Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public colleges and universities to provide students with information about food assistance programs. Specifically, institutions must include details about the federal SNAP program (food stamps) and campus or community food resources - such as food pantries or meal swipe programs - in initial admission offers and via email during each semester's registration. The state will develop standardized SNAP application links and program information for schools to distribute. This applies directly to students at public higher education institutions in New Jersey, aiming to improve access to food support.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's definition of "child" in abuse and neglect statutes to include individuals aged 18-21 who are in certain institutional settings regulated by the Department of Children and Families. Specifically, it expands the definition to cover any person under 21 years old alleged to have been abused or neglected by teachers, employees, contractors, or volunteers of institutions responsible for their care. The bill also updates related definitions and provisions to ensure the Department of Children and Families has full authority to investigate abuse and neglect claims involving this age group in regulated facilities. This change aligns the legal framework with the department's existing role in overseeing services for individuals with developmental disabilities up to age 21.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4374) makes two specific violations of New Jersey's Prevailing Wage Act criminal offenses. It targets employers who knowingly falsify payroll records for public construction projects or submit false information on contractor registration forms. Currently, these violations result in fines up to $25,000 and disqualification from public work; the bill upgrades them to a fourth-degree crime punishable by up to $10,000 in fines, 18 months in jail, or both. The law applies directly to employers working on state or local public construction projects requiring prevailing wage compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4515) changes certification requirements for career and technical education (CTE) teachers in New Jersey. It prohibits the State Board of Education from requiring CTE teacher candidates to complete educator preparation programs longer than 200 hours or one academic year, replacing the current 350-hour two-year program. It also allows candidates to demonstrate basic English and math skills through alternatives like portfolios, industry certifications, or occupational licenses instead of standardized tests. These changes directly affect individuals seeking CTE teaching certification through the Alternate Route program, aiming to reduce barriers to entry.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits residential rental application fees to the actual cost of a credit check or related service, with a maximum cap of $30. Landlords cannot charge tenants more than this amount for application fees, even if the credit check costs more than $30. Violating this rule results in a $250 penalty per violation, enforceable by the state or through a tenant lawsuit seeking the penalty plus attorney fees. The law directly affects landlords and tenants in New Jersey rental housing by restricting excessive fees and providing enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "New Jersey First Responders Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Protection Act," protects paid first responders (including police, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and 9-1-1 dispatchers) diagnosed with work-related PTSD. It prohibits employers from firing, harassing, or discriminating against these employees for taking leave related to a qualifying PTSD diagnosis, which must be linked to a traumatic event experienced during their duties or vicarious trauma from their job. Employers must reinstate employees to their prior position after leave, and violations allow employees to sue for remedies including $5,000 fines for first violations, reinstatement, back pay, and attorney fees. The civil action must be filed within one year of the alleged violation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school staff (including those in after-school programs) to complete epilepsy and seizure disorder care training every five years. It directly affects school boards, administrators, and all school personnel who interact with students. The key provision mandates that training must be provided through a Department of Health-approved course from a nonprofit epilepsy support organization. This ensures staff can recognize seizures, provide appropriate care, and know when to seek help, as outlined in individualized health plans developed with parent input and physician guidance. The law applies to all schools in the state and takes effect at the start of the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to allow multiple application methods for housing, shelter, and rental assistance programs - including Section 8 housing assistance and the State rental assistance program - instead of limiting applicants to online options alone. It mandates that applicants must be able to apply via regular mail, email, in-person delivery, or fax, where permitted by federal law. The policy directly affects individuals seeking state-administered housing aid, particularly those without reliable internet access. The bill aims to improve accessibility for vulnerable populations by expanding how they can submit applications. It takes effect three months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies eligibility rules for New Jersey's State small business set-aside program, which helps direct state government contracts to small businesses. It specifies that employee count requirements apply only to businesses without a federal revenue standard (13 CFR §121.201), and changes how gross revenue is calculated: businesses must now use a 5-year average (instead of 3 years) of revenue history for eligibility. This directly affects businesses seeking state contracts under the program, requiring updated revenue reporting. The changes update the existing Set-Aside Act (P.L.1983, c.482) and supersede certain existing regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4978) requires New Jersey county prosecutors to collect and report specific data about firearm-related incidents that did not cause bodily injury. Prosecutors must submit quarterly data - including incident details, location, charges, and whether the firearm was used lawfully - to the Attorney General for three years. The Attorney General will compile this data into a public report for the Governor and Legislature, to be published online. It directly affects county prosecutors (who collect the data) and the Attorney General (who compiles and publishes the report), with no changes to criminal penalties or gun laws. The bill focuses solely on gathering standardized data for transparency and analysis.