Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to create and implement a mandatory training program for all motorbus regular route service operators (including contracted drivers). The training must cover four key areas: basic disability types (physical, sensory, intellectual, developmental), safe passenger assistance techniques, emergency procedures for passengers with disabilities, and resources from disability organizations. NJT must seek input from disability organizations before adopting or updating the curriculum and post the full curriculum online for public access. The policy directly affects NJT bus operators and aims to improve service for passengers with disabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill shortens the training timeline for governing board members at New Jersey's public colleges and universities from one year to six months after appointment, and requires all members to complete training within six months of each new term. The Secretary of Higher Education, not the institutions, will now set the training content to cover governance roles, ethics, financial management, legal issues, and board fiduciary responsibilities. Members who miss the deadline face a 30-day grace period, and failure to complete training may result in resignation and a two-year disqualification from serving on any public higher education governing board. The bill also repeals an outdated section of law and appropriates $350,000 annually for implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes it a crime for someone to falsely claim ownership or possession of a residential rental property they don’t legally own or control, with the intent to rent it out or gain a benefit. Violations are classified as fourth-degree crimes (up to 18 months in jail or $10,000 fine) and also violate New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act. It specifically targets "imposter landlords" who misuse online platforms like Craigslist to rent properties they don’t own, while exempting actual tenants, subtenants, and real estate professionals acting in good faith. The law does not apply to internet platforms or override existing civil/criminal liabilities for fraud or theft.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3126) amends New Jersey law to provide disability insurance coverage for members of the Teachers’ Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) and Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) who become disabled. It replaces previous disability retirement allowances with group insurance coverage, funded through a special "Teachers Group Disability Insurance Premium Fund" paid by employers. The policy provides a monthly benefit equal to 60% of a member’s base salary (minimum $50) for total disability starting before age 60, covering up to age 70, while excluding pregnancy, war injuries, and self-inflicted harm. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was already enacted as P.L.2025, c.370.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey colleges to let final-year graduate students in mental health fields (like psychology or social work) graduate early or enter clinical residencies before the usual graduation date during the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 academic years. To qualify, students must complete all coursework, and institutions must assign a staff mentor to guide them during their residency. It specifically covers licensed mental health professionals including psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and therapists. The law aims to address pandemic-related mental health workforce shortages by accelerating student entry into practice.

Maddy summaryAJR 97 designates July of each year as "Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month" in New Jersey. The resolution aims to increase public awareness about uterine fibroids - a common noncancerous condition affecting 20-50% of reproductive-age women - and highlight its impact on quality of life, including symptoms like heavy bleeding and infertility. It specifically addresses racial disparities (with 80% of Black women developing fibroids by menopause) and gaps in research, urging support for affected individuals and further study into diagnosis and treatment. The bill requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to encourage community engagement and promote state-level initiatives, without creating new programs or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide at Rutgers School of Public Health. It requires the center to research suicide causes, prevention strategies, and treatment options at individual and societal levels, while collaborating with state agencies like the Department of Health. The bill appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to launch the center and mandates annual reports to the Governor and Legislature on its research, funding, and grant programs. The center may also accept additional grants or donations for suicide-related research.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires retailers to provide a raincheck if an item advertised via a digital coupon (like a weekly circular or website discount) is unavailable in stock. The raincheck must allow the consumer to purchase the same item at the advertised price or discount for at least 60 days. It directly affects consumers who rely on digital coupons and retailers offering such promotions. Violations are treated as consumer fraud under state law, potentially resulting in fines up to $20,000 per offense.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3119) extends New Jersey's child care subsidy law (P.L.2021, c.324) through June 2025, requiring licensed child care centers and registered family day care providers to base government payments on the number of enrolled children eligible for subsidies, not on daily attendance. It mandates that providers set staff wages and work hours based on enrollment numbers, not attendance, and requires the Department of Human Services to study enrollment-based versus attendance-based payment systems within three years. The law directly affects child care providers receiving state subsidies by changing how their funding is calculated and administered. The extension ensures continued stability for providers and families during the study period.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1929) requires New Jersey to create a program paying high school equivalency exam fees for low-income adults. It directly affects individuals with household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines, who seek a state-issued high school diploma. The State Board of Education must establish the program within six months, including income verification documentation, and limit fee coverage to one exam per person. The program will be funded using 5% of revenues from the existing Workforce Development Partnership Fund, as amended in Section 9 of P.L.1992, c.43.