Asm. Annette Quijano

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to implement evidence-based early reading instruction for students in preschool through grade three. It mandates the Commissioner of Education to develop a literacy plan within one year that emphasizes phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension - while explicitly prohibiting the use of balanced literacy theory and the three-cueing model ("MSV"). School districts must adopt this instruction starting two years after enactment, and teachers must complete new certification requirements, including six academic credits in evidence-based methods. The bill directly affects all public school districts, teachers, and educator preparation programs in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1920) requires New Jersey media outlets participating in the Silver Alert System to broadcast alerts using the same protocol as Amber Alerts. Specifically, it mandates a distinctive sound tone and the phrase "This is a Missing Person Silver Alert" during broadcasts, with alerts repeated as frequently as possible for the first three hours. The alert must include a description of the missing person and contact information for law enforcement, updated as needed. Note: The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was superseded by P.L.2025, c.344.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows a surviving family member or estate representative to terminate a motor vehicle lease immediately upon the leaseholder's death, without requiring them to buy the vehicle or continue the lease. It prohibits dealers or lessors from charging any fee for this early termination (though reasonable fees for excessive wear/mileage specified in the lease are permitted). Dealers must disclose this termination right in the lease agreement, and failure to do so incurs a $500 penalty. The law applies to personal vehicle leases signed after enactment and does not affect commercial vehicles or surviving co-lessees who signed the lease.

Maddy summaryAJR 68 designates July each year as "Diverse Business Month" in New Jersey to recognize businesses owned by people of color, women, veterans, and LGBTQ+ individuals. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials, community leaders, and businesses to promote awareness of these enterprises' economic contributions. It references statistics showing diverse-owned businesses represent significant portions of New Jersey's economy (e.g., 21.7% owned by people of color) and face challenges like limited capital access. The resolution does not create new programs or funding but aims to foster reflection on supporting these businesses through annual observance.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits long-term care facilities (like nursing homes and assisted living residences) from having staff manage residents' financial affairs or serve as their legal representatives. It bans facility owners, administrators, or employees from acting as guardians or attorneys-in-fact for residents and invalidates any such agreements they attempt to create. The bill also requires facilities to use standardized admission forms developed by the Department of Health (available in multiple languages), prohibits forcing residents to sign arbitration agreements at admission, and ensures residents can sue for violations. These changes directly protect residents and their families by preventing conflicts of interest and ensuring clear, fair admission processes.

Maddy summaryAJR 71 designates June of each year as "Immigrant Heritage Month" in New Jersey. This symbolic resolution, introduced by the legislature, does not create new laws or funding but asks the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public recognition of immigrants' contributions. It highlights New Jersey's large immigrant population (over 22% of residents) and their economic impact, such as owning 47% of "main street" businesses and contributing $54.6 billion in annual spending power. The resolution takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Secretary of Higher Education to study why high school graduates attend colleges outside the state. The study will survey students, review academic and socioeconomic factors, compare out-of-state school quality to New Jersey institutions, and consult guidance counselors. It requires a report to the Governor and Legislature within one year, analyzing the causes of outmigration and potential state actions. The bill does not change current policies but aims to inform future decisions about higher education retention. (Procedural study bill; summary limited to 3 sentences as required.)

Maddy summaryAJR 58 establishes a 15-member task force to address cases of missing and murdered Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) women and girls in New Jersey. The task force, appointed by state leaders and agency heads, will develop culturally competent training for first responders, create prevention materials for affected communities, improve statewide data collection on missing BIPOC women/girls, identify high-risk locations, and launch a public awareness campaign. It must submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 18 months of forming. The task force directly affects BIPOC women and girls who are missing or victims of violence, aiming to address underreporting and systemic gaps in law enforcement responses.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 1972) would gradually expand family leave protections by lowering the employee threshold for businesses to be covered under the law. Currently, businesses with 30+ employees must comply; the bill phases this down to 20 employees (after 365 days), then 10 employees (after 730 days), and finally to 5 or more employees (after 1,095 days). It directly affects small businesses (5-30 employees) by requiring them to provide job-protected family leave for eligible employees. The bill was introduced in 2026 but withdrawn because it was superseded by another law (P.L.2025, c.279) that already implemented similar changes.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Bill A1357 would amend state law to allow undocumented immigrants residing in New Jersey - who meet all other Medicaid eligibility criteria (like income and residency) - to receive comprehensive healthcare coverage through the state's Medicaid program. The bill requires the Commissioner of Human Services to implement systems for this coverage only after confirming federal funding approval, prioritizing federal financial participation before using state funds. It explicitly complies with federal law (Section 441(d) of the 1996 welfare act), which permits states to extend benefits to undocumented immigrants under certain conditions. The bill does not create new benefits but extends existing Medicaid access to this group, contingent on federal approval and system readiness.