Asm. Reginald Atkins

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a one-year pilot program within New Jersey's Department of Agriculture to support bee populations by reimbursing homeowners up to $250 and businesses up to $500 for converting lawns into bee-friendly habitats using approved native plants, forbs, or legumes. Funded with $1 million from the General Fund, the program requires the Department to develop application guidelines, eligibility criteria, an online resource for habitat guidance, and a list of qualifying plants. After the pilot, the Department must report to the Governor and Legislature on participation, program effectiveness, and recommendations for future action. The initiative directly affects New Jersey residents and businesses seeking to create pollinator-friendly outdoor spaces.

Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Fostering Success Voucher Act creates a program providing rental assistance vouchers and case management services to young adults aged 18-26 who have exited foster care or kinship care and are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. To qualify, individuals must reside in New Jersey, have a moderate income, and agree to participate in case management services through approved agencies. The program will issue rental vouchers comparable to existing state housing assistance standards and require participants to engage with case management agencies to support housing stability. The state will appropriate $10 million from the General Fund to fund the program, administered by the Department of Community Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) and county transit agencies to provide free one-time transit passes to individuals seeking to access One Stop Career Centers. The passes cover up to three round-trips and are available upon application to job seekers needing transportation to these career centers. NJT and counties must develop a simple application process within six months, aligning with a statewide standard. It directly affects job seekers who rely on public transit to reach career services, removing a transportation barrier for employment support. The policy changes are concrete: free transit access for a limited number of trips, administered by transit agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey's firearms regulations by requiring that firearms purchaser identification cards be valid for four years (expiring on the holder's birthday in the fourth year after issuance), rather than indefinitely as under current law. It also requires applicants to complete a firearms safety training course approved by the State Police within four years prior to application (with exemptions for law enforcement and veterans). Additionally, the bill revises inheritance procedures for firearms, requiring heirs or legatees to possess a valid firearms purchaser identification card or permit to purchase a handgun before taking possession of inherited firearms, with specific procedures for transferring firearms to law enforcement if the heir doesn't qualify for a permit.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Invasive Species Task Force within the Department of Agriculture. The task force, composed of nine members including department heads (Agriculture, Environmental Protection, Health, Forestry, and Rutgers Agricultural Experiment Station) and four public members with invasive species expertise, will study control methods and develop statewide plans. Key provisions require the task force to create an updated list of all invasive species every three years, identify regulatory barriers, and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing species impacts, spread patterns, and recommendations for prevention and ecosystem restoration. The task force must hold quarterly public meetings across all regions of New Jersey and post its work online.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases financial aid to New Jersey municipalities from the Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund over two years, restoring approximately $331 million in reduced aid payments that municipalities received during fiscal years 2009-2011. In fiscal year 2023, municipalities will receive 50% of the difference between their 2008 and 2012 aid distributions, with full restoration beginning in 2024. Municipalities must subtract any additional aid received from their property tax levy calculations and cannot anticipate this aid when creating annual budgets. The bill requires municipalities to amend their budgets to properly reflect the total aid amount, ensuring the aid directly reduces the amount they need to raise through property taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey registrars to issue certified electronic copies of vital records - including birth, death, marriage, civil union, and domestic partnership certificates - alongside paper copies upon request. It requires the Commissioner of Health to establish security standards for electronic copies, including identity verification, data encryption, and privacy protections. The change applies to authorized requesters (such as individuals, family members, or government agencies) who already qualify for paper certified copies under current law. Electronic copies must be distinguishable from non-certified informational versions and maintain the same authentication requirements as paper records.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Non-Profit Loan Guarantee Pilot Program through the Economic Development Authority (EDA), providing loan guarantees to eligible non-profit organizations for constructing new facilities. To qualify, non-profits must be IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations with 10+ years of operation, prior state financial assistance, and must demonstrate plans to create 10+ full-time jobs and generate sufficient revenue (e.g., through ticket sales or donations) to repay loans. The EDA will use a dedicated fund - financed by the Economic Recovery Fund, loan repayments, and other EDA funds - to guarantee loans up to $15 million per organization for up to 20 years, with participating banks providing the actual financing. The EDA must report annually on program demand, effectiveness, and recommendations for improvement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires motor vehicle manufacturers (defined as those producing at least 10 new vehicles annually) to stamp each catalytic converter with the vehicle's unique identification number before installation. It directly affects manufacturers selling vehicles in New Jersey, mandating this marking on all catalytic converters. Violations are treated as consumer fraud under New Jersey law, subjecting offenders to fines up to $20,000 per offense and potential legal action. The law aims to improve traceability of catalytic converters, which are frequently stolen for their precious metals.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Neighborhood Scholar Revitalization Pilot Program" in four New Jersey cities: Camden, Trenton, Jersey City, and Paterson. It offers college graduates with at least $7,000 in student loan debt a $7,000 reimbursement toward their loans after committing to live in designated low-income neighborhoods for 24 months. Businesses in participating enterprise zones can earn tax credits equal to their contributions to the program's fund, which is partially funded by transferring money from municipal enterprise zone assistance accounts. The program limits participation to 200 graduates per city, with a 3-year evaluation required to determine potential expansion.