Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey residents who receive money from the Anti-Weaponization Fund to pay a 100 percent state income tax on those funds. It directly affects individuals approved to claim relief from this fund, which was created by a federal settlement related to a lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. Under the legislation, recipients cannot use any standard tax deductions, exemptions, or credits to reduce the tax owed on these payments. The law takes effect immediately for any taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, and is administered by the state's Division of Taxation.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the "Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Driver Communication and Disability Protection Act," allows New Jersey drivers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, communication disorders like stuttering, or Tourette Syndrome to have these conditions noted on their driver's license and vehicle registration. To qualify, individuals must provide medical documentation, and the Motor Vehicle Commission will also collect emergency contact information for them. This data is shared with law enforcement during traffic stops to assist officers in communicating effectively with drivers who have these specific disabilities. The legislation ensures that this information is used solely for communication purposes and does not require the issuance of any secondary documents.

Maddy summaryAJR 59 designates May 15 of each year as "Water Safety Day" in New Jersey to raise public awareness about safe water practices and drowning prevention. The bill requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging state officials and residents to observe the day with activities promoting water safety. It does not create new laws, funding, or requirements, but serves as a ceremonial recognition of the importance of water safety education. This aligns with National and International Water Safety Day observed on the same date.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for on-demand micro transit programs in New Jersey, which are app- or phone-based shared rides using vehicles. It directly affects New Jersey Transit, county transit agencies, and other operators by requiring drivers to be public employees or contractors who hire existing drivers at equivalent wages/benefits (no independent contractors), and mandating that services expand into transit deserts without replacing existing routes. Key provisions include ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities, providing non-smartphone access options, and requiring monthly data reporting on costs, ridership, and wait times. The New Jersey Transit Corporation must publish this data quarterly, and violations will trigger wage law penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Children's System of Care to change how respite care services are authorized for individuals under 21 with developmental disabilities. It establishes a 12-month authorization period (replacing the current 90-day renewal) and mandates that families receive a separate "bank" of respite care hours - distinct from regular family support hours - to use for agency-hired, agency-weekend, or self-hired respite care based on their needs. Families must undergo an annual review of service needs and outcomes but cannot have their authorized respite hours reduced. The bill applies directly to families of eligible youth and ensures continuity of care while maintaining current service levels.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes two regional passenger advisory committees for NJ Transit: one for North Jersey and one for South Jersey. Each committee, composed of 15 appointed members who regularly use transit in their region, must provide input on fare increases, service cuts, or expansions before the transit board votes. Members must reside in specific counties and either be regular riders or have significant transit experience. The committees will review board agenda items and submit written feedback prior to meetings, ensuring customer perspectives are formally considered in key transit decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands legal protections for individuals who report sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination by extending anti-SLAPP laws to cover these specific complaints. It allows courts to pause or "stay" related lawsuits and limit discovery requests when a person makes a good-faith report about such incidents, helping to prevent retaliatory legal actions. The changes apply to private individuals and entities but exclude cases involving government officials or businesses selling goods and services. By amending existing statutes, the legislation aims to ensure that victims can report abuse without fear of being silenced through costly legal battles.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows school districts in New Jersey to use leftover state funding from one nonpublic school program to pay for expenses in the other program. Specifically, it permits unspent money designated for nonpublic school textbooks to be used for the Nonpublic Technology Initiative, and vice versa. Currently, districts must return any unused funds to the state after the school year ends, but this legislation would let them apply those funds to the alternative program first. The change aims to provide districts with more flexibility in managing their budgets for these specific educational services.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Task Force within the Department of Human Services to develop and implement a comprehensive plan for aging in New Jersey. The group will consist of 27 members, including state officials, medical experts, and community representatives appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders. Its main job is to coordinate public and private resources to better support the needs of the state's growing population of older adults. The task force will meet at least three times a year to provide advice to government agencies and conduct necessary research.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's child tax credit to include children aged six through 11, in addition to the current eligibility for children under six. It directly affects resident taxpayers with taxable income of $80,000 or less who have children in this age range. The key provision amends existing state tax law to allow a credit of up to $1,000 per child, with the amount decreasing as family income rises above $30,000, and applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.