Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill (NJ A3297) requires financial institutions that foreclose on properties to remove all lead water service lines from those properties, unless the lines are owned and maintained by the utility company. It applies immediately to all foreclosures occurring after the bill's enactment date. The requirement covers all lead pipes on the property that are not the utility's responsibility, ensuring they are removed before the property is sold or transferred. This directly affects banks and lenders handling foreclosed properties in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Office of Resilience within New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) to address childhood trauma. It directly affects children and families experiencing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) - such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction - and requires DCF to coordinate statewide efforts to build resilience. The office will develop trauma-informed strategies, run public awareness campaigns about ACEs, create research-based resilience tools, and report annually to the Governor and Legislature. Key mechanisms include partnering with community organizations to promote trauma-responsive services and support multi-generational healing. The bill aims to reduce long-term health, educational, and social costs linked to childhood trauma by focusing on prevention and early intervention.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey Medicaid to cover fertility preservation services (like egg or sperm freezing) for individuals who develop infertility as a direct result of medically necessary treatments, such as cancer therapy. It directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries facing treatment-induced infertility who would otherwise pay out-of-pocket for these services. The key provision amends Medicaid coverage to include these services under "comprehensive medical care" when recommended by a physician prior to treatments known to cause infertility. The policy change ensures coverage for fertility preservation as part of standard medical care, without adding new administrative burdens to existing Medicaid services.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A3675, now law as P.L.2025, c.196) allows pharmacists to dispense HIV prevention medicine (PrEP) and emergency HIV treatment (PEP) without individual prescriptions under specific conditions. It directly affects patients seeking HIV prevention or post-exposure treatment, requiring pharmacists to follow strict protocols: verify recent HIV-negative test results, screen for symptoms/contraindications, provide counseling, and notify primary care providers. Pharmacists must complete state-approved training covering medication use and financial assistance programs. The law mandates a 30-60 day supply for PrEP (with limits on frequency) and requires PEP to be dispensed within 72 hours of potential exposure, aligning with federal CDC guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's domestic violence restraining order procedures to strengthen protections for victims. It requires courts to hold hearings within 10 days, apply a standard where the victim must show abuse is more likely than not, and consider factors like past abuse and immediate safety risks. The bill mandates that restraining orders prohibit defendants from possessing firearms and require immediate surrender of weapons, while also allowing courts to order monetary compensation for victims' losses - including counseling costs, property damage, and other expenses. These changes directly affect victims and defendants in domestic violence cases by clarifying court procedures and enhancing safety measures.

Maddy summaryBill A 614 establishes a 17-member "Task Force for Community Based Juvenile Rehabilitation" to study and recommend changes to juvenile court age limits (minimum and maximum ages for prosecution) based on developmental science and other states' practices. The task force must also examine racial disparities in juvenile prosecution and sentencing, and propose solutions to address them. Composed of representatives from law enforcement, courts, social justice organizations, youth justice experts, and community stakeholders, the task force will hold three public hearings across New Jersey and submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within one year. This bill creates a review process for potential policy changes but does not alter current juvenile justice laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Medicaid program (NJ FamilyCare) to reimburse hospitals for long-acting injectable antipsychotic drugs at the same rate used for outpatient settings, rather than including these costs in standard hospital payment systems. It directly affects inpatient hospitals and providers who administer these drugs for conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. The key change ensures hospitals receive payment based on the actual drug cost (like outpatient settings) instead of a fixed hospital payment rate that doesn't account for expensive medications. The bill also allows qualified pharmacists to administer these drugs under a prescriber's order, with state board oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Minority Depository Institution Coordinator position within New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA). The role will work to identify and reduce administrative barriers preventing minority-owned community banks (defined as institutions owned by minorities or serving minority communities) from accessing EDA loan and bonding programs. The coordinator must collaborate with the EDA board and the state's Chief Diversity Officer, and the EDA must submit a 120-day report to the legislature detailing actions taken to improve access. The bill does not change loan terms but focuses on streamlining participation for eligible minority financial institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1041) requires employers with 50+ full-time or equivalent employees in New Jersey to display a government-created poster in the workplace. The poster must provide clear information about veterans' benefits and services, including contact details for state veterans' programs, mental health resources, educational training, tax benefits, veteran ID options, unemployment insurance eligibility, legal services, and the VA Crisis Line. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development must collaborate with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to develop the poster. The requirement would take effect 90 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to provide walk-in services at all agency locations at least two full days per week. It mandates that all walk-in customers be served on a first-come, first-served basis for every MVC service. The policy specifically aims to assist residents without reliable internet access or email who cannot use online scheduling systems. The bill would take effect three months after enactment, requiring MVC to implement these changes.