Asm. Michele Matsikoudis

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary licensure pathway for nursing graduates who have completed their education but haven't yet passed the full licensure exam. It allows these graduates to practice under the supervision of a licensed registered nurse for up to one year, with a possible one-time extension for medical or hardship reasons. The bill also waives application fees for nursing license applicants working at or planning to work at long-term care facilities. Temporary license holders must apply for full licensure at least 90 days before expiration and pass the required exam, as the temporary license immediately expires if they fail the exam.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a new rule of evidence that would allow statements reporting sexual assault or employment discrimination to be admitted as evidence, even though they would normally be considered hearsay. The statement must have been made spontaneously within a reasonable time after the incident to someone the victim would typically turn to for support. This evidence would be admissible to assess the complainant's credibility, counter the idea that delay means the report was fabricated, and help explain the investigative process. It would apply to both criminal and civil cases involving these allegations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1663) establishes a new pathway for Montessori teachers to obtain New Jersey teaching certification. It directly affects candidates who hold Montessori teaching credentials from approved organizations (like the American Montessori Society), a bachelor's degree, and pass required tests. The key provision allows these candidates to bypass state-approved educator preparation programs and receive a lifetime-valid "certificate of eligibility" upon meeting the criteria. This change streamlines certification for Montessori educators without requiring additional state-mandated training.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1648) requires the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) to place a direct link to the state's educator job portal, NJSchoolJobs.com, in a prominent spot on its website homepage. It also mandates that the DOE promote this link through social media channels. The bill directly affects educators seeking school employment in New Jersey by making job listings more accessible through the DOE's official digital channels. The policy change is a straightforward procedural requirement with no new funding or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a two-year pilot program to test school breakfast kiosks in three New Jersey public school districts (one in each of the state's northern, central, and southern regions). It requires schools to place kiosks or carts in accessible locations (like hallways or classrooms) for students to purchase breakfast items, following federal nutrition and reimbursement rules. School districts must submit detailed plans covering food options, pricing, and logistics for state review, with the Department of Agriculture and Education overseeing implementation and funding. After the pilot, the state will report on participation rates, particularly among low-income students (those eligible for free/reduced-price lunch), to assess the program's impact on breakfast access.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1631) allows teaching certification applicants in New Jersey to request an expedited review of their application from the State Board of Examiners. To qualify, an applicant must have had their completed application on file for at least four weeks and submit the request within two weeks before Labor Day each school year. If these conditions are met, the Board must issue certification or provide a written denial within one week of receiving the request. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a four-year pilot program allowing New Jersey special education students aged 16+ to take college courses or vocational training while still in high school. It requires school districts to partner with local colleges or vocational schools to integrate these opportunities into students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), with districts covering tuition costs. Up to 15 districts will be selected for participation, prioritizing geographic and demographic diversity across urban, suburban, and rural areas. At the program's conclusion, districts must report on participation, course types, student feedback, and effectiveness, leading to a state-level evaluation on potential expansion.

Maddy summaryThis bill temporarily eliminates the requirement for public school employees in New Jersey school districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects to reside in the state for a three-year period. During this time, newly hired employees do not need to live in New Jersey, and those who maintain or establish a residence outside the state during the period will not be required to relocate after the three years end, regardless of future residence changes or employment breaks. The Department of Education must submit a report to the governor and legislature 90 days after the three-year period, evaluating the policy's effectiveness, unintended consequences, and potential legislative recommendations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all elected or appointed local government officers in New Jersey - including council members, authority members, and certain agency staff - to complete ethics training on the state's Local Government Ethics Law and applicable local codes. The training, developed by the Department of Community Affairs, must be offered semi-annually via accessible formats (including online) and covers legal requirements and ethical standards. Officers must complete training within six months of taking office, with personal fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for non-compliance, paid directly by the officer (not the local government). The rules implementing this will be finalized within 120 days, with full compliance required within 18 months.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special "Support Our Veterans" license plate for New Jersey residents, with the $50 initial fee (plus $10 annual fee) funding a dedicated fund. Proceeds from these fees, after covering production costs, will support services at New Jersey's Veterans Haven homeless veteran centers. The program requires 500 initial applications and $25,000 from the Veterans Haven Council to cover startup costs before implementation. If annual production costs exceed the $50 fee for two years, the license plate program may be discontinued.