Asm. Sterley Stanley

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A567) requires courts to order counseling for children who have witnessed or been exposed to domestic violence in households where abuse has occurred. It establishes a legal presumption that custody of minor children should be awarded to the non-abusive parent when a final restraining order is issued in domestic violence cases. The bill also permits courts to order the abusive parent to pay for the child's counseling and requires them to provide proof of payment to the court. Additionally, it mandates that courts consider the child's exposure to domestic violence when making custody decisions, prioritizing the child's safety and well-being.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to create a shared decision-making tool for maternity care hospitals and birthing centers. The tool, which facilities may use voluntarily, includes patient questionnaires, educational fact sheets on topics like labor support and procedure risks, and multimedia resources to help patients understand care options and create birth plans. A three-year pilot program will test the tool at selected facilities (with at least one per state region), collecting data on outcomes like induction rates, C-section procedures, and birth plan usage. Participating facilities must submit evaluation reports to the DOH, Governor, and Legislature within a year after the pilot ends, including recommendations for potential statewide use. The bill directly affects maternity care providers and patients receiving inpatient maternity services in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the requirement that health care sharing ministries (HCSMs) must have been continuously operating since December 31, 1999, allowing new HCSMs to be created without this historical barrier. It exempts HCSM members from New Jersey's minimum essential coverage mandate, meaning they no longer need health insurance or pay a tax for coverage. The bill establishes new transparency rules requiring HCSMs operating in New Jersey to post detailed annual reports on their websites, including participant numbers, financial data, and operational information. Non-compliance may result in penalties or legal action from the state's Consumer Affairs Director.

Maddy summaryACR 157 is a symbolic resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry, directly affirming support for Hindu Americans in New Jersey. It formally declares the state's stance against prejudice toward Hinduism ("Sanatana Dharma") and Hindus, citing documented hate crimes and Hindu contributions to U.S. society. The resolution requires transmission to the Governor, New Jersey’s congressional delegation, and the Hindu American Foundation in Washington, DC. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create legal obligations but serves as a public statement of the state’s position. It recognizes Hinduism’s global significance and the community’s economic and cultural contributions to New Jersey and the U.S.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5456) makes human trafficking crimes subject to New Jersey's No Early Release Act (NERA) sentencing rules. It directly affects individuals convicted of human trafficking (N.J.S.2C:13-8), assisting in trafficking (N.J.S.2C:13-9), and commercial sexual abuse of minors (N.J.S.2C:13-10). The key change requires offenders to serve 85% of their sentence before parole eligibility - increasing the minimum from 20 years to 24 years for first-degree trafficking - and adds mandatory parole supervision (5 years for first-degree offenses). These provisions apply to all convictions for these specific trafficking-related crimes under current law.

Maddy summaryThe "Climate Superfund Act" would hold fossil fuel companies liable for climate change damages by requiring them to pay compensatory payments based on their historical greenhouse gas emissions. It targets companies that extracted or refined fossil fuels and are responsible for over one billion metric tons of emissions between 1995 and the bill's effective date. The bill establishes a program through New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to collect these payments and distribute funds for climate adaptation projects, such as flood protection, infrastructure upgrades, and health programs. Companies would pay their proportional share of damages over nine years, with options for installment payments, and the collected funds would specifically support projects that help communities prepare for climate impacts.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1445 requires public colleges and universities to readmit undergraduate students who withdrew due to military service (including active duty, National Guard, or Reserve service). Schools must reinstate students with their exact academic standing from before their service interruption. Students must submit a written request for the next available semester, and institutions cannot charge application or processing fees for these requests. The law applies starting the first full academic year after its effective date.

Maddy summaryThe bill would authorize certified medication aides to administer medications to residents in New Jersey's nursing homes, expanding their current scope of practice (which is limited to assisted living facilities and similar settings). To qualify, medication aides would need to be certified as nurse aides, homemaker-home health aides, or personal care assistants, complete a specialized medication administration training course, and pass a standardized exam. Certification would be valid for two years with a requirement for 10 hours of continuing education every two years, including specific training on medication administration for elderly residents. The bill also updates background check requirements to include medication aides and establishes a registry for certified medication aides.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the period allowing police and fire chiefs to remain in their roles beyond age 65. It specifically applies to chiefs serving as of April 12, 2022, who would turn 65 during the original 24-month window (ending in 2024). The extension changes the deadline from 24 to 48 calendar months after the effective date, permitting continued service until the end of the calendar year they turn 67 if approved in writing by their appointing authority. The bill also requires the retirement system board to report on the impact of this extension to the Governor and Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends a provision allowing police and fire chiefs to delay mandatory retirement beyond age 65. It applies specifically to chiefs serving as of April 12, 2022, who will turn 65 during the period ending April 2026 (previously ending April 2024). Under the extension, these chiefs may continue serving until the end of the calendar year they turn 67, with written approval from their appointing authority. The bill also requires the retirement system board to report on the number of retained chiefs, their extended service duration, and the policy's impact on the retirement system.