Asm. Michele Matsikoudis

Maddy summaryThis bill allows employees of New Jersey's Division of Children Protection and Permanency (DCPP) to voluntarily report suspected animal abuse, cruelty, or neglect they witness while investigating child welfare cases. DCPP staff may report to local humane law enforcement officers or designated county authorities, filing detailed reports within two business days (or immediately if animal safety is at risk). The bill provides legal immunity for good-faith reports and requires reports to include specific details like the animal type, location, and witness information. It does not mandate reporting but enables cross-reporting between child welfare and animal welfare systems, with optional training for DCPP staff on identifying animal abuse linked to domestic violence.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A951) requires all New Jersey law enforcement agencies to use standardized procedures when activating domestic violence crisis teams for incidents involving domestic violence, elder abuse, or disability neglect. It mandates that teams - composed of trained professionals like social workers or clergy - must be activated for most domestic violence calls, with limited exceptions (e.g., if a victim is intoxicated or if sexual assault protocols apply). The Division of Criminal Justice will oversee training for law enforcement officers and ensure consistent implementation statewide, replacing inconsistent local practices. The bill directly affects victims of domestic violence, elder abuse, and disability neglect, as well as law enforcement agencies and crisis team members.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts volunteer fire companies in New Jersey from paying charitable registration fees. Currently, these organizations must pay fees based on fundraising amounts if they exceed $25,000 annually, but the bill would remove this requirement entirely for all qualifying fire companies. The exemption applies to fire companies organized under state law and actively engaged in protecting life and property. Approximately 750 fire companies, which collectively pay about $52,000 in fees each year, would benefit from this change.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3005) adjusts New Jersey's $6,000 veterans' income tax exemption to keep pace with inflation. It directly affects honorably discharged veterans who file New Jersey taxes and claim this exemption. The bill requires the exemption amount to automatically increase each year based on the Chained Consumer Price Index (C-CPI-U) for the 12 months ending August 31 of the prior year. If inflation is zero, the exemption amount remains unchanged for that tax year. This change ensures the exemption's real value doesn't diminish over time due to rising costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to end veteran homelessness within three years. It requires the DCA to develop a statewide plan using specific mechanisms: creating a comprehensive by-name list of veterans at risk of homelessness, prioritizing veterans for existing housing and emergency assistance benefits, coordinating with service providers to share data, connecting veterans to health and job resources, and implementing "Housing First" principles (permanent housing as quickly as possible). The plan must be updated every three years, with annual progress reports to the Governor and Legislature. It directly affects all New Jersey veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness, regardless of their discharge status or length of service.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2222) provides a $1,000 refundable state income tax credit to staff members working at licensed childcare centers in New Jersey. It directly affects childcare workers, including full-time, part-time, and substitute staff employed during center operating hours. The credit reduces the taxpayer’s state income tax liability, and if the credit exceeds the tax owed, the excess is paid as a cash refund. The credit applies to taxable years beginning January 1 after the bill’s enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's EMT Training Fund to reimburse costs for emergency medical technician (EMT) training provided to volunteer firefighters, in addition to the existing coverage for volunteer ambulance, first aid, and rescue squad members. It establishes a priority order for reimbursement, starting with EMT-A certification and recertification, followed by EMT-D, EMT-B, and epinephrine auto-injector training. The law also prohibits training providers from charging fees to eligible volunteer members of these groups. These changes ensure consistent funding for EMT training across volunteer emergency response organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill, "Stephanie's Law," requires New Jersey's Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to create a publicly-accessible online registry listing individuals convicted of domestic violence crimes, subject to final restraining orders, or found in contempt of such orders. The registry will include personal details like name, aliases, physical description, photograph, vehicle information, and address for each person listed. Law enforcement officers must search this public registry, as well as the existing non-public domestic violence registry, during any arrest. Individuals listed can petition for removal if they no longer meet the criteria (e.g., no conviction or restraining order), and must update their address within five days of a change. The law aims to provide accessible information to the public and law enforcement regarding domestic violence histories.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates practice restrictions for advanced practice nurses (APNs) in New Jersey, allowing them to practice to the full extent of their training without requiring physician supervision or joint protocols. APNs with more than 24 months or 2,400 hours of experience can practice independently, while those with less experience must maintain a joint protocol with a physician for prescribing medications. The bill updates requirements for prescribing medications (including pharmacology continuing education), authorizing medical cannabis, and practicing anesthesia, and repeals sections of law requiring physician collaboration. These changes aim to improve healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas, by expanding the scope of practice for APNs who are already trained to provide primary and specialty care. The bill also modifies documentation requirements so that APNs can use their own signatures instead of requiring physician endorsements.

Maddy summaryAJR 15 designates October of each year as "Bullying Prevention Month" in New Jersey. The bill requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public awareness activities about bullying, including its impacts and prevention strategies. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or funding but aligns New Jersey with the existing national observance established since 2010. It directly affects all New Jersey residents through state-level recognition of bullying prevention efforts.