Asm. Reginald Atkins

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 2930) amends the state's Open Public Records Act to clarify who can access government records without paying commercial fees. It specifically defines "commercial purpose" to exclude journalists, non-profits (including 501(c)(3) groups), labor organizations, and researchers working for these entities. The bill also adds new definitions, including "data broker," and strengthens privacy protections for personal information in government records. It appropriates $10 million to support implementation, including training and technology updates for public agencies. The changes directly affect residents, media, researchers, and advocacy groups seeking government records for non-commercial purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow crematories to operate as stand-alone facilities on property owned or leased by the cremation company, separate from cemeteries or funeral homes. Currently, New Jersey law restricts crematories to cemetery grounds or funeral homes that existed before December 1, 1971. The bill would require crematory companies to be nonprofit entities, file with the New Jersey Cemetery Board, post their regulations and charges publicly, and submit annual reports. It would also establish a system for issuing 12 permits for stand-alone crematories and prohibit crematory companies from manufacturing urns or operating funeral homes.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes mandatory minimum sentences for certain non-violent drug offenses in New Jersey, including crimes related to drug distribution, possession, and trafficking. It amends specific sections of the criminal code (2C:35-3, 2C:35-4, 2C:35-5, 2C:35-6, 2C:35-7, 2C:35-8, and 2C:43-6) that currently require minimum prison terms for these offenses. The bill incorporates recommendations from the New Jersey Criminal Sentencing and Disposition Commission to eliminate mandatory minimums for these non-violent drug crimes. By removing these mandatory minimums, judges will have more discretion in sentencing for these specific offenses, potentially reducing prison sentences for individuals convicted of these crimes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to grant a 12-week payment pause on NJCLASS student loans for borrowers who become parents. To qualify, borrowers must submit proof of a child's birth or adoption within 120 days, with the deferment starting upon receipt of that proof and ending 12 weeks later. Interest will not accrue during this 12-week period. The policy directly affects eligible NJCLASS student loan borrowers who have recently become parents.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3532) creates a New Jersey gross income tax credit for active, unpaid members of volunteer fire departments, ambulance squads, or rescue organizations. It allows eligible members to claim a credit based on miles driven using their personal vehicle during emergency duty, calculated at the IRS business mileage rate, capped at $500 per individual or $1,000 for joint filers. To qualify, members must meet specific service requirements (e.g., 60% attendance at calls/meetings for non-duty-hour volunteers, or 400+ duty hours for those with duty-hour responsibilities) and be in good standing with their organization. The credit is refundable, meaning it can be paid even if the member owes no income tax, and organizations must certify qualifying members annually to the tax division.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's public colleges and universities to waive or reimburse application fees and transcript fees for veterans, active-duty military members (including Reserve components and New Jersey National Guard), who live in New Jersey and are accepted to the institution. It directly affects eligible military-affiliated students seeking higher education in the state. The key provision mandates that institutions eliminate these specific costs for qualifying individuals at the point of admission. The law takes immediate effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds $30 million in supplemental funding from the General Fund to New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit program. It directly supports nonprofit organizations that develop and implement revitalization projects in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, which are approved by the DCA. The funding bypasses an existing $15 million annual cap on tax credits, allowing more businesses to fund these projects through tax credits while expanding support for community improvements. This is a concrete policy change increasing available resources for neighborhood revitalization efforts in designated areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey health insurers, including commercial plans, health maintenance organizations, and state programs, to cover mammograms starting at age 35 rather than 40 for routine screening. It mandates annual mammograms for women 35 and older, while also requiring coverage for women under 35 with family history of breast cancer or other risk factors. The bill also requires coverage for additional breast imaging tests like ultrasounds or MRIs when mammograms show dense breast tissue or abnormalities. This applies to all health insurance plans in New Jersey, including the State Health Benefits Program and School Employees' Health Benefits Program. The policy change lowers the age threshold for routine screening to improve early breast cancer detection.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Children and Families to develop a program promoting trauma-informed care to help children and families affected by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress. The program mandates creating a toolkit for state employees and community partners, promoting a Trauma Awareness Month, and identifying gaps in services. It also requires all state agencies serving children and adults to implement trauma-informed practices, including staff training on ACEs and using trauma-sensitive language in contracts. The goal is to improve health and educational outcomes by addressing childhood trauma early through evidence-based approaches.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows students receiving opportunity grants through New Jersey's Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program to use a portion of their award for summer courses that count toward graduation or their academic major. Students must notify the Secretary of Higher Education before the academic year begins, resulting in a proportional reduction of their grant funds during the regular academic year. The bill also requires annual reporting by institutions on summer grant usage and graduation rates, implementing a 2016 College Affordability Study Commission recommendation.