Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryBill A5258 allows plenary winery license holders, out-of-state winery license holders, and farm winery license holders to sell wine by the glass for on-premises consumption in their licensed salesrooms. The bill defines "by the glass" as selling individual portions of wine (or wine mixed with nonalcoholic beverages) in open containers. This change expands the sales options available to these wineries, permitting them to serve wine by the glass in their salesrooms without requiring customers to purchase full bottles. The bill modifies existing licensing provisions without changing the fees or other requirements for these winery licenses. The sponsor states this will provide additional purchase options for consumers and increase revenue for winery license holders.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the commission managing New Jersey's State House Complex to adopt and implement an environmental sustainability plan every four years. The plan must include specific measures like energy efficiency upgrades, water conservation (including drought-resistant landscaping), adherence to green building standards, sustainable food service options (such as local produce and compostable utensils), and strategies to reduce carbon emissions. The commission must also issue annual public progress reports and establish performance metrics to track the plan's implementation. This directly affects the management of the State House Complex, mandating concrete environmental practices for its operations.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A3865) requires public schools to include cursive handwriting instruction for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. It mandates that schools provide age-appropriate learning activities and resources to ensure students can read and write cursive by the end of third grade. The bill aims to address declining cursive skills due to digital technology use and supports cognitive development benefits linked to learning cursive. It directly affects all public school students in the specified grades across New Jersey. The requirement takes effect immediately for the next full school year following enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the State Capitol Joint Management Commission to create and implement an environmental sustainability plan for the New Jersey State House Complex. The plan must include specific measures like energy efficiency upgrades (using Energy Star products and alternative electricity), water conservation, sustainable food service practices (e.g., locally sourced foods), carbon emission reduction strategies, and performance tracking. The commission must revise the plan every four years, issue annual public progress reports online, and appoint an advisory committee of sustainability experts. The bill directly affects the Commission and all state operations within the complex, mandating concrete environmental improvements in its management.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey county colleges to partner with county social services agencies to help low-income students access essential support programs like food assistance (SNAP), childcare subsidies, and temporary financial aid. It directs the state council of county colleges to work with the Department of Human Services to provide students clear information about available services and streamline application processes. Additionally, colleges must collaborate with workforce development boards to identify unemployed or underemployed residents and facilitate their enrollment in career-focused programs. These changes aim to reduce barriers to education and improve access to both social services and job training opportunities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to create a crowd management training program for municipal police departments in areas that experienced two or more large gatherings (over 500 people) or flash mobs/pop-up parties (50+ people organized via social media without advance notice) within the past year. The training covers techniques for managing crowds, juveniles, social media monitoring, inter-agency coordination, and safety protocols. Participating departments also gain access to social media monitoring tools, mobile command units, and additional State Police support during large events. The program aims to improve public safety response to unannounced large gatherings through standardized training and resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state agencies - including departments, boards, and public authorities - to make their websites compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA standard, ensuring they are accessible to people with disabilities. It mandates that all websites must also function properly on smartphones, tablets, and similar mobile devices. State agencies must certify compliance with these standards within two years of the bill’s effective date, with biennial recertification required thereafter. The Chief Technology Officer will establish the certification protocol and oversee compliance for all state government websites.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows honorably discharged veterans in New Jersey to obtain special license plates displaying the word "Veteran" in addition to standard registration markings. To qualify, applicants must provide a DD-214 or discharge certificate and pay a $15 fee on top of regular vehicle registration costs. Surviving spouses of deceased veterans may continue using these plates on their vehicles. The Motor Vehicle Commission will design the plates, handle applications, and notify drivers about the option during registration renewals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to offer multiple application options for state-administered housing, shelter, and rental assistance programs - such as Section 8 housing assistance and the State rental assistance program - instead of limiting applicants to online submissions alone. It mandates that applicants must be able to apply via mail, email, in-person delivery, or fax, where federal law permits. The bill directly affects individuals seeking housing aid through DCA programs, removing a potential barrier for those without reliable internet access. Key provisions ensure accessibility by requiring DCA to implement these alternative application methods, with implementation beginning three months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public colleges and universities to create campus food waste reduction programs. It mandates redirecting unused food from dining halls, events, and facilities to local food security programs like soup kitchens and pantries, while ensuring all food safety standards are met during handling and transfer. Each institution must also submit annual reports on their food donations to the Governor and Legislature, posting them publicly online. The law applies directly to every public higher education campus in New Jersey and takes effect immediately.