting with families. The resolution encourages state agencies, organizations, and the public to support reentry efforts through activities during this designated week. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of ongoing reentry support initiatives. This is a procedural resolution with no direct policy changes or new obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates New Jersey's Healthy Soils Program to improve soil health through practices like cover cropping, reduced tillage, and carbon sequestration. It specifically establishes a grant program for urban farmers and gardeners (including community gardens, rooftop farms, and backyard plots) to cover soil testing costs for contaminants like lead, arsenic, and petroleum. The Urban Agriculture Site Soil Testing Fund - financed by existing climate change funds and future appropriations - will pay for these tests and program administration. The program targets city and suburban growers to make soil health practices more widespread, with annual reporting on its effectiveness.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2544) requires New Jersey's Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs to cover motorized wheelchairs for residents in nursing facilities under specific conditions. It directly affects Medicaid enrollees living in nursing facilities who need a motorized wheelchair, as long as their doctor prescribes it and their managed care organization approves it beforehand. The bill mandates that residents keep the wheelchair for as long as they need it, returning it to the state when no longer required. Nursing facilities must notify managed care organizations in writing when equipment is no longer in use. This policy change ensures consistent access to mobility equipment for eligible nursing home residents without adding new administrative burdens beyond existing prescription and authorization processes.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires all schools and child care centers to test drinking water for lead at every outlet used for drinking or food preparation every two years. If lead levels exceed five parts per billion, schools must immediately stop using affected outlets, provide safe water alternatives, and notify parents, staff, and the Department of Education in writing. The bill also mandates installing and maintaining NSF/ANSI-certified filters at all drinking fountains and faucets used for drinking or food prep, with filters replaced per manufacturer guidelines. These requirements aim to prevent lead exposure for students, staff, and children in these facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 3-year pilot program in New Jersey’s six highest-crime municipalities (per state police data) to provide grants to non-profit organizations for outreach about the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO). The grants would help non-profits inform crime victims about accessing state compensation for expenses related to crimes. The Department of Law and Public Safety would administer the program and require a post-pilot report to the Governor and Legislature, recommending whether to continue, expand, or make the program permanent. The initiative directly aims to improve access to victim compensation services in communities most affected by crime.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 2627) prohibits landlords from charging tenants more than $5 per month for using digital payment methods (like credit cards or online platforms) to pay rent. It directly affects renters - especially fixed-income tenants, seniors, and low-wage earners - who often face cumulative fees of hundreds of dollars annually. Landlords must cover any fees exceeding $5 per payment or reimburse tenants within 10 days, and provide itemized receipts showing compliance. Violations trigger penalties under existing housing laws, including potential consumer fraud claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to increase penalties for public servants who disclose domestic violence or sexual assault victims' personal information during official misconduct. Currently, such misconduct is a second-degree crime only if the benefit involved exceeds $200, otherwise it's a less severe third-degree crime. Under this bill, disclosing victims' personal information - defined as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, or other identifying details - automatically elevates the offense to a second-degree crime, regardless of the benefit's value. This change imposes stricter penalties: second-degree crimes carry 5-10 years in prison or fines up to $150,000, versus 3-5 years or $15,000 for third-degree offenses. It directly affects public servants like police, court staff, or social workers handling victim cases.