Rep. Reginald Atkins

Maddy summaryAJR 67 designates the last week of April each year as "Reentry Week" in New Jersey. This resolution aims to raise public awareness about the challenges formerly incarcerated individuals face when returning to communities, such as finding housing, employment, healthcare, and reconnecting with families. It encourages state agencies, local organizations, and communities to observe the week through activities supporting successful reintegration. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of reentry efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows families or guardians of individuals up to age 21 with developmental disabilities to save unused after-school care hours provided by their contracted service agency for use during holidays or weekends. It directly affects families receiving family support services through agencies contracted with New Jersey's Division of Children's System of Care. The key provision requires the Division to permit setting aside unused "agency-after school care" hours - defined as social/recreational activities provided by community agencies during non-school hours outside the home - for holiday and weekend use. The bill does not create new services but changes how existing unused hours may be utilized. It takes immediate effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5435) requires New Jersey's Division of Housing and Community Resources (DCA) to create a single, user-friendly online application form for all state and nonprofit residential utility assistance programs. It directs the DCA to partner with state agencies and designated nonprofits to integrate all existing and temporary programs - such as those helping households pay utility bills or improve energy efficiency - into one centralized website. The consolidated application aims to simplify access for residents struggling with utility costs by replacing multiple separate forms. The DCA must adopt necessary rules to implement this system, which would directly affect low-income households seeking utility bill assistance and the agencies administering these programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies (including the Department of Community Affairs, Department of Human Services, and the Board of Public Utilities) to review and potentially increase income thresholds for residential customers to qualify for utility bill assistance and energy efficiency programs. It directly affects low- and moderate-income households by expanding eligibility if agencies determine an increase is appropriate. Key mechanisms include mandating public input during reviews, aligning income thresholds across programs, and ensuring households aren't eligible for both low- and moderate-income energy efficiency programs. The review must be completed within one year of the bill's effective date, with agencies considering factors like State median income and program costs. The bill does not change current program rules but sets a process for future eligibility adjustments.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey state agencies, counties, and municipalities to automatically enroll employees in retirement savings plans called deferred compensation plans. For state employees hired after the bill's effective date, enrollment is mandatory unless they opt out or choose a different contribution percentage. Local governments (counties and municipalities) may choose whether to implement automatic enrollment. Employers must provide clear notice and a reasonable opportunity for employees to adjust or decline participation, and must set a default investment option for those who do not select one.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to create a water safety fact sheet for schools. The fact sheet must cover reducing drowning risks, the importance of swim lessons, proper flotation device use, and monitoring water conditions. Public school districts must annually distribute this fact sheet to parents, while nonpublic schools are encouraged but not required to do so. Additionally, school districts must maintain and update an online list of local swim lesson locations, including free or low-cost options. The bill directly affects public schools, parents, and guardians by providing standardized water safety information and resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits residential rental application fees to the actual cost of a credit check or related service, with a maximum cap of $30. Landlords cannot charge tenants more than this amount for application fees, even if the credit check costs more than $30. Violating this rule results in a $250 penalty per violation, enforceable by the state or through a tenant lawsuit seeking the penalty plus attorney fees. The law directly affects landlords and tenants in New Jersey rental housing by restricting excessive fees and providing enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "New Jersey First Responders Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Protection Act," protects paid first responders (including police, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and 9-1-1 dispatchers) diagnosed with work-related PTSD. It prohibits employers from firing, harassing, or discriminating against these employees for taking leave related to a qualifying PTSD diagnosis, which must be linked to a traumatic event experienced during their duties or vicarious trauma from their job. Employers must reinstate employees to their prior position after leave, and violations allow employees to sue for remedies including $5,000 fines for first violations, reinstatement, back pay, and attorney fees. The civil action must be filed within one year of the alleged violation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school staff (including those in after-school programs) to complete epilepsy and seizure disorder care training every five years. It directly affects school boards, administrators, and all school personnel who interact with students. The key provision mandates that training must be provided through a Department of Health-approved course from a nonprofit epilepsy support organization. This ensures staff can recognize seizures, provide appropriate care, and know when to seek help, as outlined in individualized health plans developed with parent input and physician guidance. The law applies to all schools in the state and takes effect at the start of the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4978) requires New Jersey county prosecutors to collect and report specific data about firearm-related incidents that did not cause bodily injury. Prosecutors must submit quarterly data - including incident details, location, charges, and whether the firearm was used lawfully - to the Attorney General for three years. The Attorney General will compile this data into a public report for the Governor and Legislature, to be published online. It directly affects county prosecutors (who collect the data) and the Attorney General (who compiles and publishes the report), with no changes to criminal penalties or gun laws. The bill focuses solely on gathering standardized data for transparency and analysis.