Asm. Reginald Atkins

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the period during which New Jersey public bodies (like municipalities and school districts) can legally use newspapers for required public notices and legal advertisements. It allows them to continue using qualifying newspapers in either print or electronic format until December 31, 2025 - expanding the prior extension that ended March 1, 2025. The law specifies that fees for electronic notices cannot exceed established rates, and no fee or registration is required for viewing digital notices online. This directly affects public bodies that publish meeting notices, bid solicitations, or ordinances in newspapers. The change provides flexibility for local governments to maintain existing notice practices while transitioning to digital formats.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires mental health services in New Jersey to be provided in a culturally affirming and linguistically appropriate manner for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. It mandates that services be delivered in the client's primary method of communication, as determined by the client's preference or a communication assessment, and that mental health professionals be certified as fluent in that method. The bill establishes a deaf services coordinator position within the Department of Human Services to oversee implementation, develop certification standards for professionals, and ensure access to services statewide, including through telemedicine in underserved areas. It also requires the development of a statewide system of care with specific standards for communication accessibility and cultural competence in mental health services.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows businesses with alcohol licenses to sue underage individuals who falsely claim to be of legal age (e.g., by using fake IDs) to purchase alcohol. If a business’s license is suspended due to such a sale, it can seek reimbursement for actual damages, settlement payments made to the state, and legal fees. Underage individuals found liable must cover these costs, and parents or guardians may be held responsible only if named in the lawsuit and proven to have significantly contributed to the underage offense. The law applies to all alcohol license holders in New Jersey under state regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's alcoholic beverage licensing authority (such as the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control) to consider any factors a licensee presents that might reduce the severity of a penalty before suspending or revoking an alcohol license. Currently, licensees receive a hearing on charges, but this bill adds a specific requirement to evaluate mitigating circumstances like first-time violations or other context. It does not change the existing grounds for license suspension or revocation, such as breaking alcohol laws or failing to pay taxes. The bill directly affects businesses and individuals holding alcohol licenses in New Jersey who face potential license loss.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows bars and restaurants with plenary retail consumption licenses to host sports betting pools for specific championship sporting events without needing a separate sports wagering license. It defines "championship sporting events" to include major events like the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals, Stanley Cup Finals, and NCAA basketball championships. The bill permits betting only from customers aged 21 or older who are physically present at the establishment, prohibits online betting, and requires all pool proceeds to be paid only to winning customers. This policy change directly affects licensed bars and restaurants that want to offer this type of entertainment during major sporting events.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires NJ FamilyCare (New Jersey's Medicaid program) to reimburse licensed clinical pharmacists for comprehensive medication management (CMM) services provided to medically complex pediatric patients (children with complex medical conditions). CMM services include reviewing all medications (prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and supplements), developing personalized medication plans, monitoring adherence, and providing follow-up consultations to ensure safety and effectiveness. The bill establishes that pharmacists must have completed a clinical residency to qualify, removes the requirement for pharmacists to have a written agreement with a physician, and mandates the state to create value-based reimbursement contracts and a quality assurance program to monitor service outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies the requirement for cannabis business applicants to obtain documentation from municipalities confirming that proposed locations comply with local zoning regulations. It specifies that municipalities must issue a standardized letter or affidavit within 30 days of request, stating the location conforms to zoning requirements for cannabis operations. The bill also clarifies that municipalities cannot condition this documentation on applicants obtaining separate land use or site plan approvals. If a location doesn't comply with zoning, municipalities must inform applicants in writing within 30 days of the specific non-compliance. This bill affects cannabis business applicants seeking permits and the municipalities where they plan to operate.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3879) requires all emergency departments in New Jersey general hospitals and licensed satellite emergency departments to post visible signs and distribute pamphlets about the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO). The Commissioner of Health, working with the Attorney General, must create clear, easy-to-understand materials listing VCCO services, contact details, and how to file a claim. These materials must be provided to individuals treated in emergency rooms following a crime. The law directly affects crime victims seeking compensation assistance after an emergency room visit. It takes effect four months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's public colleges and universities to readmit undergraduate students who left school due to military service, including active duty in the Armed Forces, National Guard, or Reserve. Schools must reinstate these students with the same academic standing they held before their service interruption and grant readmission for the next available semester upon written request. The bill prohibits institutions from charging application or other fees for these readmission requests. It takes effect immediately, applying to the first full academic year after enactment.

Maddy summaryS 3308 requires New Jersey electric utilities to accept and process interconnection applications for grid supply solar facilities up to 20 megawatts. Utilities must approve applications unless incomplete (with specific feedback provided) or unsafe (with modification suggestions), and must compensate approved facilities for electricity supplied in real time. Facilities must pay interconnection costs and comply with utility tariffs. This applies to commercial solar projects selling power to the grid, excluding net metered, on-site, or community solar installations. The bill streamlines grid access for mid-sized solar developers seeking to connect to the state’s electric system.