Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill increases retirement benefits for New Jersey police and fire personnel who suffer disabilities caused by weapons while on duty. It changes the accidental disability pension from 2/3 of a member's salary to 100% of their annual compensation when the disability results from weapon use. The amendment specifically applies to members of the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) and requires the disability to be directly linked to weapon-related incidents during service. This adjustment provides higher financial support compared to the current standard for weapon-related injuries.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes two new entities in New Jersey: the Office of Healthcare Affordability and Transparency (within the Department of Health) and the Health Care Cost Containment and Price Transparency Commission. It requires hospitals, health insurers, and other healthcare providers to publicly report detailed pricing data for services like inpatient care, emergency visits, and physician services. The Commission will set annual benchmarks for healthcare cost growth and hospital pricing, monitor entities exceeding these benchmarks, and may impose public transparency requirements or civil penalties for noncompliance. These provisions directly affect all New Jersey hospitals, health insurers, and healthcare providers by mandating transparency in pricing and cost reporting to promote affordability.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows licensed social workers in New Jersey to earn up to four hours of required continuing education credit by volunteering as poll workers during state primary or general elections. Social workers receive two credits for each election they serve (primary, general, or both), with a maximum of four credits per license renewal period. To claim these credits, workers must provide proof of service, such as a county-issued assignment letter. The bill does not require social workers to volunteer - it simply offers this as an optional way to meet their continuing education requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services to create a pilot program providing free menstrual hygiene products (tampons, menstrual cups, and sanitary napkins) to eligible Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare enrollees. Eligible individuals would receive products at no cost by presenting their Medicaid card at participating pharmacies, with quantities and frequency determined by health experts. The program depends on federal approval of a waiver under Section 1115 of the Social Security Act to secure federal funding. The bill does not take effect until this federal waiver is approved.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-funded grant program to help local governments, nonprofits, and small businesses (under 50 employees) cover costs for workforce shuttle services. Grants can be used to purchase or lease shuttles, operate shuttle services in high-traffic areas, or partner with employers to provide employee transportation. Applicants must demonstrate employer funding commitments and show sufficient resources to cover operating costs. The program is funded by an annual $10 million state appropriation, with priority given to areas experiencing rapid population growth or traffic congestion.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2178) amends New Jersey's Commission on Human Trafficking to specifically require the commission to study human trafficking affecting women and children of color. The commission must identify risk factors making these groups vulnerable, develop prevention strategies, and recommend ways to improve support services for victims. The commission will continue its existing duties - like evaluating laws, reviewing victim programs, and promoting public awareness - but now with a focused mandate on racial disparities in trafficking. It will report annually to the Governor and Legislature on its findings and legislative recommendations related to this specific population.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1764) requires county correctional facilities in New Jersey to provide specific reentry assistance to inmates sentenced to incarceration who were denied bail under recent bail reform law. At least 10 days before release, facilities must give inmates a copy of their criminal history, information about voting rights and expungement, details on employment/vocational programs, a record of their prison program participation, and a written accounting of financial obligations like fines or child support. It also mandates assistance obtaining a non-driver ID card, birth certificate (if NJ-born), Social Security card, and access to medical records. The goal is to help formerly incarcerated individuals access essential services and reduce barriers to reintegration.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey's cosmetology licensing exam requirements. It expands language options beyond English by requiring the State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling to offer practical and written exams in English plus the four most commonly spoken languages in the state (determined using Census data). This affects both new applicants and practicing licensees, who may now take each exam portion in one of these four languages or use a translator for practical exams if approved by the board. The Division of Consumer Affairs must verify and update the list of available languages every five years using official data. The change replaces the current limited option of Spanish for practicing licensees.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases New Jersey's annual property tax deduction for eligible seniors (65+), persons with disabilities, and veterans from $250 to $500. It directly affects qualifying residents who own or occupy their primary residence, allowing them to reduce their property tax bill by the new higher amount each year. The deduction would take effect starting in 2024, but only after voters approve a constitutional amendment to formalize the change. The bill amends existing laws (P.L.1963, c.171 and c.172) to update the deduction amounts and includes specific provisions for veterans living in continuing care retirement communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to launch a two-year pilot program on light rail trains operating in southern New Jersey, supplying each train set with opioid antidotes (like naloxone) and installing secure storage with silent alerts that notify operators when accessed. NJT must stock at least two doses per train, maintain clear bilingual signage with overdose recognition and emergency contact info, and track antidote usage without requiring staff to administer the antidote or undergo specialized training. The program is funded by a $100,000 appropriation from the General Fund, and NJT must report on its effectiveness within six months of the pilot’s end to decide on a potential statewide expansion. The bill directly affects NJT operations, staff, and passengers on southern light rail routes.