Rep. Nancy Muñoz

Maddy summaryThe bill would broaden veterans' benefits eligibility by removing specific war or conflict service requirements. Instead of needing to have served during designated wars (like World War II or Vietnam), veterans would only need at least 90 days of active duty service (excluding basic training), or Reserve members would need to serve the full period called to active duty. Veterans discharged due to service-connected disabilities would qualify regardless of service duration. This change would expand access to benefits including civil service hiring preference, retirement allowances, and the ability to purchase military service credit for retirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits unlicensed individuals from using the title "Nurse" or the abbreviations "R.N." or "A.P.N." without holding a valid nursing license. It amends existing New Jersey nursing laws (P.L.1947, c.262 and P.L.1991, c.377) to explicitly include these titles in the list of terms restricted to licensed registered nurses, practical nurses, or certified advanced practice nurses. The law aims to prevent public confusion by ensuring only qualified professionals can represent themselves as nurses, protecting patients from misleading claims about healthcare providers' credentials. This change applies to all individuals and businesses in New Jersey using such titles in any context.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4099) requires New Jersey's Medicaid program to cover validated home blood pressure monitors and cuffs, along with provider time for patient education, for pregnant Medicaid enrollees at risk for preeclampsia. Preeclampsia - a hypertensive disorder affecting 5-8% of pregnancies (approximately 5,000-8,000 people annually in New Jersey) - can lead to serious complications if undiagnosed, with Black and African American pregnant people disproportionately affected. The bill specifies that monitors must be listed in the U.S. Blood Pressure Validated Device Listing to ensure accuracy. This coverage aims to improve maternal health outcomes by enabling regular blood pressure monitoring at home, complementing in-office care. The policy directly affects pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries identified as preeclampsia risk by their healthcare provider.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution urges New Jersey's Department of Education and Attorney General to regularly update two school safety documents last revised in 2007: the *School Safety and Security Manual: Best Practices Guidelines* and *Law Enforcement Directive No. 2007-1*. It directs these agencies to review and revise the materials to reflect current best practices for school safety, ensuring school personnel and law enforcement have up-to-date guidance. The resolution emphasizes that both documents have not undergone significant updates since 2007 despite evolving safety needs. It specifically targets the Department of Education (for school safety protocols) and the Attorney General's office (for law enforcement procedures). The resolution does not create new requirements but calls for ongoing review to maintain relevance.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey public school districts to hire safe schools resource officers or Class Three special law enforcement officers for security during school hours. The state will fund these positions for districts that choose to implement them after the bill takes effect. School districts must also create written agreements with local law enforcement (or the State Police if no local department exists) covering roles, training, firearm authority, and other operational details. The law directly affects school districts, security personnel, and local law enforcement agencies in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4068) requires New Jersey public school districts to improve emergency communication systems to enhance school security. Specifically, it mandates that school security personnel receive dedicated two-way radios for direct contact with emergency responders, establishes multi-channel notification systems (phone, text, email) for parents during emergencies, and requires monthly testing of all emergency communication systems. The Commissioner of Education must develop strategies to encourage districts to update safety plans, ensure staff can communicate with administration during school hours, and explore technologies like panic buttons or real-time camera feeds. These requirements apply directly to all New Jersey school districts and their staff.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires the Attorney General, working with the Department of Education, to provide annual training to all students and staff in public and nonpublic schools on their roles before, during, and after emergencies like lockdowns, bomb threats, and active shooter incidents. The training must be delivered both in person at regional locations and online, with the Department of Education issuing an annual calendar listing specific dates, times, and locations for schools to access. The bill also ensures substitute staff and non-school youth program supervisors receive relevant safety information, while requiring training to address the needs of students with disabilities. This policy directly affects all New Jersey school districts, receiving schools, and nonpublic schools, mandating concrete changes to emergency preparedness protocols.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Police Training Commission to create a mandatory training course on school emergency response, including active shooter scenarios and lockdown drills. All local police officers in New Jersey must complete this training: new officers before permanent appointment, and current officers within 36 months of the law's effective date (which is immediate). The training will be administered by police departments as part of regular in-service sessions. It directly affects every local law enforcement officer in the state, aiming to standardize emergency response protocols for school safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Education (DOE) to create an online system where school districts can share security resources like personnel and equipment during emergencies. The clearinghouse must be accessible only to authorized school staff, allow users to quickly find nearby available resources, and be operational within one year of the bill taking effect. The DOE must also publish a list of resources districts might need for different emergency scenarios. This directly affects all New Jersey school districts by providing a coordinated way to access security support during crises.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey school districts to submit their emergency communication policies and protocols to the Department of Education (DOE) for review by October 1 of the first full school year after the bill takes effect. School districts must update and resubmit these policies every five years or immediately following any school emergency incident. The DOE, in consultation with emergency management and law enforcement agencies, will review the policies for compliance with state laws and may provide recommendations for improvement. The DOE can also request additional information about a district's emergency communication systems at any time.