Asm. Reginald Atkins

Maddy summaryThis bill requires State Contract Managers to monitor subcontractors on New Jersey state contracts who are certified businesses (such as minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, or LGBTQ+-owned businesses). It mandates that Contract Managers ensure these subcontractors perform work within their certified expertise areas and document any deviations. If prime contractors stop using a certified business, Contract Managers must obtain a formal explanation. Quarterly reports detailing mismatches must be submitted to the Chief Diversity Officer, including contractor names and descriptions of work outside certified expertise. The bill directly affects state agencies, prime contractors, and certified businesses participating in state contracts.

Maddy summaryAJR 196 designates every March as "Blood Clot Awareness Month" in New Jersey. It asks the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and residents to observe the month through awareness activities. The resolution aligns with the National Blood Clot Alliance's annual campaign to educate about blood clot risks, symptoms, and prevention. It directly affects all New Jersey residents by promoting public health education, though it does not create new laws or funding. The bill is procedural and symbolic, focusing on raising awareness rather than implementing policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey county clerks to automatically send mail-in ballot applications to registered voters who are 17 years old upon reaching their 18th birthday. It directly affects 17-year-old registered voters who will turn 18 before the next general election. The key provision mandates that clerks mail these applications on the voter’s 18th birthday, rather than requiring voters to request them separately. The state will reimburse counties for any additional costs from implementing this change. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires main contractors (prime contractors) who win state construction, goods, or services contracts to notify subcontractors listed on their bids within 30 days of winning the contract. The notification, sent by certified mail, must include the state agency awarding the contract, a description of the main contractor's work, and the subcontractor's specific tasks with a timeframe. Prime contractors are not required to notify subcontractors about separate paperwork, permits, or deadlines needed to perform work. Failure to provide this notice within 30 days subjects the prime contractor to penalties specified in their contract.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to develop a uniform basic police training curriculum for all entry-level officer training. The Attorney General must create this curriculum in consultation with the Police Training Commission, which will then implement it at every approved police training school across the state. The Attorney General must review and update the curriculum annually. The bill also defines key terms: a "basic course" refers to initial training for police recruits, and an "approved school" means a training facility authorized by the Commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a New Jersey gross income tax credit for licensed child care staff and registered family day care providers. Eligible workers must have been employed for six continuous months in their current role, with credit amounts varying by income level ($25,000-$45,000) and the age group of children they serve (birth-30 months or 30+ months). For those earning under $45,000, the credit is refundable - if it eliminates tax liability, they receive the remaining amount as a cash payment. The credit does not count as income for other state benefit programs and requires at least 50% of work time to be spent directly providing child care services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the next Educational Adequacy Report (due September 1, 2025) to include a comprehensive review of school funding components, developed through consultation with school administrators, staff, students, parents, and community members. It also mandates that the Governor and Commissioner commission school finance experts to recommend revisions to the methodologies used for calculating key funding factors, such as base per-pupil amounts, preschool funding, special education costs, and transportation/security aid coefficients. The goal is to ensure these funding levels adequately support students meeting New Jersey's core curriculum standards. The report will update the parameters determining state aid to school districts for the following three fiscal years.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $250 annual gross income tax deduction for eligible New Jersey educators and paraprofessionals for unreimbursed classroom supply expenses. It directly affects K-12 teachers, counselors, principals, and school aides (working at least 900 hours yearly) employed by public or private NJ schools. The deduction covers expenses like books, computers, software, and classroom materials, excluding nonathletic health/PE supplies. The policy applies to taxable years starting after the bill's enactment date.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits prosecutors from negotiating plea agreements that reduce the sentence for burglary when a firearm was used during the offense. Currently, burglary involving a firearm is a second-degree crime, but the bill ensures defendants cannot receive a lighter sentence through plea deals - requiring them to face the standard sentencing for second-degree burglary as defined by law. The law defines "firearm" broadly to include items like air guns, spring guns, and other devices capable of causing injury. This directly affects individuals charged with burglary who used a firearm, eliminating the option of plea bargains for reduced penalties in these specific cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows state, county, and municipal authorities to designate "special event zones" around large automotive events (defined as events with 25+ attendees or approved by local government) for traffic regulation. Within these zones, authorities may temporarily reduce speed limits for safety and prohibit "exhibition driving" (reckless maneuvers like excessive skidding, engine noise, or roof riding). Violations of traffic rules - including speeding, careless driving, or exhibition driving - within these zones carry increased fines up to $1,000, or up to 60 days in jail for reckless driving. The zones remain active during the event and for a reasonable period before/after, with required signage informing the public of reduced speeds and penalties.