Asm. Reginald Atkins

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A1074 bill prohibits state agencies, including the Motor Vehicle Commission, from sharing driver personal information like names, addresses, license numbers, or Social Security numbers with other states. This specifically blocks the disclosure of such data when other states seek to issue fines for violations captured by speed cameras or red light cameras. The law defines "personal information" broadly to include identifiers like photographs and contact details. It takes effect immediately, preventing New Jersey from aiding out-of-state citation enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act to clarify that harassment, intimidation, and bullying policies apply only to student-on-student behavior. It requires school districts to develop guidance for anti-bullying specialists and provide resources to parents and students about the policy process. School anti-bullying specialists can now receive a stipend of up to $1,000 per year, with districts eligible for state reimbursement if they demonstrate financial hardship from funding these positions. The bill also creates a School Safety Committee to oversee implementation of anti-bullying policies and requires districts to develop a simple, accessible Responsible Use Policy for Internet use that includes cyberbullying guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1678, "Homeless Bill of Rights") establishes legal protections for people experiencing homelessness in New Jersey. It guarantees specific rights, including the right to use public spaces (sidewalks, parks, transportation) without discrimination, equal treatment by government agencies, protection from employment discrimination due to lacking a permanent address, access to emergency medical care and voting services without bias, and privacy protections for records shared with shelters. The bill also allows individuals to sue for violations and seek remedies like court orders, damages, or attorney fees. It directly affects homeless residents across New Jersey by legally prohibiting discrimination based on housing status in public life.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes clear standards for determining unlawful harassment under New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination, requiring all employers to adopt written policies that define prohibited conduct and outline complaint procedures. It mandates interactive training for all employees and supervisors on preventing harassment, with specific data reporting requirements for employers with 50 or more employees. The bill extends protections to domestic workers who perform services in private residences, requiring employers to provide specialized policies and training for this workforce. It clarifies that harassment claims should consider the cumulative effect of incidents and the victim's perspective, rather than requiring physical contact or loss of job benefits to prove a hostile work environment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to establish an electronic system for salvage processors to submit applications for salvage certificates of title. Salvage processors, which are businesses that handle totaled vehicles on behalf of insurance companies, would be able to electronically submit applications, supporting documents, and fees through this system. The MVC would also need to allow these processors to print salvage certificates of title at their facilities. This change replaces the current paper-based process for obtaining salvage certificates of title. The bill aims to streamline the process for salvage processors while ensuring proper documentation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health to regularly share locations of safe disposal sites for used needles and prescription drugs with the Statewide 2-1-1 telephone system. The information will be made available to anyone calling 2-1-1 who requests it. It directly affects residents seeking safe disposal options for medical waste, particularly those managing at-home medication use or injection-related items. The requirement takes effect 180 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to include age-appropriate instruction on menstrual health and hygiene for students in grades 4 through 12 as part of their required health and physical education curriculum. The instruction must cover proper use of menstrual products (including safety warnings about Toxic Shock Syndrome), symptoms and health impacts of menstrual disorders, effects of period poverty, and when to seek medical help. School districts must also notify parents or guardians before teaching this content. The law takes effect for the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public high school students in New Jersey who observe Ramadan to opt out of required physical education classes and school sports programs during the holy month. Students must submit written notice to their principal before schedules are finalized, and can substitute physical education with an instructional course or study hall that provides equivalent graduation credits. Student-athletes may also be excused from sports, cheerleading, or intramural programs with written notice to their coach, and coaches cannot penalize them for this absence. The policy specifically accommodates Muslim students fasting during Ramadan, without exempting them from other required health education courses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Auditor to conduct a performance audit of the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO), which processes claims for crime victims. The audit must evaluate whether the VCCO uses state and federal funds efficiently, has enough staff to meet its legal responsibilities, and operates effectively within regulatory requirements. The auditor must analyze funding use, staff adequacy, internal operations, and recommend improvements for any issues found. The State Auditor must submit a final report to the Governor and Legislature within six months of the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a pilot program in Union City, Trenton, and Camden to address open cockloft spaces between buildings through weatherization and energy efficiency improvements. It appropriates $30 million from American Rescue Plan Act funds ($10 million to each city) to cover the costs of installing fire-rated separations and other energy efficiency measures. Low- and moderate-income homeowners will receive these improvements at no cost, while other property owners may pay through a 10-year property tax special assessment. The program requires municipalities to conduct building inventories, implement safety measures, and report annually on the program's effectiveness to the legislature. The initiative aims to reduce energy costs, improve fire safety, and evaluate the feasibility of a broader statewide program.