Asm. Reginald Atkins

Maddy summaryAssembly Resolution 168 urges the U.S. Congress to enact legislation allowing individuals receiving federal disability benefits (specifically Supplemental Security Income/SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance/SSDI) to retain those benefits upon marriage. Currently, federal law imposes low asset limits for married couples (unchanged since 1989), which can force beneficiaries to lose support if they marry, as seen in cases highlighted by the documentary "Patrice: The Movie." The resolution cites the Social Security Administration's acknowledgment that these policies are outdated and notes recent administrative improvements to SSI. It does not change existing law but formally calls on Congress to update asset limits and marriage rules to prevent loss of benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey school district lease rules by extending the required approval threshold for long-term agreements. School boards must now get approval from the Commissioner of Education and Local Finance Board only for leases exceeding 20 years (previously 5 years) and for lease-purchase agreements for building improvements or additions (also extended from 5 to 20 years). The bill maintains existing requirements that lease payments must fit within tax levy limits without needing additional voter or board approval. It directly affects all New Jersey public school districts seeking long-term building leases or lease-purchase agreements for school facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Council for Community Recovery and Family Success, a new 25-member body within New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (though independent of it), to develop a statewide initiative focused on preventing family crises and promoting well-being for infants, children, youth, and families. The Council will identify gaps in current services, recommend policies to shift focus from crisis response to prevention, and coordinate with state departments and community organizations across New Jersey. It will create county-level councils to assess local needs and develop preventive services, and will receive $4 million in state funding to implement these efforts over three years. The initiative aims to improve outcomes through four pillars: positive family relationships, financial security, quality education, and health. The Council must submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature with recommendations for improving family support services.

Maddy summaryThe "Climate Superfund Act" would hold fossil fuel companies liable for climate change damages by requiring them to pay compensatory payments based on their historical greenhouse gas emissions. It targets companies that extracted or refined fossil fuels and are responsible for over one billion metric tons of emissions between 1995 and the bill's effective date. The bill establishes a program through New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to collect these payments and distribute funds for climate adaptation projects, such as flood protection, infrastructure upgrades, and health programs. Companies would pay their proportional share of damages over nine years, with options for installment payments, and the collected funds would specifically support projects that help communities prepare for climate impacts.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1445 requires public colleges and universities to readmit undergraduate students who withdrew due to military service (including active duty, National Guard, or Reserve service). Schools must reinstate students with their exact academic standing from before their service interruption. Students must submit a written request for the next available semester, and institutions cannot charge application or processing fees for these requests. The law applies starting the first full academic year after its effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows licensed New Jersey audiologists to select, prescribe, and order hearing aids - expanding their current authority to only fit and sell them - if they complete approved training. It directly affects audiologists who must now meet specific educational requirements and New Jersey residents needing hearing aids, particularly for prescription-grade devices under new FDA classifications. The key change aligns state law with updated federal rules that distinguish between over-the-counter and prescription hearing aids. This amendment modifies existing licensing standards under P.L.1983, c.420, requiring audiologists to complete coursework in the full scope of hearing aid services.

Maddy summaryThe bill would authorize certified medication aides to administer medications to residents in New Jersey's nursing homes, expanding their current scope of practice (which is limited to assisted living facilities and similar settings). To qualify, medication aides would need to be certified as nurse aides, homemaker-home health aides, or personal care assistants, complete a specialized medication administration training course, and pass a standardized exam. Certification would be valid for two years with a requirement for 10 hours of continuing education every two years, including specific training on medication administration for elderly residents. The bill also updates background check requirements to include medication aides and establishes a registry for certified medication aides.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the period during which New Jersey public bodies (like municipalities and school districts) can use newspapers for required public notices and legal advertisements. It allows these entities to continue publishing in either print or digital formats until December 31, 2025, instead of ending on March 1, 2025 as previously scheduled. The bill ensures that newspapers used for compliance with notice requirements from 2024 remain eligible for 2025, with no additional fees for viewing digital notices. It does not change how notices are published, only extends the deadline for newspaper-based publication.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the period allowing police and fire chiefs to remain in their roles beyond age 65. It specifically applies to chiefs serving as of April 12, 2022, who would turn 65 during the original 24-month window (ending in 2024). The extension changes the deadline from 24 to 48 calendar months after the effective date, permitting continued service until the end of the calendar year they turn 67 if approved in writing by their appointing authority. The bill also requires the retirement system board to report on the impact of this extension to the Governor and Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends a provision allowing police and fire chiefs to delay mandatory retirement beyond age 65. It applies specifically to chiefs serving as of April 12, 2022, who will turn 65 during the period ending April 2026 (previously ending April 2024). Under the extension, these chiefs may continue serving until the end of the calendar year they turn 67, with written approval from their appointing authority. The bill also requires the retirement system board to report on the number of retained chiefs, their extended service duration, and the policy's impact on the retirement system.