Asm. Reginald Atkins

Maddy summaryThe Freedom to Read Act establishes requirements for library materials in New Jersey public school libraries and public libraries, requiring school boards and library governing bodies to adopt policies that ensure access to diverse and inclusive materials. The bill defines "diverse and inclusive material" as content reflecting protected classes under New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination, materials produced by authors regardless of their protected class status, and materials containing authors' views on contemporary issues, while excluding age-inappropriate content. It creates procedures for challenging library materials, including review committees and requiring that challenged materials remain available until a final decision is made. The bill also provides legal protections for school library media specialists and librarians, granting them immunity from liability for good-faith actions and a civil cause of action against those who harass them for complying with the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires community management companies that handle day-to-day operations for homeowner associations, condominiums, or cooperative communities to obtain a state license. It directly affects property management entities contracting with these associations across New Jersey. The law mandates the Community Affairs Commissioner to set experience requirements for licensing, prohibits unlicensed entities from entering new contracts, and allows penalties of up to $4,000 per violation. Management services covered include financial administration, meeting coordination, and decision execution on behalf of the community association.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a certification process for nonprofits that facilitate affordable housing where future occupants contribute labor (sweat equity) in exchange for housing. Certified nonprofits must demonstrate experience with sweat equity housing, maintain affordability controls for low- and moderate-income households, and promote diverse participation. Projects using sweat equity through certified nonprofits are exempt from certain adaptability requirements and marketing obligations that normally apply to affordable housing. The bill also directs state agencies to provide expedited assistance to these nonprofits and municipalities to help meet affordable housing obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill permits New Jersey municipalities, sewerage authorities, and water utilities to reduce water, sewer, and stormwater fees for low-income residents. To qualify, households must have income at or below a percentage of federal poverty guidelines (capped at the threshold used for the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program), and residents must provide documentation about their income, household, and housing status. Local authorities must establish clear eligibility procedures, advertise the program to residents, and demonstrate through a rate study that the fee reductions won't cause unreasonable rate increases or compromise infrastructure maintenance. The bill appropriates $200,000 from the General Fund to cover costs for conducting the required rate studies. This program directly affects low-income households who pay for essential utility services in New Jersey communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's Family Leave Act and Temporary Disability Benefits Law to provide protected bereavement leave for employees experiencing the death of a child, miscarriage, stillbirth, unsuccessful adoption, or failed fertility treatments. It allows up to 21 days of leave for circumstances where employees wouldn't otherwise qualify for leave or benefits, or up to 7 days for circumstances where they would qualify for other leave. The leave is available to employees who are biological parents, adoptive parents, or parents through a gestational carrier agreement, as well as to their spouses, domestic partners, or civil union partners. Employers with 30 or more employees must provide this leave under the amended laws, which applies to all eligible employees in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the third Sunday of November each year as "World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims" in New Jersey. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes an existing international observance to honor victims of traffic incidents and acknowledge emergency responders. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance through appropriate activities. It directly affects all New Jersey residents by establishing a state-level observance date, aligning with the United Nations and U.S. Department of Transportation's recognition of this day. The bill passed unanimously in the Assembly and was approved as P.L.2024, JR-3.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for assaulting law enforcement officers, making it a second-degree crime when bodily injury occurs (previously a third-degree crime). It expands protection to include firefighters and emergency medical personnel who are assaulted while performing their duties. The bill requires offenders to provide a blood or biological sample for testing for communicable diseases, with any positive results shared with the victim. It also prohibits plea bargains for assault on law enforcement officers and prevents convictions from merging with other offenses. The bill takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the State Treasurer to reimburse county treasurers for defense costs and administrative expenses when counties defend civil lawsuits against the Attorney General during a "supersedure" (when the Attorney General temporarily acts as county prosecutor). It specifically covers lawsuits involving administrative functions, such as personnel matters, which were previously excluded from the State's defense obligation under existing law. The bill amends New Jersey statutes to ensure counties receive reimbursement for these costs, closing a gap highlighted by a recent court ruling.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires municipalities, counties, and school districts in New Jersey to report cybersecurity incidents that compromise billing systems, communications, data management, or critical infrastructure (like industrial control systems). Designated employees must submit incidents via an online form developed by the Attorney General and NJ Cybersecurity Integration Cell within a prompt timeframe. Within 30 days of receiving a report, the NJCCIC must contract an independent cybersecurity firm to audit the entity’s security program and response, identifying threats, vulnerabilities, and improvement strategies. All incident reports and audit details are exempt from public disclosure under New Jersey’s open records law. The Department of Law and Public Safety covers audit costs and allows reimbursement for related expenses incurred by affected entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Office of Information Technology (with the Office of Innovation) to create a public awareness campaign and educational workshops about artificial intelligence. It directs the office to develop and distribute printed and electronic materials covering AI types, uses, economic benefits, and quality-of-life applications to libraries, community centers, and colleges. The campaign must include regular free workshops - both in-person and virtual - at community centers, with mandatory sessions on AI basics, misinformation, and career opportunities. All materials and workshop details must be posted on state government websites. The program takes effect immediately and affects all New Jersey residents seeking AI education.