Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill requires healthcare providers (including doctors, nurses, and facilities) to screen children aged 6 months to 26 months for lead exposure during routine well visits. Specifically, it mandates screening between 9-18 months (ideally around the first birthday) and again between 18-26 months (ideally around the second birthday). Providers must document results in the child’s permanent health record and notify parents if lead levels are elevated, while allowing written parental consent to opt out. The law updates existing requirements to standardize screening schedules and documentation, aiming to prevent childhood lead poisoning through early detection. It affects all healthcare entities serving children under six in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-2360) requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to operate a telephone call center within New Jersey. The call center must provide real-time assistance during weekday hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) to help residents navigate the MVC's website and complete online transactions, with services offered in both English and Spanish. The MVC must also publish quarterly performance reports online detailing call volume, wait times, call purposes, and call durations. This directly affects New Jersey residents using MVC's online services by adding a dedicated support option.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's pretrial risk assessment tool (PSA) to require courts to explicitly consider firearms as a public safety risk. It directly affects defendants charged with firearm offenses by changing how courts evaluate their risk level during pretrial hearings. The key provision adds firearm-related factors to the PSA's assessment criteria, ensuring cases involving firearms - especially modified weapons or "ghost guns" - are properly weighted as violent risks. This change responds to a 2024 report highlighting gaps in how current assessments handle firearm dangers. The bill does not alter sentencing or create new penalties but adjusts the risk evaluation process used by courts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Treasury and Department of Human Services to annually identify unspent state funds available for NJ FamilyCare, evaluate care quality for beneficiaries, and create a prioritized list of the 12 most urgent improvements needed to address deficiencies. It directly affects low-income residents enrolled in NJ FamilyCare (which covers Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program services) by mandating state agencies to report findings to the Governor and Legislature each year. The key mechanism involves compiling a list of specific policy changes or legislative actions requiring state funding to fix quality-of-care issues, alongside the estimated costs for each initiative. The report must include all available unallocated funds for the current fiscal year to support these improvements. This annual process aims to improve program oversight without changing eligibility or funding levels.

Maddy summary"Madalyn's Law" requires New Jersey school districts to include age-appropriate toxic shock syndrome education in health classes for grades 4-12 starting in the 2020-2021 school year. It also mandates that owners of public restrooms with two or more toilets in commercial buildings (like shopping centers) install clear signage about toxic shock syndrome symptoms and risks near tampon dispensers or in visible locations. Violations carry $100 penalties per offense. The law excludes elementary school restrooms (grades below 5) and directs the Department of Health to create public awareness materials and signage standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a New Jersey state income tax credit for child care staff and registered family day care providers. Eligible workers must have worked continuously for six months in their current role and directly supervise children. The credit amount varies by income level (ranging from $500 to $1,500 annually) and depends on whether they care for infants/toddlers (under 30 months) or older children, with higher credits for infant care. To qualify for the full infant care credit, workers must spend at least 50% of their time providing direct child care services.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey registrars to issue certified electronic copies of vital records - including birth, death, marriage, domestic partnership, and civil union certificates - alongside traditional paper copies. It specifies that authorized requesters (such as the record subject, family members, government agencies, or legal representatives) can receive these electronic copies upon request. The Commissioner of Health must establish security standards for electronic copies, including encryption, identity verification, data privacy protocols, and authentication features to prevent forgery. Registrars may charge fees for electronic copies but must ensure they meet the same legal standards as paper certified copies.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 587) proposes the "Succeed in New Jersey" program, which would provide student loan reimbursement to eligible New Jersey residents working in designated fields. To qualify, applicants must be NJ residents for at least 3 months, hold a U.S. undergraduate degree from 2014 onward, have an income under 500% of federal poverty guidelines, and work full-time in one of five fields identified by the Department of Labor as having workforce needs or providing public benefit. Reimbursement would cover up to $6,000 annually (based on income tier) for a maximum of three years, with total state spending capped at $10 million yearly. The program requires participants to maintain NJ residency, stay current on loans, and verify employment annually.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create a statewide plan within one year to reduce public exposure to lead in soil and drinking water. The plan must use existing soil test data from cleanup sites, public water testing, and private well results to identify high-risk geographic areas and prioritize public funds for remediation. It also mandates the DEP to develop a public education program about lead health risks and prevention measures. The plan must be posted online, submitted to the legislature, and updated every five years.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for when New Jersey state and local agencies contract with private companies to replace public employees providing services (e.g., sanitation, maintenance). It requires agencies to use competitive bidding for contracts over $500,000 (local) or $1 million (state), prove substantial cost savings, and ensure services maintain current quality and pricing. Key provisions include mandating public disclosure of bid details, requiring contractors to match public employee wages/benefits, and demanding quarterly public reports on service quality and costs. Contracts must not increase fees for the public or reduce service standards, and agencies must retain the ability to reclaim services if needed. Exclusions cover emergency contracts, IT services, and certain rehabilitation programs.