Asm. Mitchelle Drulis

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 summaryThis bill (A5435) requires New Jersey's Division of Housing and Community Resources (DCA) to create a single, user-friendly online application form for all state and nonprofit residential utility assistance programs. It directs the DCA to partner with state agencies and designated nonprofits to integrate all existing and temporary programs - such as those helping households pay utility bills or improve energy efficiency - into one centralized website. The consolidated application aims to simplify access for residents struggling with utility costs by replacing multiple separate forms. The DCA must adopt necessary rules to implement this system, which would directly affect low-income households seeking utility bill assistance and the agencies administering these programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the civil service classification for State Investigators working in New Jersey's Division of Criminal Justice. Currently classified as unclassified employees (without full civil service protections), they will now be moved to a classified title under the civil service system. This change grants them standard job security, fair hiring processes, and grievance rights under state civil service rules. The bill applies to all current and future State Investigators in this role, effective immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that when contracts for operating official motor vehicle inspection facilities are renewed or new contracts are awarded, employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) must be offered employment first to meet staffing needs. It mandates that job offers to these employees must include compensation and benefits matching the terms of the existing CBA. Additionally, the bill ensures that any collective bargaining agreement in effect at the time remains binding on successors - such as companies acquiring assets or merging - during sales, transfers, or mergers of inspection facility operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey state agencies, counties, and municipalities to automatically enroll employees in retirement savings plans called deferred compensation plans. For state employees hired after the bill's effective date, enrollment is mandatory unless they opt out or choose a different contribution percentage. Local governments (counties and municipalities) may choose whether to implement automatic enrollment. Employers must provide clear notice and a reasonable opportunity for employees to adjust or decline participation, and must set a default investment option for those who do not select one.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative to connect students, workers, and job seekers with training in high-demand fields like healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and renewable energy. The New Jersey Community College Consortium will operate the initiative, creating Centers of Workforce Innovation that develop publicly available training programs and skills for specific careers. These centers must promote financial aid access, expand apprenticeships, and partner with employers, schools, and colleges to build a skilled workforce. The program aims to directly support job seekers entering growing industries while helping employers meet labor needs.

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 the New Jersey State Police to create a maternity leave policy for troopers who provide proof of pregnancy. It mandates at least eight weeks of fully paid recovery leave after childbirth, with benefits maintained and the leave not counted against sick leave balances. The policy must also prohibit residency restrictions or integrity checks during this leave period, which are typically applied to other medical leave. The State Police Superintendent must post clear details, including required forms, FAQs, and contact information, on the department's intranet. This directly affects current and future female troopers who become pregnant while serving.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how New Jersey fills vacancies in its U.S. House of Representatives seat. It requires the Governor to issue a writ of election within 10 days of a vacancy, replacing the current unspecified timeframe. The bill establishes clear timelines based on the remaining term: for vacancies with 180+ days remaining, it mandates a special primary election followed by a special election; for 135-180 days remaining, it mandates a special election without a primary; and for less than 135 days remaining, the seat remains vacant until the next term. This provides more predictable scheduling for voters, candidates, and election officials.