Asm. Reginald Atkins

Maddy summaryThis bill increases income thresholds for three Medicaid eligibility groups in New Jersey from 100% to 138% of the federal poverty level. It directly affects individuals who are aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled (ABD); those qualifying as "medically needy" by deducting medical expenses from income; and participants in the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program. For an individual, this means the ABD income limit would rise from $15,650 to $21,597 annually in 2025, while the medically needy monthly income limit would increase from $367 to $1,800. The bill aligns the ABD income threshold with that for younger, non-disabled Medicaid beneficiaries and requires the Commissioner of Human Services to seek necessary federal waivers for implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the New Jersey State Police from requiring pregnant or postpartum troopers to take physical fitness exams during those periods. It specifically states that troopers cannot be asked to complete the exam, appear at testing sites, submit related documentation, or undergo height/weight checks while pregnant or during the postpartum period (defined as the time before clearance from both their personal physician and a State Police physician). The bill also ensures troopers will not face disciplinary action, promotion barriers, or penalties for not taking the exam during these times. It directly affects pregnant and postpartum State Police troopers by removing a specific requirement during these health-related periods.

Maddy summaryThis bill would have New Jersey join the Social Work Licensure Compact, allowing social workers licensed in New Jersey to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The compact establishes a system where social workers must meet specific requirements (including passing national exams, holding appropriate degrees, and completing supervised practice) to qualify for a multistate license. It creates a commission to manage the compact, handle data sharing among states, and address disciplinary actions. The compact aims to increase access to social work services, reduce duplicate licensing requirements, and support workforce mobility for social workers across member states. This would directly affect social workers seeking to practice in multiple states and the states' licensing authorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill reorganizes New Jersey's State Police by creating a standalone Department of State Police within the Executive Branch, separate from the Department of Law and Public Safety. It transfers all current functions, powers, and employees of the Division of State Police to this new department, effective four months after enactment. The position of "Superintendent of State Police" is replaced with "Commissioner of State Police," who will report directly to the Governor (ending the Attorney General's supervisory role). The bill ensures employees' tenure, retirement, and rights remain protected during the transition. This is an organizational change with no new policy provisions for the public.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state contracting agencies to award at least 30% of contracts to businesses owned by people who are socially or economically disadvantaged. Socially disadvantaged businesses include those owned by racial minorities, individuals with disabilities, or those facing disadvantages due to location or other factors. Economically disadvantaged businesses are those with limited capital, credit access, or low personal net worth compared to similar businesses. Agencies must create annual plans with the state department to meet this goal and adjust targets based on data.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the title of New Jersey's "Chief Diversity Officer" to "Chief Equity Officer" and creates the "New Jersey Office of Supplier Diversity and Business Opportunities" within the Department of the Treasury. The new Office will support the Chief Equity Officer in monitoring state contracts awarded to "small and diverse business enterprises" (including minority-owned, women-owned, economically disadvantaged, socially disadvantaged, and disabled veterans' businesses), processing business certifications, and developing outreach programs. State agencies must submit annual procurement plans and data to the Office, which will analyze these plans and provide feedback to improve contracting with diverse businesses. The Chief Equity Officer will report directly to the State Treasurer and oversee all efforts to increase transparency and participation of diverse businesses in state procurement.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits force-feeding geese, ducks, or other poultry using tubes or apparatus to produce foie gras, except when done to improve a bird's health. It also bans selling or distributing foie gras unless the product originates from a state or jurisdiction that already prohibits force-feeding. Violations result in a written warning for first offenses, followed by $100 civil penalties for repeat violations (with each day of ongoing violation counted separately). The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryS 2236 exempts nursing mothers of children one year old or younger from jury duty in New Jersey. This change adds to existing hardship exemptions under N.J.S.2B:20-10(c)(3)(b), allowing mothers who are nursing or expressing milk to claim exemption without needing to prove additional financial or medical hardship. The policy directly affects nursing mothers summoned for jury service during their infant's first year. The law took effect immediately upon approval (P.L.2025, c.43) and applies to all jury summonses issued after that date.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A5525 bill requires every state department and agency to establish an Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI). Each department must appoint a full-time Chief DEI Officer qualified to lead the office and focus on workplace inclusion. The ODEI will centralize DEI expertise, analyze data to improve diversity practices, develop tailored training, and advise on operational changes to create a more inclusive workplace. The office must use data only to advance equity and inclusion as permitted by law and cannot share data for immigration enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts receiving preschool education aid to establish a "mixed delivery system" for providing free preschool. Specifically, districts must partner with local licensed childcare providers and Head Start programs to offer preschool opportunities, maximizing community-based options while prohibiting assignment based on cost factors like age. The Department of Education will monitor compliance and provide technical assistance to ensure districts meet these requirements. This applies to all districts receiving preschool aid, directly affecting their program structure and service delivery for preschool-aged children.