Asm. Reginald Atkins

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey telecom, cable, and internet providers to let customers pause or cancel service contracts without early termination fees when they move into a qualifying long-term care facility. It directly affects residents admitted to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, dementia care homes, or residential health care facilities for at least 90 days, as verified by a physician’s order or care plan. Providers must pause billing for a minimum 90 days upon admission, then cancel the contract if the resident remains in the facility beyond that period. The law mandates no fees for this pause/cancellation, though customers must provide physician documentation and typically give 45 days’ notice (or 48 hours in urgent cases).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) to consult with the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) when a court finds an individual with a developmental disability abused or neglected a child. It mandates DCPP to work with DDD to create a tailored services plan for that individual, considering their specific disability. The key mechanism ensures therapeutic services (like counseling or support programs) are designed around the person's disability needs, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. This directly affects individuals with developmental disabilities who are found to have abused or neglected a child and are eligible for DDD services.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A4935) creates an Artificial Intelligence Apprenticeship Program within the Department of Labor to connect employers in the AI industry with apprentices focused on AI technology, data analytics, and automation. It also establishes a tax credit allowing employers to claim up to $5,000 per qualified apprentice (half of their wages, capped annually) against New Jersey’s gross income tax and corporation business tax. To qualify, apprentices must work at least 20 weeks per year in a compliant AI apprenticeship program (max four years), covering roles like AI software development or generative AI content creation. The program requires collaboration between employers, educational institutions, and the state to develop training pathways. This directly affects AI industry employers and unskilled/semi-skilled workers entering AI careers in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the AI and Labor Market Study Commission to examine how artificial intelligence affects New Jersey's workforce. The commission, composed of 11 members including state officials and private experts (with at least four having AI expertise), will identify jobs at risk of displacement, develop worker transition programs, and recommend policies. It creates a Job Transition Fund - initially funded by existing state job training money - to support displaced workers through education, training, and job placement services. The commission must report findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature at least twice yearly.

Maddy summaryACR 138 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the 40th anniversary of New Jersey's Jersey Fresh program, a state-sponsored initiative established in 1984 to promote locally grown produce. The resolution recognizes the program's role in supporting New Jersey farms, increasing consumer awareness of seasonal produce, and serving as a national model for agricultural branding. It does not create new laws or policies but formally commends the program's success in connecting consumers with locally harvested fruits and vegetables across all 21 counties. The resolution directs copies to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and the State Board of Agriculture for their records.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes funding to protect the safety of cooperating witnesses - individuals who testify for the government to help prosecute crimes, including confidential informants. It expands New Jersey's Crime Victim's Bill of Rights to guarantee these witnesses assistance with psychological and practical challenges of testifying, protective measures before, during, and after trials, and court procedures ensuring their safety. The bill amends existing laws to allow the Victims of Crime Compensation Office to cover relocation and safety expenses, and authorizes the Victim and Witness Advocacy Fund to provide grants to organizations offering services like emergency shelter, medical advocacy, and safety planning for these witnesses and their families. These changes directly affect witnesses who cooperate with law enforcement in criminal cases, ensuring they receive concrete support and protection while navigating the justice system.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates three programs through New Jersey's Economic Development Authority to support AI adoption by local businesses, appropriating $175.5 million total. It provides grants up to $500,000 for AI innovation hubs, low-interest loans up to $1 million for business expansion, and targeted grants for research, expansion, and job creation purposes with specific minimum and maximum amounts. The programs require businesses to demonstrate job creation plans and submit annual reports on outcomes, including jobs created and economic impact. The bill also establishes a consultancy program to help businesses implement AI technologies, with $500,000 allocated for this service.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an 11-member Artificial Intelligence Initiative Funding Task Force within New Jersey's Department of the Treasury. The task force will study current public and private funding sources for AI initiatives and recommend tax incentives to support businesses most affected by AI adoption. It must issue a final report within 12 months, including specific recommendations on public-private partnerships, university collaborations, and aligning AI funding with workforce and economic goals. The report will be submitted to the Governor and Legislature for potential future legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new criminal offense for stealing delivered packages from residential properties ("residential package theft"), separate from general theft laws. It sets penalties: a third-degree crime (under $75,000 stolen) with no standard presumption against jail time for first offenses, and a second-degree crime ($75,000+ stolen) requiring mandatory minimum prison time for repeat offenses, plus fines up to $250,000 or five times the package's value. The bill establishes a "Porch Theft Task Force" under the Attorney General to coordinate law enforcement, track theft data, and collaborate with delivery companies, and mandates a public awareness campaign to educate residents on prevention and reporting. It also appropriates state funds to implement these measures.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to survey all municipalities and create a public list identifying every special improvement district and downtown business improvement zone in the state. The DCA must publish this list online within six months of the bill's enactment and update it every two years thereafter. Special improvement districts are areas where property owners pay extra fees for local services like street cleaning or marketing, typically managed by local business associations. The bill focuses on transparency by making this information publicly accessible, without changing how these districts operate or their funding.