Asm. Annette Quijano

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4080) ensures pediatric NJ FamilyCare beneficiaries transitioning from the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) program to the Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) program automatically retain their previous weekly private duty nursing hours, including carrying forward unused hours. It requires managed care organizations to justify any reduction in nursing hours only based on documented changes in medical need, not administrative reasons, and mandates continued coverage during appeals. Beneficiaries can appeal reductions within 30 days, with coverage maintained until the appeal concludes or is withdrawn. The bill also directs the state to review past transitions (last 5 years) to identify beneficiaries eligible for increased nursing hours. It directly affects children under 21 receiving nursing services through NJ FamilyCare.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey inmates participating in full-time substance abuse treatment programs to earn enhanced time credits toward parole eligibility. Specifically, it requires the corrections commissioner to award inmates 1.5 times the standard commutation (good time) credits they would normally receive during their participation in such programs. These additional credits directly reduce the inmate's parole eligibility date, meaning they become eligible for parole sooner than under standard credit calculations. The provision applies to all eligible inmates in substance abuse treatment programs, supplementing existing credit systems without altering mandatory minimum sentencing rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public colleges and universities to create detailed diversity plans with specific goals for recruiting and retaining diverse faculty, staff, and students, tailored to their institution's location (county colleges must reflect local demographics, four-year schools must reflect state demographics). It mandates annual student diversity reports broken down by race, ethnicity, and gender, including enrollment, retention, and graduation rates for each academic program. Institutions must also provide annual bias training for faculty search committees, appoint diversity ambassadors, and increase consideration of underrepresented candidates in hiring. The Secretary of Higher Education and Civil Rights Division must develop guidance for faculty hiring practices based on existing recommendations.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey homeowners to deduct up to $45,000 annually from their gross income for removing specific contaminants from their primary residence. It covers lead-based paint, asbestos, lead pipes, and water treatment for sodium/chloride contamination (caused by road salt) in private wells. Homeowners must pay certified contractors for these removals, and the deduction applies regardless of income. The bill expires December 31, 2027, and retroactively covers eligible expenses since 2018.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution designates July 3 of each year as "CROWN Act Day" in New Jersey to commemorate the state's 2019 passage of the CROWN Act, which prohibits hair-based discrimination in workplaces and schools. It does not create new laws but requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public awareness of hair discrimination. The resolution highlights statistics showing African-American individuals face disproportionate bias related to natural hair, such as being 80% more likely to alter their hair to meet workplace norms. It aligns with National CROWN Day, established to mark California's 2019 CROWN Act signing.

Maddy summaryAJR 146 designates September 15 each year as "World Afro Day" in New Jersey to celebrate Afro hair and promote inclusivity. The resolution recognizes September 15 as the date marking a 2016 court case involving hair discrimination (Chastity Jones' job offer rescission) and aligns with New Jersey's existing CROWN Act (2019), which prohibits hair-based discrimination. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation urging schools and cultural institutions to observe the day with educational activities. This resolution directly affects all New Jersey residents by raising awareness about historical hair discrimination and supporting efforts to combat bias in schools and workplaces. It does not create new laws but designates a day for education and celebration.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Education to partner with a nonprofit to create a free, public online registry of tutors and tutoring organizations. It allows eligible participants - including certified teachers, retired educators, college students, industry professionals, and relevant organizations - to list their contact details, subject expertise, and availability without charging students for services. All registrants (except certified teachers with prior background checks) must undergo a criminal history check, and the registry will include a disclaimer noting the information hasn't been verified or endorsed by the state. The registry will be accessible on the Department of Education's website to connect students with free tutoring support.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state standard to protect New Jersey workers from heat-related illnesses and injuries by requiring employers to implement specific safety measures. It directly affects all employers and employees in New Jersey, including those in high-risk outdoor jobs (like construction and agriculture) and indoor settings without climate control. Key provisions mandate written prevention plans that include providing cool water (under 59°F), paid rest breaks in shaded or cooled areas, monitoring heat exposure, and activating a heat alert system during forecasted heat waves - requiring adjustments like shifting work schedules or increasing rest breaks. Employers must develop these plans within 30 days of the law's effective date, with the Department of Labor setting the heat stress standard by June 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a property tax exemption for New Jersey veterans with service-connected disabilities. It provides a proportional exemption based on disability percentage (up to 100%), covering veterans with conditions like paralysis, amputations, or total blindness, and caps partial exemptions at $10,000. Surviving spouses of eligible veterans or those who died in service also qualify for similar exemptions. Crucially, the state will reimburse municipalities 102% of the lost tax revenue from these exemptions to offset costs. The law amends existing veteran property tax protections under P.L.1948, c.259.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the duties of New Jersey's Class Three special law enforcement officers to include providing security at places of religious worship (such as churches, mosques, and synagogues) in addition to their existing role in public and nonpublic schools. It requires school districts that hire these officers for security in public schools to also provide the same security services for nonpublic schools within the district, with the district responsible for covering the costs for both. Officers must meet specific training and certification standards, including being retired police officers with relevant experience, and cannot carry firearms off-duty without additional requirements. The bill does not mandate hiring these officers but establishes clear coverage requirements for school districts that choose to use them in public schools.