Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to create and run a single online portal where educators can submit one application to apply for teaching jobs across all public schools in the state. The portal must be operational within 90 days of the bill's enactment and aims to help educators connect with job openings more easily while increasing information sharing about available positions. It mandates strong data privacy and security standards for applicant information. School districts can still use their own application systems alongside this portal and may request additional materials from applicants.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state agencies - including departments, commissions, public authorities, and other government entities - to make their websites fully accessible to people with disabilities and compatible with mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. It mandates compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA standard (or newer versions) for all agency websites. State agencies must obtain certification from the Chief Technology Officer within two years of the bill's effective date, with recertification required every two years thereafter. The law applies to all existing and new government websites, ensuring they can be navigated, viewed, and accessed by people with disabilities across all devices.

Maddy summaryACR 165 is a non-binding resolution urging New Jersey school districts to establish concussion management teams. These teams, made up of school-based professionals like nurses, psychologists, and athletic trainers, would support students recovering from concussions and help them safely return to classroom and sports activities. The resolution highlights that while school districts already have mandatory concussion policies, forming these teams would provide immediate, coordinated care during school hours. It directs copies to be sent to the Commissioner of Education and all school districts as a recommendation to enhance student care.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services to create a public awareness campaign about doulas. It mandates the campaign to explain doulas' role before, during, and after pregnancy; describe their services and benefits; and list free or low-cost resources for doula care. The campaign must develop materials in the top 10 languages spoken in New Jersey and distribute them online and through health clinics, WIC offices, Planned Parenthood, pharmacies, and community organizations. The bill directly affects residents seeking maternal care by improving access to information about doula services, without changing healthcare eligibility or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey law enforcement officers to conduct a standardized danger assessment for individuals they reasonably believe are victims of domestic violence. The assessment, done with the victim's consent using an evidence-based tool approved by the Attorney General, evaluates risk factors like recent violence, injuries, and firearm use to determine if the victim faces elevated risk of serious harm. If the assessment indicates high risk, officers must inform the victim and, with consent, immediately connect them to domestic crisis teams or other support services. The bill also mandates training for officers and judges on conducting these assessments and responding to high-risk cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits certification requirements for career and technical education (CTE) teachers seeking a "Certificate of Eligibility" through the alternate route program. It prohibits the State Board of Education from requiring these teachers to complete educator preparation programs exceeding 200 hours or one academic year (currently 350 hours). The bill also removes the requirement to pass basic skills tests like the Praxis Core if candidates demonstrate proficiency through approved alternatives (e.g., occupational licenses, portfolios). These changes aim to streamline certification for CTE teachers, addressing concerns about program length and cost that have impacted recruitment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's public colleges and universities to provide students with information about food assistance programs. Specifically, institutions must include links to SNAP (food stamp) applications, NJ 211 (a state service for human services referrals), and details about campus or community food programs like pantries or meal swipes. This information must be included in initial admission offers and sent via email during each semester's registration. The policy directly affects public higher education institutions and students who may need access to food support services.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's existing STEM teacher grant program to include retired teachers receiving retirement benefits from the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund. It allows these retired teachers, as well as current teachers, to teach STEM classes at nonpublic schools and receive direct payments calculated using the statewide average teacher salary (adjusted by 1.25). The program, funded with $3.5 million, also broadens eligible STEM subjects to include areas beyond traditional science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This change modifies a 2019 program that previously only covered active teachers and required school district payments.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public school staff in New Jersey to complete training on caring for students with epilepsy or seizure disorders every two years. It directly affects school staff (including teachers, coaches, and support personnel) and students with these conditions. The training, provided through Department of Health-approved courses by nonprofit organizations, covers recognizing seizures, emergency response, and daily care. This update builds on existing law (P.L.2019, c.290) that already requires schools to develop individualized health plans for affected students but adds the mandatory biennial staff training requirement. The law applies to all school-sponsored activities, including those outside regular school hours.

Maddy summaryThe Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act prohibits the sale of certain products containing intentionally added PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), including cosmetics, carpets, fabric treatments, and food packaging, beginning two years after the act's effective date. Manufacturers must notify the Department of Environmental Protection about PFAS in their products within one year of the act's effective date and pay a $1,000 fee per notification. The act requires cookware containing PFAS in contact with food to display a clear label stating "This product contains PFAS" in both English and Spanish. The Department of Environmental Protection must establish a source reduction program and conduct PFAS research, funded by a $5 million appropriation from the General Fund. The bill allows products with trace amounts of PFAS from unavoidable impurities to continue being sold, focusing on prohibiting the intentional addition of PFAS rather than trace amounts.