Asm. Reginald Atkins

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A3901 requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to create a program installing adaptive traffic signal technology - smart signals that adjust in real-time - at state-maintained intersections meeting specific traffic volume and speed thresholds. The DOT must develop these thresholds based on through-traffic volume and speed, determining which intersections qualify for the technology. Once an intersection meets the threshold, the smart signals must be installed during routine maintenance, repairs, or replacements of existing traffic signals. The goal is to reduce unnecessary stops, delays, and vehicle emissions while considering pedestrian safety and financial feasibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill waives initial application and license issuance fees for veterans and their spouses (including domestic partners or civil union partners) who move to New Jersey and seek to practice a profession they are already licensed to practice in another state with equivalent requirements. It applies to professional and occupational licenses issued by boards under New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs. The waiver covers only the first-time application fee when the applicant holds a current license from another jurisdiction with comparable licensing standards. Veterans are defined as those with an honorable military discharge from U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard, or reserve components.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Women Veterans Coordinator position within New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). The coordinator, required to be a veteran, will directly assist women veterans discharged under honorable conditions from U.S. military service (including the NJ National Guard) with issues like employment, housing, healthcare, and benefits access. Key duties include developing statewide support programs, creating informational materials for veterans and their families, and making annual recommendations to the Governor and Legislature about improving services. The role mandates quarterly meetings with women veterans and requires the DMVA to implement rules to support these efforts.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A750 (A750) modifies age requirements for police officer applicants by allowing veterans to deduct up to two years of military service from their age. It directly affects veterans over 35 who served at least 10 days during a time of war, enabling them to qualify if their adjusted age (actual age minus military service) equals 35 or less. The bill amends N.J.S.40A:14-127 to establish this deduction as a specific exception to the existing maximum age limit of 35. This creates a clearer, capped mechanism for veterans to meet age requirements without altering the base eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's bill A4494 raises penalties for drag racing on public highways. It increases first-offense fines to $100-$200 (from $25-$100) and second-offense fines to $200-$300 (from $100-$200). For a third or subsequent offense, the vehicle used in the violation must be impounded for at least 96 hours. Owners can reclaim the vehicle by paying towing, storage, and registration/insurance costs, but if unclaimed within 30 days, it may be sold at auction, with excess proceeds returned to the owner or managed under state unclaimed property laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes five specific centers and programs at Rutgers University-Newark, appropriating $6.5 million total for their operation. It creates the Sheila Y. Oliver Center for Politics and Race (to research race-politics links and train students), CLiME (to address systemic inequality through data and policy), CLSCR (to strengthen New Jersey’s supply chains), RE-OPEN (to support justice-impacted individuals re-entering communities through entrepreneurship), and NJSTEP (to provide college courses and transition support for incarcerated individuals). Each center receives designated annual funding: $1 million for the first four, and $2.5 million for NJSTEP. The bill directly affects Rutgers University-Newark and the communities these programs serve, including students, justice-impacted individuals, and local government policymakers.

Maddy summaryACR 137 is a proposed constitutional amendment to New Jersey's state constitution that would explicitly prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude in all circumstances, including as punishment for a crime. This directly affects incarcerated individuals, as current law requires prison labor with minimal pay - this amendment would end forced labor (even if compensated) while allowing voluntary work programs. The bill adds a new paragraph to Article I of the constitution stating: "No person shall be held in slavery or involuntary servitude in this State, including as a penalty or a punishment for a crime." It requires voter approval through a referendum at the next general election following legislative passage. The amendment does not prohibit voluntary work by inmates, which the state states supports rehabilitation and skill-building.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) to apply for and manage federal benefits (like Social Security or Veterans benefits) on behalf of children in foster care, rather than using those benefits to cover state foster care costs. DCF must determine eligibility within 60 days of placement, apply for benefits, and establish a special account (such as an ABLE account) to conserve funds for the child's unmet current or future needs - never to offset state expenses. The department must annually review cases, provide accountings to the child and guardians, and transfer remaining funds directly to the child upon turning 18 or to parents/guardians if the child is a minor. This ensures federal benefits serve the child's long-term well-being, not state budget needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits electric and gas utilities from charging residential customers enrolled in budget billing plans for service during interruptions caused by major emergency events (like hurricanes, floods, or declared disasters) that damage the customer's home. It applies only to periods when service is interrupted due to such events, not for charges accrued before the emergency. Utilities may still collect payments for service provided prior to the emergency. The Board of Public Utilities must enforce this rule, which takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases New Jersey's threshold for requiring public advertising of state construction contracts from $71,000 to $150,000. It directly affects state agencies managing public building projects (like repairs or renovations) under $150,000, allowing them to award contracts without full competitive bidding. The law also establishes an automatic inflation-based adjustment every five years, requiring the Governor to update the threshold using the Consumer Price Index. This change aims to reduce administrative time and costs for smaller projects while maintaining oversight for larger contracts.