Asm. Reginald Atkins

Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding assembly resolution (AR 139) expressing formal appreciation to the staff of the New Jersey General Assembly. It specifically thanks the Chief Clerk and all staff members - including Sergeants at Arms, committee services, administrative personnel, and others - for their dedication, expertise, and service during legislative sessions. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is purely a symbolic gesture recognizing staff contributions to the legislature's operations. Copies will be distributed to all General Assembly staff members.

Maddy summaryThis bill regulates automated hiring tools used by employers in New Jersey to prevent discrimination. It requires vendors selling such tools in the state to conduct annual bias audits and include the audit results with the sale. Employers using these tools must post the latest audit summary on their website and notify job candidates within 30 days if an automated tool was used to assess their application, including details about the criteria evaluated. Violations can result in civil penalties up to $1,500 per incident. The bill directly affects employers, hiring vendors, and job applicants in New Jersey's workforce.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $44.7 million Stabilized School Budget Aid Grant Program to help eligible New Jersey school districts affected by state aid cuts in the 2024-2025 school year. It provides grants covering two-thirds of each district's state aid reduction (capped at 9.9% of their prior year's tax levy) and allows eligible districts to temporarily exceed normal tax increase limits to offset these cuts. Districts receiving aid must maintain staff levels from the previous year unless enrollment declines, requiring commissioner approval for reductions. The program specifically excludes SDA districts (special needs districts) from the tax levy exception but does not affect their existing tax authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Open Public Records Act (OPRA) to clarify and update how government records are accessed. It defines key terms like "commercial purpose" (excluding news/media and certain organizations) and "data broker," while adding new protections for personal information to prevent identity theft or harassment. The bill also specifies that government records include electronic data and excludes certain deliberative materials. It appropriates $10 million to fund implementation of these changes, directly affecting public agencies, journalists, researchers, and residents seeking records.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a five-year pilot program at University Hospital to provide medical cannabis treatment to eligible patients (residents already authorized under New Jersey's medical cannabis law) while studying its effectiveness. The program requires University Hospital to create dedicated research areas, form patient and advocacy advisory groups, partner with research institutions, integrate telehealth services, and ensure data privacy. It mandates annual reports to the Governor and Legislature on program outcomes, including recommendations for potential expansion. The initiative is funded through a state appropriation and will conclude after a final evaluation report is submitted.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Peer Recovery Specialist Committee to regulate individuals providing peer support for substance use disorder and mental health challenges. To become certified, applicants must meet specific requirements including a high school diploma or equivalent, 500 hours of peer recovery experience, 46 hours of training in key areas (advocacy, mentoring, wellness support, and ethics), and a background check. The committee will oversee certification, enforce standards, and manage renewals, while exempting clergy, students in training, licensed professionals (like social workers), and volunteers in self-help groups who do not claim the certified title. The law requires anyone using the title "peer recovery specialist" to hold certification, except in exempted circumstances outlined in the bill.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "EMS Part" within New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), specifically for emergency medical services employees. It establishes enhanced retirement benefits including a pension equal to 50% of final compensation for employees with 20 or more years of service, plus additional benefits for those with 20-25 years of service. Eligible positions include emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical services supervisors, and other certified health professionals providing emergency medical services. The State will cover increased pension costs for counties and municipalities resulting from this new retirement system component.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Equitable Nonprofit Security and Innovation Grant Program, providing funding to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (including places of worship) to implement smart technology and artificial intelligence systems for security improvements. It allocates up to $25,000 per nonprofit for smart technology (like motion sensors) and up to $100,000 for AI systems (such as threat-detection tools), prioritizing organizations serving at-risk communities, communities of color, and collaborative or interdisciplinary groups. Recipients must report on security enhancements, community engagement initiatives, and AI system assessments to prevent bias, while the program requires $14 million annually in state funding and includes mandatory technical support and annual impact evaluations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 4340) establishes the "New Jersey Migrant and Refugee Assistance Act," creating a Migrant and Refugee Resource Coordination Program within the Department of Human Services. The program connects migrants (individuals relocating to New Jersey from another country) and refugees (those with federal refugee status) to existing public assistance resources like housing, healthcare, job training, education, and legal services. The Department must collaborate with local governments and community groups, run multilingual outreach campaigns, and submit annual reports tracking program effectiveness and service numbers. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 4336) prohibits emergency homeless shelters from refusing admission to individuals based on perceived mental illness, drug or alcohol dependence, non-compliance with prescribed medications, or off-premises alcohol consumption. It directly affects homeless individuals who face these barriers to shelter access. Shelters may still deny entry only if a person poses a danger to self, others, or property, or if other law permits. The bill also clarifies that shelters may ban possession or consumption of drugs and alcohol on their premises.