Asm. Reginald Atkins

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A1211) upgrades criminal penalties for stealing payment card data and requires merchants to prevent such theft. It increases penalties for using scanning devices to steal card information: first-time use becomes a third-degree crime (up to 5 years in prison), while repeated offenses causing $50,000+ in theft become a second-degree crime (5-10 years). Merchants must implement reasonable security measures like regular terminal inspections, employee training on scanning devices, security cameras, and encryption software, as defined by the Division of Consumer Affairs. The law applies to all businesses accepting payment cards in New Jersey and takes effect seven months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill would exempt poll workers' wages from being counted toward unemployment compensation calculations. Currently, earnings from poll work could reduce or eliminate an individual's unemployment benefits. The bill amends New Jersey's unemployment compensation law to specifically exclude wages earned by members of district boards of elections from being considered "employment" for unemployment benefit purposes. This change would directly affect individuals who serve as poll workers during elections and seek unemployment benefits afterward.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded internship program for New Jersey legislators, allowing each member to hire interns using up to $10,000 annually from a $1.2 million state appropriation. It requires interns to be full- or part-time students at accredited higher education institutions (excluding law and PhD programs), with New Jersey residents or students at NJ schools receiving priority. Participants complete at least one work period in a legislator's district office and receive a $1,000 stipend per period, paid bi-weekly or monthly. The program aims to provide practical experience for students while supporting legislative staff capacity.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1973) requires hospitals, birthing centers, and healthcare providers in New Jersey to screen individuals who were diagnosed with preeclampsia during pregnancy and later show symptoms of endometriosis. It mandates that providers use industry-standard screening tools, provide education about endometriosis symptoms, and obtain written consent (with an option to refuse screening) within six weeks of giving birth. If screening is positive, providers must discuss results and develop a treatment plan to address endometriosis risks. The bill directly affects pregnant people and new mothers with preeclampsia who exhibit endometriosis symptoms, aiming to improve early detection through standardized health system protocols.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's bribery statute (N.J.S.2C:27-2) to clarify that it applies to benefits received either before or after an official act. The amendment explicitly states that "benefit as consideration" includes any unauthorized benefit, regardless of timing relative to the act. It directly affects public officials who may accept or offer benefits in exchange for votes, decisions, or duties in government matters. The change responds to a 2024 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that limited federal bribery law to pre-act benefits, ensuring New Jersey's law covers all such exchanges.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts creditors from paying municipal property registration fees when a property is subject to an automatic stay under federal bankruptcy law. It specifically prevents municipalities from charging creditors an annual fee for properties included in chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy cases under federal law, as long as the automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. § 362(a) remains in effect. This applies to mortgage lenders and other creditors seeking to foreclose on properties while those properties are under federal bankruptcy protection. The exemption ensures creditors are not required to pay additional fees during the bankruptcy process, which is a change from current law that required such fees.

Maddy summaryS 3199 establishes the New Jersey-Haiti Commission within the Department of State to strengthen economic and cultural ties between New Jersey and Haiti, with a specific focus on addressing economic challenges faced by New Jersey's Haitian-American community - the state's fourth-largest Haitian population in the U.S. The 13-member commission, led by the Secretary of State and including 12 public members appointed by the Governor (based on legislative recommendations), will conduct research, hold quarterly public hearings, and analyze data on migration patterns, demographics, and economic impacts. It will identify opportunities for collaboration in areas like trade, healthcare, education, and cultural exchanges, then submit annual reports with policy recommendations to the Governor and Legislature. This bill creates a formal structure for ongoing dialogue and evidence-based policy development between New Jersey and Haiti.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey financial institutions (like banks, credit unions, and mortgage servicers) to allow homeowners (mortgagors) to choose biweekly payments (every two weeks), bimonthly payments (twice monthly), or extra payments directly to their mortgage principal - without penalties. It mandates that any amount paid beyond the annual required total in biweekly plans must reduce the principal balance. The law applies to all new mortgage agreements signed six months after enactment and affects homeowners seeking more flexible repayment options to potentially pay off loans faster. It does not change existing mortgage terms but expands payment choices for future agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require New Jersey Medicaid to reimburse providers for mental health rehabilitation services delivered through clubhouse programs. Clubhouse programs are defined as non-residential, community-based, membership programs accredited by Clubhouse International that help individuals with mental health challenges transition to less restrictive care, reintegrate into the community, and increase social connectedness beyond clinical settings. The bill would expand Medicaid coverage to include these services, which currently aren't covered under Medicaid reimbursement. This change would directly affect individuals with mental health conditions who participate in clubhouse programs and the providers who operate these programs, including Shore House in Long Branch, which had over 3,500 member visits in 2022 with an average cost of $43 per visit.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies to review and potentially increase income eligibility thresholds for public assistance, school nutrition, and higher education financial aid programs. It directs agencies to raise these thresholds by the percentage increase in the state minimum wage since 2019 plus a cost-of-living adjustment. The bill affects millions of New Jersey residents who rely on programs like Medicaid, school meals, tuition aid, and utility assistance. Agencies must determine if they can increase eligibility while maintaining sufficient funding, particularly for federally funded programs. The bill appropriates funds from the General Fund to support these changes.