Asm. Annette Quijano

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires the Department of Education to develop a credential introducing teachers to culturally responsive teaching methods. The credential aims to help educators recognize and incorporate students' cultural backgrounds, languages, and experiences into classroom learning to ensure equitable education access. It will be available to teachers starting in the first full school year after the bill becomes law. The initiative aligns with a defined approach where teaching practices connect school learning to students' real-world cultural contexts.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a competitive grant program to fund organizations recruiting teachers for underserved school districts in New Jersey. It appropriates $6 million from the state budget to match private contributions raised by eligible organizations (up to $1 million per organization annually for three years), with grants awarded to at least two organizations. To qualify, organizations must be tax-exempt and place teachers in districts where at least 40% of students are eligible for free/reduced-price meals and face teacher shortages. The Commissioner of Education will select grantees based on program quality, potential to improve student outcomes, and strategies for long-term teacher retention.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to follow specific steps when a student's meal bill is unpaid. Districts must first try to enroll students in free or reduced-price meal programs before notifying parents, and include meal program applications with any notice. It prohibits schools from shaming students (e.g., making them wait in line) or threatening child protective services over unpaid bills. Districts must report twice a year on how many students are denied meals due to unpaid bills.

Maddy summaryAJR 31 designates August each year as "Black Business Month" in New Jersey to promote the success of Black-owned businesses. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation and encourages schools and cultural institutions to hold activities during this month. It directly affects Black business owners in New Jersey by raising awareness of their economic contributions and challenges, such as disproportionate pandemic closures. The bill does not create new laws or funding but focuses on recognition and community engagement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to create standardized protocols for hospitals and licensed birthing centers to collect de-identified maternity care data. It mandates tracking specific metrics including maternal demographics, complications (like preeclampsia or hemorrhage), delivery methods (inductions, C-sections), infant outcomes (birth weight, birth defects), and gestational age. The DOH must analyze this data annually to identify quality improvements, establish statewide benchmarks for care, and compare hospital performance against those standards. The DOH will report findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within one year of enactment and annually thereafter.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT), New Jersey Transit (NJT), and Department of Human Services (DHS) to study and improve transportation accessibility for people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities. Specifically, it mandates DOT to review current infrastructure design practices for highways and transit projects, then adopt new standards to help these individuals travel more independently. The agencies must also study nationwide best practices for operating public transportation and mobility programs to make them more accessible. Finally, DOT must encourage local governments applying for state funding to adopt these improved accessibility standards.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires state and private correctional facilities to provide inmates with free telephone and video calls, meaning neither the inmate nor the person they call pays any fees. It eliminates per-minute charges, service fees, and additional surcharges for all calls, including international calls for state and private facilities. Facilities must still follow state procurement rules when contracting for these services. The policy change aims to reduce financial strain on families and support rehabilitation through consistent communication.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2484) eliminates a $50 fee charged to New Jersey residents for filing a certified copy of a court-ordered name change. It directly affects individuals who change their names due to events like marriage, divorce, or legal adoption. The bill amends state law by removing the specific fee provision (previously listed in Section 11(d)) for certified name change documents. This change applies immediately upon enactment, reducing costs for people needing official documentation of their name change.

Maddy summaryAJR 32 designates October of each year as "Lead Poisoning Awareness Month" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to raise public awareness about lead poisoning risks and prevention methods. It directly affects New Jersey residents by promoting education on lead exposure sources - such as lead-based paint in older homes and contaminated water - and screening for elevated blood lead levels. This procedural resolution does not create new laws but aims to increase community knowledge about a public health issue affecting children and adults.

Maddy summaryAJR 44 designates June of each year as "Immigrant Heritage Month" in New Jersey to recognize the economic and cultural contributions of immigrants to the state. The resolution requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the month with activities celebrating immigrant heritage. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or alter policies but highlights New Jersey's status as a state with one of the largest immigrant populations in the U.S., including immigrants who make up over 20% of residents and contribute significantly to the workforce and entrepreneurship.