Asm. Annette Quijano

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Education to create a new credential focused on culturally responsive teaching practices. The credential will introduce teachers to methods that acknowledge students' cultural backgrounds and connect learning to their experiences, aiming to improve equitable access to education. Developed in partnership with the Diverse and Learner-Ready Teachers Initiative, the credential must be available to all teachers starting the first full school year after the bill's enactment. The bill defines culturally responsive teaching as incorporating students' cultural references and using research-based strategies that link school learning to students' cultures, languages, and experiences.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes specific criteria that law enforcement must consider before activating an Amber Alert when a child is abducted by a family member, requiring officials to evaluate factors like past threats of harm, history of violence or abuse, use of force during the abduction, and the abductor's criminal record. It codifies the Attorney General's recommendations to ensure alerts are only issued in family abduction cases where there is a demonstrated risk to the child, differing from the current automatic alert standard for stranger abductions. The criteria apply to all family member abductions, including those involving custody disputes or domestic violence histories, and must be reviewed by law enforcement before activation. This change directly affects state police, law enforcement officials, and broadcast media in how they implement Amber Alerts for family-related child abductions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3061) provides free admission to New Jersey State parks and forests, and free parking, for resident veterans. It expands existing exemptions (which currently cover seniors 62+, disabled residents, and National Guard members) to include all honorably discharged veterans. The law requires parks to reserve at least 2% of parking spaces (minimum three per park) exclusively for veterans, with no fee for these spaces. Veterans must provide proof of service as defined by current law, consistent with existing veteran eligibility standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows out-of-state applicants seeking cosmetology, hairstyling, barbering, manicuring, hair braiding, or skin care licenses in New Jersey to count teaching experience in a licensed school toward the required three years of practical experience. The State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling will determine if the teaching experience meets equivalency standards. It also establishes a three-year pilot program in specific cities for out-of-state barber applicants, permitting them to practice under supervision while awaiting full licensure. These provisions aim to streamline licensing for qualified professionals moving to New Jersey without requiring retaking exams.

Maddy summaryAJR 102 designates March 15 of each year as "Jewish War Veterans Day" in New Jersey. The bill directs the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance of this day to recognize Jewish American military service. It does not create new laws or funding, but formally honors the legacy of Jewish War Veterans of the USA, an organization founded on March 15, 1896, and its ongoing advocacy for veterans' issues.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey's cosmetology licensing exam requirements. It expands language options beyond English by requiring the State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling to offer practical and written exams in English plus the four most commonly spoken languages in the state (determined using Census data). This affects both new applicants and practicing licensees, who may now take each exam portion in one of these four languages or use a translator for practical exams if approved by the board. The Division of Consumer Affairs must verify and update the list of available languages every five years using official data. The change replaces the current limited option of Spanish for practicing licensees.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 3723) requires licensed healthcare providers offering prenatal care to offer and provide, upon request, a screening for postpartum depression to pregnant patients with a history of depression. It directly affects pregnant individuals with prior depression diagnoses by adding a specific screening step during prenatal visits. Key provisions include mandating education about postpartum depression for patients and families, requiring screenings before birthing facility discharge and at early postnatal visits, and involving partners/family in education and support. The bill amends existing law (P.L.2000, c.167) to expand screening requirements beyond current universal postnatal checks.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health to create and distribute pamphlets about family leave programs (under the 1989 Family Leave Act) to healthcare providers. Specifically, maternity care facilities must provide these pamphlets to patients during discharge and display them in waiting areas. The materials will explain available family leave resources, and hospitals must include them in discharge plans for patients needing after-care assistance. This affects maternity care providers and patients transitioning home after hospital stays.

Maddy summaryThis 1983 New Jersey bill creates state programs to reserve government contracts for certified businesses owned by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans. It requires the state’s Economic Development Authority to establish certification standards and set-aside programs, ensuring these businesses can compete for state contracts. To qualify, businesses must be 51% owned and controlled by members of one of these groups, certified by the Division of Revenue, and independently operated. The bill aims to increase economic opportunities for these communities by providing targeted financial and technical assistance through state procurement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to grant a 12-week payment pause on NJCLASS student loans for eligible borrowers who become parents. To qualify, borrowers must submit proof of a child's birth or adoption within 120 days, with the deferment starting once proof is received and ending 12 weeks later. During this period, no interest accrues on the loan, directly affecting new parent borrowers enrolled in the NJCLASS program. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.