Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey municipalities to inspect single- and two-family rental dwellings for lead paint hazards at least every five years (every two years for properties with lead remediation), using either local agencies or state-certified contractors. It directly affects landlords and property owners in these dwellings, with exemptions for homes built after 1978, lead-free certified units, and seasonal rentals under six months. Municipalities must report inspection results to the state and collect fees - $20 per unit - to fund lead hazard control efforts. The state will compile public reports on high-risk areas and lead inspection activity annually.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a program enabling gas public utilities to invest in renewable natural gas (RNG) infrastructure and procure RNG. It directly affects gas utilities (like gas companies) and their ratepayers (customers who pay gas bills). Key provisions require the BPU to establish a ratemaking mechanism allowing utilities to recover all prudently incurred costs - such as capital investments in RNG infrastructure, operating expenses, and RNG procurement costs - from customers through regular rate adjustments. The BPU must approve both the program and cost recovery mechanism, ensuring rates reflect actual costs while protecting ratepayers.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A1698) allows eligible voters to register to vote on election day or during early voting at their assigned polling place or early voting site, provided they meet specific requirements. It directly affects voters who missed the standard 21-day registration deadline before an election. Key provisions require voters to provide valid ID (like a utility bill or photo ID), complete a provisional ballot affirmation statement confirming they haven't voted already, and submit the registration in person. The bill updates existing law to make same-day registration at polling locations a standard option, ensuring provisional ballots from eligible voters are counted if all requirements are met.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's cannabis regulations to streamline licensing for medical cannabis businesses. It requires the Cannabis Regulatory Commission to begin processing new cultivator, manufacturer, and dispensary permit applications within 90 days, while ensuring the first three alternative treatment centers (ATCs) are distributed across northern, central, and southern regions. The bill establishes "conditional permits" for at least one-third of all medical cannabis licenses, with requirements including income limits ($200,000 individual/$400,000 joint), background checks, and proof of local residency for key personnel. It also sets nonrefundable application fees and mandates a 90-day review timeline for permit applications. These changes directly affect new and existing medical cannabis businesses seeking licenses to operate in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires certain New Jersey school districts (specifically those in second-class cities ordered by the Supreme Court to address segregation) to provide transportation - such as bus services or equivalent assistance - to elementary students living more than 2 miles and secondary students living more than 2.5 miles from their chosen school. Sending districts (the districts students attend from) receive state transportation funding, which they must pay directly to the choice district. If the choice district’s actual transportation costs exceed this state funding, it can receive supplemental state aid after demonstrating cost-efficient routing (like centralized pick-ups). The choice district must annually report cost differences to the Department of Education for reimbursement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health and the Board of Nursing to provide homemaker-home health aide and nursing assistant certification exams in multiple languages. Specifically, exams must be available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Tagalog - minimum languages specified - both in writing and orally. The law mandates these language options to help non-English speakers access certification, directly affecting individuals seeking these healthcare roles. It takes effect six months after enactment, with rules to implement the requirement developed under existing administrative procedures.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 3343) requires all teacher certification candidates who complete an approved educator preparation program to complete a mandatory anti-racism training course starting with the 2022-2023 school year. It also requires alternate route certification seekers to complete the training within one year of being hired. The training must cover recognizing diversity's role in teaching, developing racial literacy, examining personal biases, and understanding how race affects school decisions like grading and discipline. Educator programs must update their curricula to include this training and share syllabi and required texts online, though the state does not approve these materials. The bill directly affects all new teachers seeking certification in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2234) requires New Jersey electric and gas utilities to offer warranty programs covering the full cost to repair or replace common household appliances like water heaters, furnaces, HVAC systems, refrigerators, and stoves. Utilities must maintain or create these programs, notify customers via bill inserts every billing cycle for one year (explaining program details and enrollment options), and cannot pass program costs to customers through higher rates. The law applies to all residential customers served by these utilities and takes effect 3 months after enactment. It directly affects how utilities support homeowners with appliance repairs, ensuring coverage without additional fees.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates an additional $1 billion in state funding specifically for after-school recreation programs in urban areas. The funds, managed by the Commissioner of Education, will directly support urban communities by improving playgrounds, pools, and recreational infrastructure; reopening closed parks; and creating mentorship programs with computer science, home economics, and life skills education. The money is designated for physical facility upgrades and educational programming, not for general school operations.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a policy bill. It formally expresses the New Jersey General Assembly's appreciation to all its staff members - including the Chief Clerk, committee staff, administrative personnel, and others - for their dedication and service during legislative sessions. The resolution commends their "outstanding dedication, cooperation, and excellent work" in supporting the Assembly's operations. It requires the Clerk to send copies of the resolution to every staff member. As a procedural measure, it has no legal effect or policy changes.