Rep. Reginald Atkins

Maddy summaryThis bill permits New Jersey courts to extend the standard 48-hour timeline for pretrial release decisions when a defendant is charged with a firearm offense, allowing additional time for a firearms analysis. The extra time is limited to what is reasonably necessary for completing the analysis and providing results to the court. It applies only to cases involving the use or possession of a firearm and does not change existing release criteria or standards. This adjustment ensures courts have sufficient time to review firearm-related evidence before making release decisions.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Assembly Bill A3036, the "SAFER APP" program, authorizes the Attorney General to order navigation app providers (like Google Maps or Waze) to reroute traffic during declared emergency conditions. Municipalities can request an investigation into traffic emergencies - such as highway congestion, emergency vehicle delays, or accident hotspots - by adopting a resolution approved by the Transportation Commissioner within 90 days. If an emergency is confirmed, the Attorney General can mandate navigation systems to divert traffic, with non-compliant providers facing daily fines up to $5,000 payable to the affected municipality. The bill directly affects navigation service companies and aims to improve emergency response by reducing traffic barriers.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year "New Economy Opportunity Skills System Pilot Program" to improve collaboration between local workforce development boards and community colleges in New Jersey. The pilot will operate in three areas, focusing on jointly developing workforce training programs with industry credentials, coordinating marketing efforts, and integrating funding resources to better serve job seekers. It designates community colleges as the preferred providers for state workforce training and adult literacy programs, replacing previous arrangements. The State Employment and Training Commission will manage the pilot, develop a statewide expansion strategy, and submit annual reports on outcomes like employment rates and credential attainment. Funding will come from state and federal sources, prioritizing federal funds where available.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 2373 (the "New Jersey First Responders PTSD Protection Act"), protects paid first responders (including police, firefighters, EMTs, and 911 dispatchers) who are diagnosed with work-related PTSD. It prohibits public employers from firing, harassing, or discriminating against these employees for taking leave related to a PTSD diagnosis verified by a licensed medical professional. Employers must reinstate employees to their prior roles after medical clearance and face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation if they retaliate. The law applies only when PTSD arises from trauma directly tied to job duties, such as witnessing incidents or experiencing vicarious trauma while performing official responsibilities.

Maddy summaryThe bill (A4182) establishes labor protections for cannabis workers in New Jersey who are not covered by federal labor laws. It requires cannabis employers to provide employee contact information to worker organizations seeking representation and allows those organizations to meet with workers on premises. The bill prohibits both employers and worker organizations from engaging in unfair labor practices, including interference with organizing efforts or refusal to negotiate. Employers who violate the law face penalties up to $5,000 per day and must compensate affected workers. This extends rights similar to those provided to most private sector workers under federal law to cannabis workers who were previously excluded.

Maddy summaryS 2493 establishes a minimum daily reimbursement rate of $1,100 for New Jersey special care nursing facilities that operate a unit specifically for neurologically impaired young adults. The bill applies to facilities with a Department of Health certificate of need issued by July 1, 2023, and requires the state to reimburse them at the higher of their 2022 rate or $1,100 per day starting January 1, 2024. This policy change directly affects qualifying facilities by ensuring a baseline payment level for care, contingent on compliance with all state and federal regulations for licensure, patient safety, and care quality.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes several key changes to New Jersey's cannabis regulatory framework. It modifies the Cannabis Regulatory Commission by changing how the chair is selected (from the Governor to a commission member), increasing salaries for commission members and the executive director, and allowing commission members who hold local elected office to campaign and fundraise for their positions. The bill also streamlines licensing for medical cannabis dispensaries seeking adult-use retail licenses, permitting them to operate adult-use retail spaces on the same premises as medical dispensaries without needing municipal approval, provided they've operated lawfully for at least 180 days. Additionally, it requires the New Jersey State Police to develop an enforcement program targeting unlicensed cannabis businesses, which can be deemed public nuisances subject to closure.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes deputy county clerks in New Jersey to perform marriage and civil union ceremonies, which they were previously unable to do under state law. It amends statute R.S.37:1-13 to explicitly include "deputy county clerk" as an authorized official, alongside county clerks and other existing roles like judges and mayors. The change directly affects deputy county clerks statewide, expanding their official duties without requiring new training or certification. The bill does not alter requirements for other authorized officials or create new administrative processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state agencies and local governments (including counties, municipalities, school districts, and public authorities) to purchase 5% of their goods and services from the Central Nonprofit Agency (CNA). The CNA distributes products made at rehabilitation facilities that employ people with disabilities. Key provisions include mandating training for purchasing agents on the CNA program, requiring quarterly reporting on compliance, and granting the CNA a "right of first refusal" for goods/services if priced within 15% of fair market value. The law aims to support employment for people with disabilities by ensuring a steady market for goods produced at rehabilitation facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill would add sickle cell anemia to the list of qualifying medical conditions for New Jersey's medical cannabis program. Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood disorder characterized by chronic anemia and periodic pain episodes. If enacted, the bill would allow patients diagnosed with sickle cell anemia to obtain medical cannabis under the state's existing medical cannabis laws. The bill amends P.L.2009, c.307 to expand the list of qualifying conditions without changing the process for obtaining medical cannabis.