Asm. Reginald Atkins

Maddy summaryAJR 62 designates the first week of May each year as "Children's Mental Health Awareness Week" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and residents to observe the week with activities promoting awareness of children's mental health. It aims to reduce stigma and improve access to treatment for children with mental health disorders, as highlighted in the bill's rationale about their vulnerability to school suspensions, substance use, and justice system involvement. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic annual observance.

Maddy summaryAJR 56 designates May of each year as "Older Americans Month" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to honor older residents' contributions and encourage community recognition of their ongoing value. It does not create new laws or alter existing policies, but formally recognizes older Americans' roles in society, including their workforce participation and community engagement. This ceremonial designation aligns with the national observance established since 1980.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a $30,000 annual fee on institutional investors owning residential properties that are unproductive (abandoned or vacant for 12+ months without continuous or seasonal occupancy). Exemptions apply to nonprofits providing affordable housing, small institutional investors (owning 20 or fewer properties), and properties acquired through foreclosure. Institutional investors must submit annual reports detailing their properties to the Commissioner of Community Affairs, with penalties of $500 for first offenses and $1,000 for subsequent failures. The fee revenue will fund housing initiatives as New Jersey faces a housing shortage with 10% fewer single-family homes available compared to the previous year. The bill aims to incentivize productive use of residential properties and increase housing availability.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires health insurance plans to cover additional orthotic and prosthetic appliances when a physician determines they're necessary for physical and recreational activities like running, biking, swimming, and sports. It expands current coverage requirements, which already mandate coverage for basic orthotic and prosthetic appliances that are medically necessary, to include additional devices needed for recreational activities. The bill applies to all health insurance contracts in New Jersey, including hospital, medical, and health service corporations, and requires reimbursement at the same rate as federal Medicare. It would take effect 90 days after enactment for policies issued or renewed after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows parents or guardians to file a guardianship complaint for a minor up to six months before the minor turns 18, establishing a clear timeframe for these filings. It ensures any guardianship order only takes effect on the minor's 18th birthday to prevent gaps in legal protection during the transition to adulthood. The bill also specifies that guardianship complaints cannot be withdrawn without evidence the minor has capacity or has died. This change aims to streamline the process for minors who will need guardianship upon reaching adulthood.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits how school districts and charter schools can use or disclose student waiver forms related to financial aid applications. It requires waiver forms to collect only basic information (name, contact details, date, and signature) and prohibits schools from sharing waiver content or personal details without student or parent consent, in line with federal privacy laws like FERPA. The bill mandates that all waiver forms include clear, prominent language about these privacy restrictions. This applies to both new waivers and those submitted before the bill's effective date, directly affecting students, parents, and schools handling these records.

Maddy summaryAJR 45 designates June 23 of each year as "International Widows' Day" in New Jersey. It requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and residents to observe the day through appropriate activities. The resolution highlights that nearly one million U.S. women become widowed annually, with 70% of married women experiencing widowhood in their lifetime, and many facing ongoing financial, legal, and health challenges. This is a symbolic designation without new legal requirements or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5438, "Public Utility Fair Profit Act") requires New Jersey electric, gas, and water utilities to annually review their actual revenues against the revenue amount approved by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU). If a utility collects "excess profits" (revenue exceeding the approved amount), it must redistribute those profits to customers within 45 days through bill credits, direct payments to customers with unpaid bills, or payments to those in utility assistance programs. Utilities failing to comply face fines (up to 5% of approved revenue or 105% of excess profits), with all fines directed to fund existing utility assistance programs. The bill aims to ensure excess profits benefit customers directly rather than utility shareholders.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5440) requires New Jersey state agencies like the Department of Community Affairs, Department of Human Services, and the Board of Public Utilities to review and potentially raise income limits for residential customers to qualify for utility bill payment assistance and energy efficiency programs. It mandates that these agencies increase the income thresholds within one year of the bill's effective date. Agencies may seek public input or collaborate with other departments to determine appropriate increases. The change would directly help low-to-moderate income households by expanding eligibility for programs that reduce energy costs. The bill expires once the required income threshold increases are finalized.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows courts to order wireless phone service providers to transfer billing responsibility and ownership of a phone number to victims of domestic violence or stalking who have obtained a final restraining order. The court issues a separate order to the provider, specifying the victim's details and ensuring their contact information remains confidential from the abuser. After the transfer, the victim assumes all ongoing costs for the phone number and associated devices, though providers may require standard account setup documentation. If a provider cannot complete the transfer due to technical issues, they must notify both the victim and court within 72 hours.