Asm. Michele Matsikoudis

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 4142) requires New Jersey's Division of Fish and Wildlife to provide voter registration forms when issuing hunting, fishing, or trapping licenses. It mandates that license applicants receive a form to register to vote, along with an opt-out form explaining that declining won't affect their license or assistance. The opt-out form includes key protections: confidentiality of the decision, no impact on benefits, and instructions for seeking help or reporting interference. This applies directly to people obtaining these licenses, making license offices a new point for voter registration outreach. The bill is currently in the Assembly committee stage (introduced April 4, 2024).

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a five-year pilot program to create "community schools" in New Jersey public schools. Community schools coordinate year-round access to educational, health, family, and community services through partnerships, directly affecting one public school per county (including district, charter, and renaissance schools) selected for participation. The program assigns trained site coordinators from a state-selected nonprofit or higher education partner to support school implementation, while creating a dedicated fund for program costs. It requires technical assistance, annual audits, and an independent evaluation to assess the model’s effectiveness.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires private health insurers, the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), State Employees' Health Benefits Program (SEHBP), Medicaid, and NJ FamilyCare to cover wigs when medically necessary. It mandates coverage only if a licensed dermatologist, oncologist, or physician prescribes the wig and certifies its necessity for treating a diagnosed illness, chronic condition, or injury. Insurers must cover wigs no more frequently than once every 36 months and pay for them like other durable medical equipment. The bill explicitly prohibits restricting coverage to people undergoing chemotherapy for cancer.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4147) changes how New Jersey municipalities can count affordable housing units toward their fair share obligation under the state's affordable housing law. Municipalities would receive credit for one unit per bedroom in community residences (such as group homes, halfway houses, and supervised apartment living arrangements), and two units for each very low income housing unit or special needs housing project. These changes would make it easier for municipalities to meet their affordable housing requirements by counting certain housing types more favorably toward their quota. The bill directly affects municipalities that must comply with New Jersey's affordable housing obligations under the Fair Housing Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires an automatic recount in county or municipal elections decided by a vote margin of 10 votes or less, triggered by a candidate's request within 24 hours of election certification. The state covers all recount costs, and the recount must be completed within three days of certification. It establishes three geographic regions (Northern, Central, Southern) for Superior Court judges to handle election recounts and contests, with assignments based on population and historical case volume. The bill also mandates strict timelines: initial hearings within 36 hours of filing and appeals within 24 hours, ensuring cases are resolved before elected officials assume office.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 4108) requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to produce monthly reports starting January 1, 2025, showing in-demand jobs, required skills, and geographic needs across the state. The reports must specifically map which in-demand jobs align with veterans' existing skills, experience, and credentials. DOLWD must then share these reports monthly with military out-placement offices, education centers, and other state agencies helping veterans find work. The law directly affects veterans by connecting their qualifications to current job opportunities in high-demand fields.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Higher Education Student Advisory Commission, composed of 14 student members representing all types of higher education institutions (state colleges, public research universities, county colleges, independent colleges, and proprietary schools). The commission will advise the Secretary of Higher Education on student concerns including college affordability, mental health, and campus safety. Members serve one-year terms and must submit applications detailing campus leadership experience. The commission will annually report to the state legislature on student perspectives and may propose legislative recommendations.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Resolution AR 124 is a symbolic statement condemning the Russian Federation and Vladimir Putin for actions leading to the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny. It specifically references Navalny's poisoning in 2020, his subsequent arrest and imprisonment under harsh conditions, and his death in a Russian prison on February 16, 2024. The resolution has no binding effect or new policy changes; it merely expresses the state's condemnation and directs copies to U.S. officials and the Russian government. This is a procedural resolution, not a law imposing new requirements or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to add a special notation to vehicle registrations for drivers who are deaf or hard of hearing. To qualify, applicants must provide medical verification of 41 dB or greater hearing loss from an ENT or an audiologist certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The notation would only appear in law enforcement systems during traffic stops to alert officers, and would apply to registrations issued or renewed 180 days after the bill takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4103) expands eligibility for New Jersey's disability parking permits to include individuals diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), or Crohn's disease, as certified by specific licensed medical professionals. It amends existing law to add these conditions to the definition of "person with a disability" for parking purposes, allowing affected individuals to obtain disability license plates, identification cards, and placards. The bill directly affects New Jersey residents with these chronic digestive conditions who experience mobility challenges or urgent restroom needs during flare-ups. Certification must come from a physician with a plenary license, military physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner licensed in New Jersey or a bordering state. The bill was introduced in the Assembly on April 4, 2024, and referred to the Transportation Committee.