Asm. Sterley Stanley

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD), with input from the Department of Education (DOE), to create a private database of new teachers (those with a teaching certificate but not yet a full license) and host three annual job fairs across the state. The database will include contact details and certification information for new teachers, who can opt out or limit how they're contacted. School districts can use the database to find new teachers, and the job fairs will connect them with new teachers, teacher training program students, and other certified educators. The bill also allows DOLWD to charge a small fee to participating schools to cover job fair costs.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 1975, now enacted as P.L.2025, c.207) requires cosmetology, hairstyling, barbering, and hair braiding training programs to include specific instruction on working with textured hair. It directly affects licensed professionals in these fields, including cosmetologists, hairstylists, beauticians, barbers, and hair braiders who must complete state-approved training. The key provision amends existing licensing standards to mandate that training curricula cover techniques for textured hair care, ensuring new licensees are trained in this specific skill. The law applies to all training programs operating under the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires libraries in New Jersey municipalities or counties where 40%+ of residents live below 1.85x the federal poverty line to provide free menstrual hygiene products (tampons and sanitary napkins) in all women’s and all-gender restrooms. It also mandates that these libraries display educational pamphlets about menstrual health topics like toxic shock syndrome and proper disposal. The state, not the libraries, will cover all costs for purchasing and maintaining these products. The law applies to libraries funded partly by municipal or county taxes and aims to address period poverty by ensuring access to essential products and information.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to provide all standard vehicle and licensing services - such as driver's license renewals, registration, title transfers, and ID cards - in person at every MVC agency location. It prohibits the MVC from mandating online completion for these services and ensures walk-in customers can access them without appointments. The bill also mandates a permanent online scheduling system for commercial driver's license tests, making these tests available at all MVC locations. This directly affects all New Jersey residents needing routine MVC services, particularly those without reliable internet access or preference for in-person transactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most health insurance plans in New Jersey to cover annual physical examinations for student athletes (and camp participants) as a preventive health service, similar to other routine check-ups. It applies to hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health insurers, health maintenance organizations, and state health benefit plans. The coverage must be provided at no additional cost to the student or family, as part of standard preventive care under the insurance contract. The law takes effect 120 days after enactment, applying to policies issued or renewed after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how New Jersey school districts calculate their local share for state school funding. It requires using a five-year average of each district's equalized property valuation (instead of just the previous year's value) in the formula that determines state aid. This directly affects all public school districts and county vocational school districts when calculating their state funding. The change takes effect for the 2024-2025 school year, making the funding calculation more stable by smoothing out annual property value fluctuations.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a program to help New Jersey agriculture teachers repay student loans. Eligible teachers who work full-time in approved agricultural science programs for five years can have up to $50,000 in student loan debt redeemed by the state ($10,000 per year). To qualify, teachers must be New Jersey residents, hold a teaching certification in agriculture, have completed an approved degree, and not be in student loan default. The program limits participation to ten teachers annually and requires a written service contract. The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority will manage the program and report annually on its impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Law Enforcement Critical Mental Health Assistance Grant Program within New Jersey's Department of Human Services, appropriating $3 million to provide confidential mental health services. It directly affects law enforcement officers and their immediate family members (spouses, domestic partners, children, or parents living with the officer) who are in a mental health crisis or suicidal. The program awards grants to licensed mental health providers to deliver these services, with priority given to providers located within one hour of where clients live to reduce travel barriers. The Commissioner of Human Services will manage applications, publish approved providers online, and oversee implementation once funded.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's child care subsidy program to cover families with annual incomes up to 300% of the federal poverty level (currently $83,250 for a family of four), directly affecting working parents of children under age 13. It establishes four income tiers for eligibility and sliding-scale payments to licensed child care providers, ensuring subsidies don't drop below pandemic-era rates. The bill appropriates state funds for implementation and requires the state to seek federal matching funds. It replaces the previous 200% income cap, significantly broadening access to subsidized care for middle-income families.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the minimum age to obtain a firearms purchaser identification card in New Jersey from 18 to 21 years. It directly affects individuals under 21 who wish to purchase rifles or shotguns (excluding antique models), as they would no longer be eligible for the required card. The key provision amends New Jersey Statute 2C:58-3(c)(4) to increase the age threshold for this specific permit. The change applies only to rifles and shotguns, not handguns (which already require a 21+ age for permits). The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.