Asm. Michele Matsikoudis

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Educator Evaluation Review Task Force to study and evaluate the state's current teacher and administrator evaluation system under the TEACHNJ Act. The 12-member task force, including educators, principals, and education organization representatives, must report findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature by September 30, 2024. It temporarily pauses new student growth data collection for the 2024-2025 school year, requiring schools to use existing data instead - except for new, non-tenured, or first-year teachers who must set new objectives during that year. Starting in 2025-2026, school districts will implement updated data collection guidelines based on the task force's final recommendations. The bill directly affects all public school teachers, principals, and administrators in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Transit Accountability Act (A4096) requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to hire an independent auditor within 90 days to examine its financial management and budget reporting practices since the 2018 Executive Order No. 5 assessment. The audit must cover pandemic impacts on service demand and finances, evaluate current funding adequacy, and recommend improvements to governance, hiring, and customer service. NJT must submit the audit findings to the Governor and Legislature, then adopt the recommended policies within six months (with an option to explain exceptions). This bill directly affects NJT's operational transparency and financial accountability, aiming to address historical funding mismanagement identified in prior assessments.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution urges New Jersey's Department of Education and Attorney General to regularly update two school safety documents last revised in 2007: the *School Safety and Security Manual: Best Practices Guidelines* and *Law Enforcement Directive No. 2007-1*. It directs these agencies to review and revise the materials to reflect current best practices for school safety, ensuring school personnel and law enforcement have up-to-date guidance. The resolution emphasizes that both documents have not undergone significant updates since 2007 despite evolving safety needs. It specifically targets the Department of Education (for school safety protocols) and the Attorney General's office (for law enforcement procedures). The resolution does not create new requirements but calls for ongoing review to maintain relevance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) to create a policy for using video and audio recordings in certain postseason athletic games. The policy must mandate that all tournament and postseason contests have official recordings, and require video/audio reviews when a referee's call changes the final score or game outcome. It also permits reviews to check for sportsmanship violations and confirm correct disqualifications. The policy takes effect immediately for the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey public school districts to hire safe schools resource officers or Class Three special law enforcement officers for security during school hours. The state will fund these positions for districts that choose to implement them after the bill takes effect. School districts must also create written agreements with local law enforcement (or the State Police if no local department exists) covering roles, training, firearm authority, and other operational details. The law directly affects school districts, security personnel, and local law enforcement agencies in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4068) requires New Jersey public school districts to improve emergency communication systems to enhance school security. Specifically, it mandates that school security personnel receive dedicated two-way radios for direct contact with emergency responders, establishes multi-channel notification systems (phone, text, email) for parents during emergencies, and requires monthly testing of all emergency communication systems. The Commissioner of Education must develop strategies to encourage districts to update safety plans, ensure staff can communicate with administration during school hours, and explore technologies like panic buttons or real-time camera feeds. These requirements apply directly to all New Jersey school districts and their staff.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires the Attorney General, working with the Department of Education, to provide annual training to all students and staff in public and nonpublic schools on their roles before, during, and after emergencies like lockdowns, bomb threats, and active shooter incidents. The training must be delivered both in person at regional locations and online, with the Department of Education issuing an annual calendar listing specific dates, times, and locations for schools to access. The bill also ensures substitute staff and non-school youth program supervisors receive relevant safety information, while requiring training to address the needs of students with disabilities. This policy directly affects all New Jersey school districts, receiving schools, and nonpublic schools, mandating concrete changes to emergency preparedness protocols.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Autism Education Council within New Jersey's Department of Education to improve services for students with autism in public schools. The council, composed of seven members including the Education Commissioner and appointed representatives from parent groups and autism organizations, will distribute $9.6 million annually (from a $10 million appropriation) to public school districts and colleges. Grants fund professional development for educators, hiring additional support staff, and supplemental programs like after-school socialization and transitional planning. The council must monitor grant impacts and submit annual reports to the Governor, Legislature, and school districts detailing grant recipients, amounts, and outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Police Training Commission to create a mandatory training course on school emergency response, including active shooter scenarios and lockdown drills. All local police officers in New Jersey must complete this training: new officers before permanent appointment, and current officers within 36 months of the law's effective date (which is immediate). The training will be administered by police departments as part of regular in-service sessions. It directly affects every local law enforcement officer in the state, aiming to standardize emergency response protocols for school safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Education (DOE) to create an online system where school districts can share security resources like personnel and equipment during emergencies. The clearinghouse must be accessible only to authorized school staff, allow users to quickly find nearby available resources, and be operational within one year of the bill taking effect. The DOE must also publish a list of resources districts might need for different emergency scenarios. This directly affects all New Jersey school districts by providing a coordinated way to access security support during crises.