Asm. Michele Matsikoudis

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A301) requires advisory or temporary committees, councils, panels, and task forces created by law to hold at least one meeting with a quorum each year to remain active. If such a body fails to meet annually, it is deemed inactive by the Secretary of State, terminating all member appointments and prohibiting the use of state, county, or municipal staff or resources. The bill targets entities established for advisory or temporary purposes under legislative acts or resolutions. It takes immediate effect, aiming to eliminate dormant government bodies without active engagement.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to explicitly state that knowingly allowing a person who has committed a sex offense against a child to live in the same household as a child constitutes endangering the welfare of a child. It directly affects caregivers or individuals with legal responsibility for a child's care, making it a crime for them to permit such a residence. The key change clarifies the existing statute (N.J.S.2C:24-4) to include this specific scenario, which was previously ambiguous. The policy change ensures that allowing a known child sex offender to reside with a child is treated as a criminal act, with penalties varying by the offender's role.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A343 would change how heroin-related offenses are graded by requiring courts to consider both the weight and number of dosage units involved in a crime. Currently, these offenses are graded solely by weight, creating an imbalance since a single dosage unit of heroin weighs much less than a single dosage unit of cocaine. The bill defines "dosage unit" as either the smallest discrete unit of distribution (like a pill or packet) or the typical amount consumed at one time, whichever results in more units. This change would align heroin offense grading more closely with cocaine offense standards, potentially increasing penalties for certain heroin distribution cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill would enter New Jersey into the Counseling Compact, an agreement allowing licensed professional counselors from New Jersey to practice in other member states without obtaining multiple licenses. The compact establishes a national commission to manage the agreement, share disciplinary information between states, and ensure counselors follow the laws of the state where their client is located. It would particularly benefit military personnel and their spouses who relocate frequently between states, as well as improve access to counseling services across state lines. Currently, 16 states have joined this compact, and New Jersey's participation would allow its licensed counselors to provide services in those states through a single license.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the state tax deduction for New Jersey residents who contribute to the NJBEST college savings program. It raises the maximum annual deduction from $10,000 to $15,000 for taxpayers with gross income under $200,000. The bill also requires annual adjustments to both the deduction limit and income threshold based on the national consumer price index. These changes apply to contributions made in taxable years starting after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryACR 28 proposes a constitutional amendment to shift authority over affordable housing requirements from courts to the New Jersey Legislature. Currently, courts determine the number of affordable housing units needed in municipalities and set penalties for noncompliance, following New Jersey Supreme Court rulings. The amendment would change the state constitution to state that only the Legislature can decide housing needs, fulfillment methods, and consequences for failing to meet obligations. This would end judicial oversight of affordable housing mandates, which courts have managed since the Council on Affordable Housing dissolved. The change requires voter approval after legislative passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Office of the Statewide Opioid Antidote Coordinator within New Jersey's Department of Human Services. The Coordinator will centrally manage the bulk purchasing and distribution of opioid antidotes (like naloxone) for state/local government agencies, emergency medical services, law enforcement, schools, public access locations, and sterile syringe programs upon request. The Coordinator must also coordinate with health and law enforcement agencies, provide public education on antidote use, and submit annual reports detailing distribution quantities, cost savings, and outreach efforts. The position requires experience in health, law enforcement, or policy, and will be funded through state appropriations and federal grants.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A267) requires nursing homes to allow residents or their legal representatives to use electronic monitoring devices - such as cameras, audio recorders, or video phones - in a resident's room, upon request. It directly affects nursing home residents, their families, and facility staff. Key provisions include: nursing homes must inform residents of this right, cannot deny admission or remove residents for requesting monitoring, and must provide physical accommodations (like mounting space and power access). The resident or their representative funds the device, must post a notice on the room door, and must respect other residents' privacy (including obtaining written consent if sharing a room). Tampering with a monitored device becomes a third-degree crime.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A317) requires the Governor, Senate President, Senate Minority Leader, Assembly Speaker, and Assembly Minority Leader to meet in person quarterly at the State House for at least two hours. The meetings must include a private discussion period followed by a public portion where participants report on state matters and may answer public questions. It mandates in-person attendance for all leaders at every meeting without substitutes. The bill focuses on establishing a regular, structured forum for coordination on state issues, pending legislation, and public policy, without creating new substantive policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for New Jersey employers who pay up to $5,000 annually toward the education loan debt of eligible STEM graduates. It directly affects employers in New Jersey who hire full-time employees with STEM degrees (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) from New Jersey public universities, who live in the state and are not in default on their loans. The credit applies to both corporation business tax and gross income tax, with the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority certifying qualified graduates. Employers receive the credit for each qualifying employee per calendar year, aiming to retain local STEM talent.