Asm. Michele Matsikoudis

Maddy summaryThis bill requires a criminal background check for anyone seeking to legally change their name in New Jersey. It prohibits individuals convicted of violent crimes (like assault, murder, or sexual assault) or domestic violence offenses from changing their name, unless the request is for religious reasons. The court must notify victims or their immediate family members if an applicant has such convictions. The background check, paid for by the applicant, involves fingerprinting and cross-referencing state and federal criminal records.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1098) exempts New Jersey disabled veterans from admission fees at state parks and forests, and also removes fees for motor vehicle access to park beaches for fishing. It directly affects disabled veterans who are New Jersey residents and have been honorably discharged with a service-connected disability certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill amends existing law to add "disabled veteran" as a qualifying category for free admission (currently covering residents 62+, totally disabled individuals, and National Guard members with training completion) and specifically exempts this group from beach access fees. The policy change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryBill A272 eliminates the time limit for prosecuting human trafficking crimes in New Jersey, allowing prosecutors to file charges at any time regardless of when the crime occurred. Currently, such cases must be prosecuted within five years of the offense, but this bill removes that deadline. The change specifically applies to human trafficking offenses defined under New Jersey law (including sections 2C:11-3 and 2C:11-4 of the criminal code). This policy shift directly affects law enforcement, prosecutors, and victims by removing a fixed deadline for filing charges.

Maddy summaryThis bill permits school bus drivers in New Jersey to administer epinephrine to students experiencing anaphylaxis emergencies under specific conditions. It requires written parental authorization, physician orders confirming the student's need for epinephrine, and a signed liability waiver from parents acknowledging no legal recourse against the school or driver. School bus drivers must complete standardized training approved by the Department of Health before acting as delegates. The policy directly affects students with documented anaphylaxis, their families, school districts, nonpublic schools, and bus contractors. It also provides legal protection for all parties involved, barring willful misconduct or gross negligence.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A131) provides free hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses, as well as free admission to New Jersey state parks and forests, for disabled veterans and specific military personnel. It expands current law by extending free park access to disabled veterans (previously only covered for licenses) and removing residency requirements for active military members stationed in New Jersey. Eligible individuals include disabled veterans with service-connected disabilities, active duty military members regardless of residency, members of NJ National Guard units, and retired NJ National Guard members. The bill amends existing statutes to clarify these benefits and requires the Division of Fish and Wildlife to establish documentation standards for verification. These provisions apply to both New Jersey residents and non-residents meeting the criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to include data on graduates' post-high school pathways in their annual performance reports ("report cards"). Specifically, schools must report the number and percentage of students achieving "positive placement" after graduation, including those entering apprenticeships. The requirement applies to all schools and districts, adding this metric to existing report card content like graduation rates and college enrollment. The change aligns with current reporting standards for student outcomes and takes effect for the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill would shift the administration of affordable housing obligations from municipalities to the state-level Council on Affordable Housing (COAH), requiring COAH to calculate the statewide affordable housing need rather than relying on municipal or regional calculations. Municipalities would submit housing elements to COAH detailing their current housing stock and potential for affordable housing development, and COAH would grant "substantive certification" to qualifying municipalities, shielding them from exclusionary zoning lawsuits. The bill would require COAH to develop fair share plans for each municipality based on the statewide need and establish a mediation process for disputes about these plans. This change would replace the current system where municipalities determine their own affordable housing obligations with a centralized statewide approach.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a four-year "New Jersey STEM Scholars Grant Pilot Program" within the Department of Education to provide funding for schools. It directly affects public school districts, charter schools, and "renaissance schools" (a New Jersey term for publicly funded alternative schools) seeking to expand STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education. The program awards competitive grants for three specific areas: project-based learning (student-led STEM projects), afterschool STEM (after-class programs like clubs), and out-of-school STEM (non-classroom activities like workshops). Grants must supplement, not replace, existing STEM funding, and schools must submit detailed plans for program design, student recruitment, teacher support, and long-term sustainability. Funding comes from annual state appropriations and private donations, administered through a new "STEM Scholars Grant Fund."

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3285) helps veterans who served in the National Guard or Reserves during specific military operations (after 9/11/2001) but couldn't complete police or firefighter hiring requirements due to their service. It requires that if a veteran passed the civil service exam but was delayed by at least 30 days of continuous active duty, their name must be placed on the next eligible list for the same job in order of their exam score. The bill also waives age requirements if the veteran met the age limit by the original exam closing date. This applies to veterans called to duty between 9/11/2001 and the end of designated operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "New Jersey Feminine Hygiene Product Donations Immunity Act" (A2004), creates legal protection for individuals and organizations that donate feminine hygiene products (like tampons, pads, or cups) to charities or shelters. It shields good faith donors (including hospitals) and nonprofit distributors from lawsuits if donated products are "apparently usable" (meeting basic quality standards), unless harm results from gross negligence or intentional misconduct. The law directly affects homeless shelters, community organizations serving underserved women, and donors who wish to provide these products without legal risk. It aims to support women experiencing period poverty - particularly those in homelessness or low-income situations - by encouraging donations without fear of liability.