Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Education (DOE) to create a statewide policy for student cell phone and social media use during school hours, on school buses, or at school events. The policy must include age-appropriate rules (like banning non-academic use during class), allow emergency phone access, accommodate students with disabilities, and cover devices like smartwatches. School districts must adopt a local policy consistent with this DOE policy by the start of the next full school year, though districts may apply for an exemption. The policy also outlines storage options (e.g., lockers) and network restrictions for social media access.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey cosmetology schools to include training on working with textured hair in their curricula for students preparing for licensure as cosmetologists, hairstylists, beauticians, barbers, and hair braiders. Textured hair is defined as hair that is coiled, curly, or wavy, and the training must cover working with various coil, curl, and wave patterns, hair strand thickness, and hair volume. The bill also mandates that the state's licensure examinations include textured hair as part of both written and practical testing components. These requirements will apply to all schools licensed under New Jersey's cosmetology regulations. The bill aims to ensure professionals receive appropriate training for serving clients with textured hair without expanding current training hour requirements.

Maddy summaryS 3153 prohibits New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) from using federal benefits - such as Social Security or veterans' payments received by children in foster care - to cover the state's costs for their care. Instead, DCF must use these benefits to pay for the child's unmet needs (like medical or educational expenses) beyond what the state is obligated to cover, or save them in a dedicated account for the child's future. DCF is also required to apply for federal benefits on behalf of eligible children, notify the child, parents, and courts, and provide annual reports on how the funds are managed. This ensures children's federal benefits are preserved for their direct benefit rather than being used to reimburse the state.

Maddy summaryS 4569 appropriates $13.64 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues to fund conservation and recreation projects through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The bill allocates $8.35 million for nonprofit organizations to acquire land for open space (across 8 specific projects), $2.13 million for park development (across 2 projects), and $1.48 million for stewardship activities (across 4 projects). Additionally, $1 million establishes a new planning grant program to help nonprofits prepare conservation plans, and $681,000 covers administrative costs. All projects listed in the bill have been pre-approved by the DEP. The funding comes from a dedicated tax revenue stream established by the Preserve New Jersey Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $500,000 from constitutionally dedicated business tax funds to the State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation. The funds will directly support Oldmans Township in Salem County through a municipal planning incentive grant to help preserve farmland. The grant is intended to assist the township in developing local plans that protect agricultural land. The funding comes from existing constitutionally protected revenues designated for open space and farmland preservation under New Jersey law.

Maddy summaryS 4551 appropriates $3,750,990 from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues to the State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation grants. The bill provides grants covering up to 50% of the cost for nonprofits like The Land Conservancy of New Jersey to acquire development easements (limiting non-farm development) or purchase farmland to maintain agricultural use. These funds will support eight specific farms across Warren and Sussex counties, preserving them through permanent restrictions on development. The money comes from the Preserve New Jersey Farmland Preservation Fund, established by state law to protect agricultural land.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $34 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues to fund farmland preservation. It provides counties with base grants ($500,000-$1 million) and eligibility for competitive grants (up to $7.5 million per county) to cover up to 80% of costs for acquiring development easements - conservation agreements that permanently protect farmland from development. The funds target specific counties and municipalities approved for farmland preservation projects under existing state law. The bill redirects existing constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues (approved by voters in 2014) to the Preserve New Jersey Farmland Preservation Fund, with no new tax revenue required.

Maddy summarySJR 100 designates every July as "Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month" in New Jersey to raise public awareness about cleft lip and palate birth defects. The resolution requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging community organizations, medical institutions, and advocacy groups to collaborate on educational programs and research about these conditions. This symbolic measure does not create new laws or funding but aims to foster understanding and support for individuals and families affected by cleft lip and palate.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an independent Office of the Veteran Advocate within New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), to serve as a dedicated advocate for veterans receiving services from the department. The Veteran Advocate, appointed by the Governor with Senate consent, will investigate complaints about veterans' services, monitor facilities for abuse or neglect, conduct site visits (with proper authorization), and issue subpoenas for investigations. The Advocate will serve as an ombudsman for veterans and their families, make recommendations for improving services, and monitor implementation of corrective actions when systemic issues are identified. The office will submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature, and the bill appropriates funds from the General Fund to support these operations. This new office directly affects veterans receiving services under the DMVA's supervision and ensures their concerns are addressed through a dedicated, independent oversight mechanism.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Board of Medical Examiners to allow physicians to count one optional continuing medical education (CME) credit toward their license renewal for training on menopause. The training covers menopause's physiological and psychological aspects, treatments, related health risks (like heart health and osteoporosis), and communication strategies. Physicians who complete this training would earn a credit that counts toward their required 100 CME hours for license renewal. The bill defines menopause as the natural process where a woman permanently stops having menstrual periods after 12 months without one. It does not mandate the training but offers it as an optional credit.