Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the daily vehicle traffic limit for municipalities and counties to install certain speed humps (specifically flat-topped speed tables ≥10 feet) without New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) approval. It raises the threshold from 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles per day on residential streets (two-lane or one-way) and within 500 feet of schools or school properties. Municipalities may now install these flat-topped speed tables without DOT approval on eligible streets meeting the higher traffic threshold, while standard speed humps still require the lower 3,000-vehicle limit. The bill directly affects local governments planning traffic calming measures on residential streets near schools or in business districts.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Female Incarcerated Person's Rights Protection Act" for New Jersey's female inmates, requiring gender-responsive policies and services. Key provisions include a gender-responsive risk assessment during classification, creation of a Division of Women's Services to address specific needs like trauma treatment and parenting support, and mandatory doula services for pregnant incarcerated women. The bill also establishes a Special Victims Unit to investigate sexual assault allegations and requires annual training for correctional officers who supervise female inmates. These changes aim to improve safety, dignity, and reentry support for female incarcerated individuals in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 3-year pilot program requiring New Jersey counties to establish "Code Red" alerts during extreme heat events when the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory. It directly affects at-risk individuals living outdoors or in poorly insulated housing who face weather-related health risks. Counties must coordinate with municipalities and social service agencies to set up cooling centers, transportation, and outreach plans during alerts, with volunteer organizations operating under county guidance. The program includes liability protection for participants and requires a state report on the pilot’s effectiveness after three years, with counties eligible for reimbursement of administrative costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill, "Max's Law," requires New Jersey public school districts to include age-appropriate instruction about fentanyl and xylazine dangers in health classes for students in grades 6 through 12. The curriculum must cover prevention, symptoms of poisoning, emergency response, and relevant laws protecting those seeking help. School districts must use resources from federal agencies like the CDC and NIH, and the state education department will provide materials and post online resources for staff, students, and parents. The law takes effect immediately, applying to the first full school year after enactment, with annual reports evaluating its impact on youth drug use and poisoning.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state agencies and local governments (including counties, municipalities, school districts, and public authorities) to purchase 5% of their goods and services from the Central Nonprofit Agency (CNA). The CNA distributes products made at rehabilitation facilities that employ people with disabilities. Key provisions include mandating training for purchasing agents on the CNA program, requiring quarterly reporting on compliance, and granting the CNA a "right of first refusal" for goods/services if priced within 15% of fair market value. The law aims to support employment for people with disabilities by ensuring a steady market for goods produced at rehabilitation facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey municipalities to create "Municipal Homelessness Trust Funds" and adopt "homeless housing plans" to address local homelessness. Municipalities can collect up to $3 in additional fees from building permits, business licenses, fines, or other fees to fund these trusts. Funds must be used exclusively for permanent affordable housing, rental vouchers, supportive services, and prevention programs for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, with projects required to reduce homelessness measurably and include outcome tracking. Municipalities must consult a community task force including people with lived homelessness experience and report annual fund usage to the state Department of Community Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's child abuse and neglect laws to include individuals aged 18-21 in certain settings under the definition of "child" for protection purposes. Specifically, it revises the definition of "child" to mean any person under 21 years old who is alleged to have been abused, neglected, or exploited by a teacher, employee, contractor, or volunteer of an institution regulated by the Department of Children and Families. The bill extends protections to individuals in institutions (including day schools) who are between 18 and 21 years old, currently falling under separate jurisdiction for individuals with developmental disabilities. This change transfers full investigative responsibility for these cases from the Department of Human Services to the Department of Children and Families for the population served in regulated facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new sentencing consideration for defendants who were victims of domestic violence or abuse when they committed a crime, and that abuse was a contributing factor to their offense. It allows courts to reduce sentences for qualifying defendants: up to 18 months for third-degree crimes, 3-5 years for second-degree, and 5-10 years for first-degree offenses. The bill also creates a resentencing process for defendants convicted before the law took effect who meet the criteria, requiring courts to consider evidence like domestic violence reports, social services records, and professional testimony. To qualify, defendants must have been victims of abuse that contributed to their crime, be incarcerated with no pending appeals, and not have previously sought this relief. The bill requires correctional facilities to notify eligible inmates about this resentencing opportunity and mandates judicial training on implementing the new provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill would add sickle cell anemia to the list of qualifying medical conditions for New Jersey's medical cannabis program. Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood disorder characterized by chronic anemia and periodic pain episodes. If enacted, the bill would allow patients diagnosed with sickle cell anemia to obtain medical cannabis under the state's existing medical cannabis laws. The bill amends P.L.2009, c.307 to expand the list of qualifying conditions without changing the process for obtaining medical cannabis.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new sentencing factor for New Jersey courts to consider when sentencing defendants who were victims of domestic violence or abuse at the time they committed a crime, and for whom the abuse was a contributing factor to the crime. It allows courts to reduce sentences, with specific ranges (up to 18 months for third-degree crimes, 3-5 years for second-degree, 5-10 years for first-degree). The bill also creates a process for defendants convicted before the law's effective date to petition for resentencing, requiring them to demonstrate they were victims of abuse that contributed to their conviction. To qualify, defendants must be incarcerated, have no pending appeals, and meet specific eligibility criteria including evidence of abuse from sources like domestic violence incident reports, protective orders, and professional testimony.