Asm. Annette Quijano

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a loan redemption program for New Jersey public school teachers who teach bilingual education or English as a second language (ESL) programs. To qualify, teachers must work full-time for four consecutive years in a school where at least 10% of students are enrolled in such programs, and they must be New Jersey residents. The program, administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, will redeem up to $20,000 in eligible student loan expenses (25% of the balance per year, capped at $5,000 annually) after four years of service. Priority is given to teachers working in schools designated as "low performing" based on student assessment data.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding New Jersey Assembly Resolution urges Congress to lift federal restrictions preventing the sale of Puerto Rican agricultural products like fresh fruits, vegetables, and pork on the U.S. mainland. Currently, USDA regulations ban or restrict these items to prevent invasive pests, requiring travelers to declare items and face fines if prohibited goods are found. The resolution notes that shipping under the Jones Act increases costs for Puerto Rican producers, while natural disasters have reduced the island's agricultural capacity. It argues allowing these sales could support Puerto Rico's economic recovery without compromising plant and agricultural protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans the sale, distribution, or possession (with intent to sell/distribute) of food containing animal cell-based products in New Jersey. It directly affects food businesses, restaurants, and retailers selling products made from lab-grown animal tissue (cultured meat or ingredients). The law defines "cell-based food" as tissue produced from in vitro animal cell cultures outside the organism, and violations incur a $1,000 civil penalty per offense, with each day of ongoing violation counting separately. Enforcement is handled by the Department of Health or local health agencies under existing penalty laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that replacement benefit cards for the Work First New Jersey program and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) must include written instructions on how to lock and unlock the card to prevent unauthorized use. Currently, replacement cards are issued without these security instructions. The change ensures recipients receive clear, actionable guidance when obtaining a new card, directly affecting individuals who need replacement cards for cash assistance or food benefits. This amendment modifies existing law (Section 5 of P.L.1997, c.37) to mandate the provision of security protocols at the time of card replacement.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals employed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as agents or officers between September 1, 2025, and January 20, 2029, from working in specific New Jersey state or local positions. It directly affects ICE employees during that period, disqualifying them from becoming state/local government workers, law enforcement officers, or teachers. The key provision (Section 2a) bans such employment regardless of compensation, covering roles like school staff, sworn police officers, and public agency employees. The bill defines "law enforcement officer" broadly to include police, correctional officers, and campus security, and "teacher" to encompass all school staff.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Commission" within New Jersey's Department of Law and Public Safety to design and oversee construction of a memorial in Monmouth County honoring officers who died in the line of duty. The commission, consisting of seven members (three police association representatives and four public members including a retired officer), must select a location and design within 18 months and submit a final report to the Governor and Legislature. It appropriates $2.5 million from the General Fund to a dedicated "Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund" for the memorial’s design and construction costs. The memorial will serve as a permanent tribute to fallen officers, with the commission managing the fund and project timeline.

Maddy summaryAJR 128 designates October of each year as "Cyber Security Awareness Month" in New Jersey to educate all state residents about online safety risks and responsible digital behavior. The bill requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials, private organizations, and citizens to participate in awareness activities during October. It does not create new laws or funding but aligns New Jersey with the federal National Cyber Security Awareness Month designation. The resolution aims to increase public understanding of threats like data breaches, fraud, and privacy risks, building on existing state efforts like the Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the penalty for causing death by reckless driving when the driver was intoxicated (drunk or high) or had a suspended license for a DUI. It elevates the crime to a first-degree offense (instead of second-degree) if the death occurs within 1,000 feet of school property, at a school crossing, or in a highway construction zone. The law requires a hearing to prove intoxication, and a convicted driver must serve a minimum prison term of at least one-third to one-half of their sentence or three years, without parole eligibility during that time. It directly affects drivers convicted of causing death while driving under the influence in these specific locations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey courts and agencies to make expunged criminal records available to individuals upon request for immigration or naturalization purposes. It directly affects noncitizens in New Jersey who have had criminal convictions expunged and need these records for U.S. immigration applications or citizenship processes. Under the bill, if a person with an expungement order requests records for immigration matters, the court or designated agency must provide the records to them or their representative, rather than stating "no record exists." This change ensures expunged records remain accessible for federal immigration requirements without requiring the individual to seek additional legal action.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey state and local governments (including counties and municipalities) from using public funds or property to support immigrant detention facilities. Specifically, it bans state/local spending on constructing, renovating, or leasing public property for detention, paying private facility costs, or covering detention expenses for privately-owned facilities. The law allows public health and safety resources for detained individuals but does not affect existing detention operations. It directly affects state/local budgets and property decisions related to immigration enforcement. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.