Asm. Annette Quijano

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Department of Education to study the academic impact on high school students who serve as primary caregivers at home. The study must examine specific issues these students face, their absenteeism rates, and their high school graduation and college enrollment outcomes. Within one year, the Department must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature with findings and any recommendations for potential support programs. The bill does not create new programs but mandates this research to inform future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill prohibits the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firefighting foam containing PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) after two years, with limited exceptions for certain facilities. It allows oil refineries and petroleum terminals to continue using PFAS-containing foam for up to eight years, with potential extensions through a waiver process requiring proof of no available alternatives. The bill requires manufacturers to recall PFAS-containing foam within 27 months and directs the Department of Environmental Protection to establish a collection and disposal program for such foam, appropriating $250,000 for initial funding. Fire departments and facilities using PFAS-containing foam must report usage and implement containment measures to prevent environmental releases. The law aims to protect public health and the environment from PFAS contamination while providing a transition period for essential facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill permits New Jersey couples to obtain marriage or civil union licenses and hold their ceremonies via live video conferencing instead of requiring in-person meetings. To comply, participants must maintain live interaction during the video session, present valid photo ID, and digitally sign documents that are transmitted sequentially to all required signatories. The law updates existing statutes (R.S. 37:1-8 and R.S. 37:1-17) to allow remote processing while requiring verification of identity and statutory compliance. It applies to all couples seeking marriage licenses or civil unions through New Jersey’s official licensing system.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 90) requests the U.S. Department of Defense to allow transgender veterans to update their DD Form 214 (military discharge document) to reflect their current legal names and genders. It directly affects transgender veterans who face barriers in accessing benefits like medical care, employment preferences, and funeral services due to outdated information on their military records. The resolution asks the DoD to authorize changes to the DD Form 214, which currently cannot be modified after service, to align with veterans' current identities. This would eliminate discrepancies between their military records and current legal documents, reducing denial of benefits and potential discrimination.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state agencies to update official forms, documents, and applications to collect sex, gender, and sexual orientation information more respectfully. It mandates that such data only be collected when vital for health services, makes it optional for statistical purposes with clear labeling, and requires sensitive phrasing that allows non-binary designations. Individuals (or their parents/guardians for minors) control whether to share this information, and agencies must follow best practices recognized by LGBTQ advocacy groups like Garden State Equality. Federal collection requirements would need documented justification before including such questions on state forms.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A2453) requires businesses that handle personal data of state residents to implement written security programs. It applies to any company owning or licensing names combined with Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, or financial account details of New Jersey residents. Key requirements include encrypting data in transit and on devices, conducting annual risk assessments, providing employee security training, and maintaining secure access controls. Violations may result in fines up to $20,000 per incident under the Consumer Fraud Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals and birthing centers that provide maternity services to create written policies allowing patients to select a doula (a trained support person) to be present during labor, birth, and postpartum. Facilities must provide these policies in writing to medical staff, patients, and others upon request, post a summary online, and appoint a staff liaison to connect with doulas and organizations. The policies must be adopted within 180 days of the bill's immediate effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires telecommunications and cable service providers to remove abandoned lines (defined as lines not terminated at both ends, not maintained safely, not intended for future use, or not in operation for 24+ months) and to mark lines with their identifying information. It specifically targets retired copper telephone lines, requiring owners to submit removal plans within 12 months and complete removal within 10 years (with at least 10% removed annually). Entities must report on abandoned line requests to the Board of Public Utilities every 90 days and provide customers with information about their rights to request line removal. Failure to comply may result in fines up to $1,000 per day. The bill primarily affects telecommunications companies and utility providers across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires fire suppression systems in all new single and two-family homes built after its effective date, excluding manufactured homes and homes not connected to public water systems. It amends the State Uniform Construction Code to mandate specific system standards, including separate shut-off valves and a dedicated water meter for fire suppression. Local building officials must verify compliance before issuing a certificate of occupancy for new homes. The requirement takes effect seven months after enactment and does not apply to homes with building permits approved prior to that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey colleges and universities to test drinking water for lead annually using a state-certified laboratory. Institutions must report results to state education and environmental officials, post findings online, and notify students and staff. If lead levels exceed safe standards, schools must immediately close affected water outlets, provide alternative drinking water, and install certified lead-removing filters on every drinking water outlet in buildings containing lead pipes, solder, or fixtures.