Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public colleges and universities to create campus food waste reduction programs. These programs must redirect unused food from dining halls, events, and facilities to local food security groups like soup kitchens and pantries, while following food safety standards. Each institution must submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing their contributions and post these reports online. The law applies directly to every public higher education campus in New Jersey, aiming to reduce waste and support community food needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $1.5 million grant program administered by New Jersey's Division of Local Government Services to help local governments (municipalities and counties) improve operational efficiency. It allows local governments to apply for grants - up to $150,000 for counties or $100,000 for municipalities - to hire licensed consultants for efficiency reviews, with applicants required to contribute 25% of the grant amount as matching funds. Recipients must report on specific cost savings, shared services, or service improvements achieved within one year of receiving funds. The program mandates public reporting of results through comparative profiles and annual summaries to the Governor and Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to issue special license plates honoring Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. It requires a $50 one-time application fee and $10 annual renewal fee for these plates, with all collected fees (after covering program costs) deposited into a dedicated fund. The fund's proceeds must be annually appropriated to support both organizations' missions, while the organizations must cover initial implementation costs (up to $25,000) and provide 500 applications before the program launches. The program remains inactive until these conditions are met, with an expiration if requirements aren't satisfied within 12 months.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public transportation employees in New Jersey (specifically those working for NJ Transit) to complete a one-time training course on recognizing and responding to suspected human trafficking. The training must include information about known signs and signals used by trafficking victims seeking help or observed in public spaces. Current employees must complete the training within two years of the bill's effective date, while new employees must complete it within six months of starting their position. The New Jersey Transit Corporation will develop the training, establish which staff must complete it, and ensure materials are provided to employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to teach cursive handwriting to students in grades K-5. It mandates that school districts incorporate cursive instruction into the curriculum, including activities to help students read and write cursive legibly by the end of third grade. The law applies to all public school students in these grades and takes effect immediately for the next full school year after enactment. The bill does not specify funding or assessment methods, focusing solely on the curriculum requirement.

Maddy summaryAJR 67 designates the last week of April each year as "Reentry Week" in New Jersey. This resolution aims to raise public awareness about the challenges formerly incarcerated individuals face when returning to communities, such as finding housing, employment, healthcare, and reconnecting with families. It encourages state agencies, local organizations, and communities to observe the week through activities supporting successful reintegration. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of reentry efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale of cosmetics, carpets, and fabric treatments containing intentionally added PFAS (forever chemicals) starting two years after enactment. It also requires cookware manufacturers to notify consumers if their products contain PFAS. The law directly affects manufacturers of these consumer goods and aims to reduce human exposure to PFAS, which accumulate in the environment and are linked to health issues like cancer. The bill mandates state-funded research and educational programs about PFAS to protect public health.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to create and annually update a public list of industry-valued credentials - such as recognized certificates or certifications employers seek. The list will be based on state labor market data and employer feedback, then made available online as both a webpage and a downloadable file. It directly affects DOLWD, mandating its role in compiling and maintaining this resource. The goal is to help workers identify credentials that lead to better wages, career advancement, and job security by aligning training with employer needs.

Maddy summaryS 3447 establishes a Special Education Transportation Task Force to study and recommend best practices for transporting students receiving special education services in New Jersey. The 18-member task force includes education officials, disability advocates, school staff, and parents, and will examine safety protocols, medical emergency response, equipment access, and staff training for these students. It must issue recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 12 months of forming, focusing on reviewing current policies and identifying areas for improvement. The bill does not change existing laws but directs the task force to study transportation challenges without implementing immediate changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows families or guardians of individuals up to age 21 with developmental disabilities to save unused after-school care hours provided by their contracted service agency for use during holidays or weekends. It directly affects families receiving family support services through agencies contracted with New Jersey's Division of Children's System of Care. The key provision requires the Division to permit setting aside unused "agency-after school care" hours - defined as social/recreational activities provided by community agencies during non-school hours outside the home - for holiday and weekend use. The bill does not create new services but changes how existing unused hours may be utilized. It takes immediate effect upon passage.