Asm. Reginald Atkins

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4496) revises visitation and reporting requirements for professional guardians in New Jersey. It requires registered professional guardians (who are paid for their services) to personally visit their wards at least once every three weeks - instead of the current requirement of once every three months - to monitor the ward's physical and mental health, needs, and capabilities. It also updates reporting rules, mandating guardians to provide detailed reports to the court about the ward’s condition and estate, and allows family members to request such reports via court motion. These changes directly affect paid professional guardians, incapacitated individuals under their care, and family members seeking oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Water Infrastructure Center at a state-designated college or university, appropriating $5 million from the General Fund for its creation and operations. The center will collect and share water system data through an online dashboard, fund research on water infrastructure challenges, and foster collaboration between water utilities, researchers, and communities. It directly affects all New Jersey residents by aiming to improve water system reliability, affordability, and climate resilience through data-driven solutions. The center must report annually to the Governor and Legislature on its programs and impact on water systems statewide.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits modifying a vehicle's muffler or exhaust system to amplify noise beyond the original factory level, directly affecting car owners and operators who install aftermarket exhaust systems. It requires vehicle inspections to check mufflers and exhaust systems for excessive or unusual noise, expanding current inspection standards that previously focused only on emissions. Violations carry a penalty of up to $500 in fines, 30 days in jail, or both. The bill amends existing laws (R.S. 39:3-69(c) and R.S. 39:3-70(b)) to clarify the prohibition and align inspection requirements with noise regulations.

Maddy summaryThe "Cancer Patient Care and Compassion Act" (A4483) requires health insurance plans, Medicaid, and the State Health Benefits Program to cover cancer treatments administered through IV or other non-digestive system methods, along with survivorship care plans for patients with Stage III, IV, or terminal cancer, with no cost-sharing required. The bill prohibits mortgage lenders from initiating foreclosure actions and creditors from starting collection proceedings against cancer patients undergoing treatment, requiring dismissal of such actions upon physician certification. Additionally, it provides up to 45 days' eviction protection for tenants with cancer who submit physician certification, and extends employment protections for cancer patients taking disability leave. This legislation directly affects cancer patients in New Jersey who are receiving treatment for advanced stages of cancer, ensuring they face fewer financial barriers during their treatment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Reproductive Health Access for Haitian Migrants Act" to ensure Haitian migrants in New Jersey have free access to specific contraceptive methods, including IUDs, birth control pills, and Depo-Provera injections. It requires the New Jersey Department of Health to partner with clinics and migrant support organizations to provide these services at no cost, along with comprehensive reproductive health education and counseling. The Department must create implementation guidelines within 120 days and submit annual reports tracking outreach, usage, and access barriers. The law applies exclusively to Haitian migrants in the state and takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4522) requires criminal history background checks for construction and public works workers entering school buildings during school hours, aligning their check standards with those for regular school employees. It directly affects school districts (which must update visitor policies to register these workers upon entry) and third-party contractors (who must certify all workers have passed checks). Key provisions include mandating checks through the State Bureau of Identification, applying the same disqualification criteria as for school staff (e.g., violent crimes or certain drug offenses), and increasing fines for non-compliance to $1,000 for first offenses. The bill also requires the State Board of Education to revise safety guidelines to help districts implement these policy updates.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a grant program administered by New Jersey's Economic Development Authority to help emerging science and technology businesses cover advertising and marketing costs. It defines eligible businesses as those with fewer than 225 employees (75% based in New Jersey) operating in specific sectors like biotechnology, renewable energy, or information technology. Grants can only be used for advertising/marketing expenses, require annual financial reporting to verify proper use, and convert to loans if funds are misused. The program directly supports small tech businesses aiming to grow within New Jersey's economy.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4524) creates a new third-degree crime of incest in New Jersey, establishing specific penalties for certain family relationships. It makes it illegal to marry, enter a civil union, or commit sexual penetration with ancestors, descendants, siblings, aunts/uncles (siblings of a parent), or nieces/nephews (children of a sibling), including blood relatives regardless of legitimacy or adoption. The offense carries a penalty of 3-5 years in prison, a fine up to $15,000, or both. This addresses a gap where current law does not cover incestuous acts between consenting adults under sexual assault statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey taxpayers to deduct union dues paid to labor organizations from their gross income when filing state taxes. It directly affects individuals who pay dues to labor organizations, including public employees represented by such groups. The key provision requires taxpayers to provide verification of dues paid to the Division of Taxation to claim the deduction. The bill defines "union dues" broadly to include all required membership fees, and "labor organization" as any group addressing work conditions like wages or grievances. The deduction applies to taxable years beginning after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require New Jersey to pay for high school equivalency exams (such as GED, Hi-SET, or TASC) for low-income individuals, defined as those living in households with income at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. The State Board of Education must establish a program within six months to verify income and cover the cost of one exam per person. Funding would come from a specific allocation within the existing Workforce Development Partnership Fund, which is already designated for workforce training and education programs.