Asm. Michele Matsikoudis

Maddy summaryThis non-binding New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 96) formally condemns Hamas for its October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel and affirms support for Israel's right to exist. It specifically references Hamas's rocket attacks, killings of civilians (including infants and elderly), and hostage-taking, citing over 1,400 Israeli deaths. The resolution directs the state to send copies to Israel's Prime Minister, U.S. ambassadors to Israel and Israel, and New Jersey's congressional representatives. It serves as a symbolic statement of support from New Jersey's government, with no direct impact on citizens or policy changes.

Maddy summaryAJR 109 establishes a "Persons with Disabilities and Senior Citizen Transportation Services Task Force" in New Jersey to study and improve transportation services for these groups. The 7-member task force includes agency commissioners (Transportation, Human Services, and Transit) and appointed advocates for disabilities and senior citizens. It must examine specific issues like mobility barriers, infrastructure coordination, independent travel training, real-time transit technology, and automated vehicle accessibility over 18 months. The task force will submit a final report with recommendations to the Governor and Legislature before dissolving.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a tuition reimbursement program for advanced practice nurses in New Jersey who provide mental health care in designated underserved areas. Eligible nurses must be New Jersey residents, certified by the state nursing board, and have mental health training; they agree to work full-time in underserved areas for one to four years in exchange for reimbursement. The program reimburses 25% of eligible tuition costs per year of service (capped at 100% total over four years), based on the lowest tuition year in their accredited program. Nurses must adhere to service requirements, including charging standard rates with sliding fees for uninsured patients and maintaining certification and residency.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides tuition-free education for up to 16 credits per semester (maximizing eight semesters) at public or degree-granting private colleges to: - Retired law enforcement officers and firefighters who retired due to service-related injuries or illnesses, and - The spouse or dependent child of a New Jersey officer or firefighter who died in the line of duty. To qualify, applicants must be New Jersey residents, apply for all available federal and state student grants, and maintain academic standing. The state will reimburse institutions for tuition costs not covered by these grants, with spouses who already hold an undergraduate degree eligible for graduate studies (excluding medical, dental, and law programs).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Health to establish a public awareness campaign called "Count the Kicks" to educate pregnant women in their third trimester about tracking their baby's movements. The campaign must provide information on why fetal movement indicates health, how to monitor kick counts per medical guidelines, and how tracking may reduce stillbirth. The Commissioner must make materials available online in English and Spanish and distribute them through clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, WIC offices, and community programs. The campaign must report its progress to the Governor and Legislature within two years of implementation. The bill directly affects pregnant women in New Jersey seeking guidance on fetal health monitoring.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2405) prohibits New Jersey's State Board of Education from requiring "student growth objectives" as part of teacher evaluations. Currently, these objectives - which measure student progress against state standards - account for 15-50% of a teacher's evaluation score. The bill explicitly bans the State Board from mandating these objectives or any similar assessment method. It takes effect immediately upon enactment, directly affecting how teachers are evaluated statewide.

Maddy summaryThis bill would increase New Jersey's annual property tax deduction for eligible seniors (65+) and disabled persons from $250 to $500, effective starting in 2027. It directly affects low-income residents meeting income limits ($10,000 annually) who own or reside in qualifying property. The deduction amount would gradually rise from $300 (2023) to $500 (2027 and beyond), but the bill requires voter approval of a constitutional amendment before taking effect. The change applies to property taxes assessed against the resident's dwelling, not additional benefits like homestead rebates.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes county vocational school districts with existing automotive programs to create electric vehicle (EV) certification programs. It allows these schools to partner with private companies to develop training focused on EV-related careers like maintenance, repair, engineering, and design. Students who complete the programs would receive an official EV certification, and schools may consult national industry standards or the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities when designing the curriculum. The bill takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryBill A309 designates September 11 as Patriot Day, a state and public holiday in New Jersey. It amends state statutes to add September 11 to the list of paid holidays for state employees and public holidays, requiring state offices to close on that day annually. The bill does not create new funding or obligations but formally recognizes the day as a holiday, aligning with New Jersey's observance of the anniversary of the September 11 attacks. This change affects state government operations and employees, providing them with a paid day off each year.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A124) allows eligible New Jersey educators to deduct up to $1,200 from their gross income tax for unreimbursed classroom supply expenses. It directly affects K-12 teachers in public or nonpublic schools within the state who spend their own money on required materials. The deduction covers specific items like books, pencils, computers, lab equipment, and other daily classroom supplies. The provision applies to taxable years beginning after the bill's enactment date.