Asm. Yvonne Lopez

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5421) requires New Jersey's Division of Taxation to create and maintain a free, online training program specifically for small and micro-businesses. The program will teach how to file and pay state taxes, including corporation business tax, gross income tax, and sales tax. It must be updated as tax laws change and made available on the Division's website. The bill directly affects small and micro-business owners who need guidance on New Jersey tax filing processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to extend the cancellation period for home improvement contracts from three to five business days for consumers aged 65 or older. It requires contractors to include a clear, conspicuous notice in contracts detailing the five-day window for seniors (and the existing three-day window for all consumers) and the written cancellation process (via registered mail or in-person delivery). If canceled within the timeframe, contractors must refund all payments within 30 days and cancel related credit agreements without penalty. The change specifically aims to provide additional time for senior citizens to review contracts, reflecting their potential need for more consideration.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires courts to inform victims and abusers about counseling services for children who were physically present during or witnessed domestic violence. It establishes a legal presumption that custody should be awarded to the domestic violence victim (the non-abusive parent) in appropriate cases. Courts can now order counseling for affected children as part of domestic violence protection orders. The bill also expands court authority to require psychological evaluations and other protective measures. These changes aim to better protect children and victims in domestic violence cases by addressing their specific needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4577) requires all New Jersey state departments, agencies, and the Office of Information Technology (OIT) to submit annual reports detailing plans to improve digital services for the public and enhance remote work capabilities for employees. Departments must outline strategies like user research for cohesive online/mobile/in-person service experiences and upgrading hardware/software for remote work. The OIT must also provide annual reports with specific recommendations, including transitioning to cloud services, integrating data into a single portal, ensuring secure access, and moving remote work tools to web portals instead of Virtual Private Networks. The goal is to improve government efficiency and maintain operations during emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3007) raises the maximum age for residents in New Jersey pediatric long-term care facilities from 19 to 26 years old. It directly affects these facilities and young adults aged 19-26 who currently may not qualify for such care under existing law. The key provision amends licensing requirements to allow facilities to admit and provide services to residents age 26 or younger. The Commissioner of Health must adopt implementing rules, and the change takes effect immediately. (Based on bill text, current law limits pediatric care to under age 19.)

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's child care assistance program to include full-time graduate and post-graduate students who meet income, asset, and residency requirements and are enrolled full-time in good academic standing at a public or private college or university. Currently, the program covers only full-time undergraduate students pursuing associate's or bachelor's degrees. The state must update its eligibility rules and seek federal funding through the Child Care and Development Block Grant to cover the costs of this expansion. This change directly affects graduate and post-graduate students who are parents and rely on the program for child care support.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires landlords in New Jersey to disclose lead drinking water hazards to tenants before lease agreements, including information about lead service lines, building construction dates (pre-1986 properties may contain lead), and recent lead exceedance notices. Landlords must provide a standardized disclosure statement within 90 days of the bill's effective date, with exemptions for newer buildings (post-1986), lead-safe properties, and seasonal rentals. Tenants can request free lead testing from water systems, which must test annually upon request (or every 60 days if lead levels exceed standards), and landlords cannot obstruct replacement of lead service lines - tenants may terminate leases without penalty if obstruction occurs. Violations carry fines up to $1,000 for repeated non-compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey employers from requiring employees to attend or listen to workplace communications about political matters, including discussions about political parties, elections, labor organizations, or community activities. It expands existing law by explicitly adding labor organizations and activities to the definition of "political matters" and mandates employers to post a clear notice of these rights in visible workplace areas. Employees who face violations can sue within 90 days for remedies like reinstatement, back pay, or fines up to $5,000 for repeat offenses. The law directly affects all employers in New Jersey - such as businesses, state agencies, and local governments - and their employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new requirements for school counselors in New Jersey. It mandates that school counseling programs at colleges must incorporate the American School Counselor Association's model and include training in social-emotional learning and career planning. School counselors (defined as those with a NJ certification and endorsement) must provide services addressing students' academic, career, social, and emotional needs, and complete required professional development in areas like mental health awareness, trauma-informed practices, and cultural competency. The bill also creates a new State School Counselor Liaison position within the Department of Education to support school districts and advance comprehensive counseling services. These changes directly affect school counselors, school districts, and higher education institutions offering counseling certification programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3992) modifies New Jersey’s requirements for capital reserve funding plans used by condominium and cooperative associations managing common interest communities. It mandates that 30-year funding plans must allow reserve funds to reach exactly zero dollars (not fall below) during the planning period, while permitting additional plans with higher minimum balances or escalating contributions. Associations must now ensure reserve studies are reviewed by licensed professionals every five years, shifting this responsibility from building owners to the associations themselves. The bill also clarifies that "adequate" funding means reserves sufficient to prevent the fund balance from dropping below zero, applying to associations with over $25,000 in common area assets.