Asm. Michele Matsikoudis

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow New Jersey to prosecute certain crimes committed outside the state when the defendant had a supervisory or disciplinary relationship with the victim that was established in New Jersey. It specifically targets cases like school employees who engage in misconduct with students during out-of-state trips, which a 2015 Supreme Court case (State v. Sumulikoski) prevented from being prosecuted. The bill amends two key statutes (N.J.S.2C:14-2 and N.J.S.2C:24-4) to establish that "the assumption of supervisory or disciplinary power" or "the assumption of responsibility for the care of a child" in New Jersey constitutes a material element of the offense for jurisdictional purposes. This change would enable New Jersey prosecutors to pursue cases where the defendant's relationship with the victim was established within the state, even if the misconduct occurred elsewhere.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey driver's licenses to display a hearing impairment designation on the front for eligible individuals. It applies to people with a verified hearing loss of 41 dB or greater (confirmed by an ENT or certified audiologist), who can choose between the international deafness symbol or a numerical code. The designation must appear prominently on the license front, with no additional fee beyond standard license costs. The change aims to improve visibility of hearing impairments for safety awareness during traffic interactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides free entry to New Jersey State parks, forests, and certain historic sites for qualifying veterans on Veterans Day (November 11 or a designated date). It directly affects New Jersey residents who are honorably discharged veterans from the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard, or American Merchant Marine (WWII). Key provisions require state parks/forests, historic properties funded by state bonds (like Green Acres), and county/municipal historic sites to waive admission fees for veterans on Veterans Day, with veterans needing to show proof of service. The policy expands existing free access for veterans at state parks to include additional historic properties and sites.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A128) creates a $1,200 annual deduction against New Jersey gross income tax for parents and guardians who purchase qualifying school supplies for students enrolled in public or nonpublic elementary, secondary, or higher education institutions in the state. It specifically covers common items like notebooks, pencils, paper, backpacks, calculators, and other classroom essentials listed in the bill. The deduction applies to purchases made during the taxable year and takes effect immediately upon enactment for the following calendar year. This policy directly affects New Jersey taxpayers with school-aged children by reducing their taxable income for eligible education-related expenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill would provide New Jersey businesses with tax credits for hiring members of the New Jersey National Guard or military reserves (the reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces). Businesses would earn a $1,500 credit for each service member not returned from deployment and $2,500 for each who has returned, applicable against corporation business tax or gross income tax. The credits cannot reduce a business's tax liability below zero. The policy aims to incentivize hiring military service members by offering direct financial benefits to employers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to accept marriage certificates, divorce decrees, court orders, birth certificates, and social security cards as valid proof of a legal name change for driver's licenses. It extends the deadline for updating a license name from two weeks to six months after a legal name change (or until the next license renewal, whichever comes first). The bill also clarifies that a digitized signature (electronic representation of a handwritten signature) can be used on license applications. These changes directly affect New Jersey drivers who have legally changed their name through marriage, divorce, or court order.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the Governor's authority to declare states of emergency or public health emergencies in New Jersey. It requires state of emergency declarations to automatically end after 60 days unless the Legislature approves an extension with a majority vote (and future extensions require a similar majority). Public health emergency declarations are capped at 60 days total (initial 30 days plus one 30-day renewal by the Governor). The bill also mandates the Governor notify the Legislature 7 business days before seeking an extension, and gives the Legislature the power to terminate any emergency declaration with a two-thirds vote in both chambers. Existing emergency declarations related to the pandemic or other ongoing emergencies will automatically terminate on the bill's effective date unless the Legislature immediately authorizes an extension.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the "Go Build" program within New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD). The program aims to increase public awareness of and access to construction careers and training by providing education about the industry, offering workforce training for construction trades, and recruiting workers for both training programs and jobs. Key mechanisms include marketing through media and websites, partnering with construction companies and schools, and consulting with similar programs in Alabama and Georgia. DOLWD must report on the program's progress and effectiveness to the Governor and Legislature within five years. The initiative directly affects New Jersey residents seeking construction careers and the state's workforce development system.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Red Tape Review Commission to evaluate state regulations and executive orders for their economic impact on businesses, workers, and local governments. The commission, composed of eight members including the Lieutenant Governor (as chair), department heads, and legislative leaders, will review all proposed or adopted rules and executive orders to determine if their costs outweigh benefits. It must solicit public input, require state agencies to provide data, and issue annual recommendations to the Governor for repealing, rescinding, or amending burdensome rules. The commission’s findings are advisory only and cannot be used in legal challenges against state agencies.

Maddy summaryThe Smarter Lunchroom Act requires New Jersey public and nonpublic schools to adopt evidence-based strategies from the Cornell Center's Smarter Lunchroom Movement to improve student nutrition. It directs the Commissioner of Education to support schools in implementing specific, low-cost changes like placing fruits near cash registers, using creative names for vegetables, positioning milk at the front of drink coolers, and featuring nutrient-rich foods first in serving lines. The bill mandates that the Department of Education provide accessible, plain-language information about these strategies on its website, including a self-assessment tool. This affects over 1.37 million students in New Jersey schools who rely on cafeteria meals for breakfast and lunch.