Asm. Annette Quijano

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 2996, eliminates physician collaboration requirements for advanced practice nurses (APNs) in New Jersey, allowing them to practice independently without supervision or joint protocols. It directly affects APNs - registered nurses with specialized training in primary and specialty care - and aims to improve healthcare access, particularly in underserved communities and for populations facing barriers like low income or transportation challenges. The key provision removes statutory restrictions that previously limited APNs' scope of practice, aligning New Jersey with 24 states that grant full practice authority. The bill cites pandemic-era waivers (Executive Order No. 112) that allowed similar independent practice without adverse incidents, and notes APNs could reduce healthcare access disparities by over 38% if restrictions are lifted.

Maddy summaryThis bill codifies New Jersey's Attorney General's "Strengthening Trust Between Law Enforcement and Immigrant Communities" directive into law. It directly affects all New Jersey state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies and officers by prohibiting them from: (1) stopping or detaining people based solely on immigration status, (2) asking about immigration status except during specific criminal investigations, and (3) sharing personal information with federal immigration authorities for immigration enforcement purposes. The law clarifies that officers' primary duty is enforcing state criminal laws, not federal immigration law, and emphasizes that this does not prevent enforcing state criminal laws. The goal is to build trust in immigrant communities and ensure law enforcement resources focus on public safety rather than immigration enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill establishes the "Privacy Protection Act" to limit how government agencies and healthcare facilities collect and share certain personal information. It prohibits them from requesting details like immigration status, citizenship, social security numbers, or tax IDs unless necessary for specific public services, benefits, or healthcare delivery (with healthcare exceptions for patient safety). The bill requires written consent in the person's preferred language for sharing any collected data, detailing exactly what will be shared, why, and confirming consent is voluntary without retaliation. It also bans selling or sharing vehicle license plate data except under court orders, subpoenas, or with explicit written consent, and mandates government entities to update privacy policies within one year.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3114, the "Law Enforcement Officer Protection Act," requires police officers and other law enforcement personnel to reveal their faces and show official identification before detaining or arresting someone during public interactions. Officers must wear non-concealing uniforms, display a photo ID card, show a numbered badge, or verbally state their name and agency. Exceptions include undercover work, medical masks (with physician approval), smoke protection during emergencies, or when safety or an investigation is at risk. The law applies to all state, county, and municipal officers and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities procures and incentivizes large-scale energy storage systems, primarily affecting developers and utilities seeking to build transmission-scale storage facilities. It establishes a two-phase program requiring projects to meet specific readiness milestones, such as completing interconnection studies with PJM or securing capacity rights, while setting a goal of awarding incentives for at least 1,000 MW of storage capacity by December 2026. The legislation also outlines application requirements, including proof of site control, permit acquisition plans, financial capability, and safety assurances, with a requirement that at least 350 MW be approved in the first phase by December 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates mandatory collaboration requirements between advanced practice nurses (APNs) and physicians in New Jersey. It directly affects APNs - registered nurses with advanced certifications who provide primary and specialty care - by allowing them to practice independently without physician supervision or joint protocols. The key provision removes statutory restrictions that previously limited APNs' scope of practice, aligning New Jersey with 24 other states that grant full practice authority. This change aims to expand healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas, by enabling APNs to work to the full extent of their training.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey law enforcement officers to reveal their facial identity during public interactions (except during undercover operations, medical mask use with physician approval, or smoke exposure during emergencies) and to present valid identification before detaining or arresting someone. Officers must show a uniform with agency insignia, a photo ID card, a numbered badge, or verbally state their name and agency. It applies to all state, county, municipal, and federal officers performing public duties, with exemptions for safety risks, ongoing investigations, or stealth operations. The law aims to increase transparency during police encounters while allowing necessary operational flexibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 10 of each year as "Dolores Huerta Day" in New Jersey to honor the legacy of Dolores Huerta, a prominent labor activist and civil rights leader. The resolution formally recognizes Huerta's contributions to organizing farm workers, advocating for social justice, and advancing equality for women and Latinos. It requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance of the day through appropriate activities and programs. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an alternative process for victims of domestic violence in New Jersey to obtain driver's licenses or identification cards from the Motor Vehicle Commission without providing standard proof of identity or residence. Instead of traditional documents, applicants can submit medical records, court papers, police reports, or certifications from licensed social workers or domestic violence service providers to verify their situation. The Motor Vehicle Commission will verify these documents and may issue temporary licenses valid for up to 12 months while authentication is completed. The bill also requires staff to receive trauma-informed training and mandates annual reporting on how many licenses are issued through this new process, while protecting the privacy of the sensitive documentation submitted.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey public school attendance rules by formally recognizing several types of excused absences, including military service activities, college or vocational school visits, and labor-related open houses. Under the new provisions, students in grades 11 and 12 may take up to three excused absences per school year for these activities without those days counting against their attendance records. The legislation also clarifies that excused absences should not appear on transcripts or employment forms and requires students to provide documentation when requested by school officials. This change applies to students participating in military testing, evaluations, or enlistment activities, as well as those visiting educational institutions or attending job-related events.