Asm. Jim Kennedy

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill authorizes pharmacists to dispense HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) without individual prescriptions under specific conditions. Pharmacists must verify patients are HIV-negative through recent testing, provide counseling, complete required training, and document services before dispensing. Health insurance plans must cover these medications without prior authorization or step therapy requirements. Patients can receive up to a 60-day supply of PrEP without a prescription within any two-year period before needing a prescription for continued use. Pharmacists must also notify patients' primary care providers about the dispensing, unless the patient declines.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts serving at least 5% of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals to offer halal lunch options. Halal meals must comply with Islamic religious practices, national nutrition standards, and food safety rules, while costing no more than comparable non-halal meals. The requirement applies starting the first full school year after the bill's enactment. It directly affects school districts meeting the student eligibility threshold, ensuring dietary accommodations for Muslim students without increasing costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a New Jersey gross income tax deduction for capital gains realized when landowners sell certain real property interests to qualified conservation organizations for preservation purposes. The deduction applies to both full market value sales and "bargain sales" (where the sale price is below market value, with the difference treated as a charitable donation). The deduction amount equals the capital gain as determined under federal tax rules, covering transactions with groups participating in programs like Green Acres, Blue Acres, and farmland preservation. This policy aims to encourage land conservation by reducing tax liability on such sales, directly benefiting landowners who sell property for environmental preservation.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey A602 establishes the "New Jersey Reparations Task Force" within the Department of State to study and develop recommendations for addressing historical and ongoing racial disparities stemming from slavery and systemic discrimination. The 11-member task force, appointed with representation from the Governor, legislative leadership, and civil rights organizations, will examine New Jersey's role in slavery, its legacy of racial discrimination, and potential remedies over a 24-month period. The task force must hold at least six public meetings across the state and issue an interim report within 12 months and a final report with recommendations within 24 months. This legislation directly affects Black communities in New Jersey who face significant racial disparities in housing, wealth, education, and criminal justice. The task force's work will inform potential policy changes and reparative measures to address these systemic issues.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens safety rules for hotels and multi-unit buildings in New Jersey when hazardous conditions are identified. It requires owners to provide written notice to occupants before restricting occupancy and sets clear limits on how many people can stay during repairs or hazards. The law directly affects hotel owners (buildings with 10+ units or 25+ sleeping spaces) and multiple dwelling owners (buildings with 3+ independently occupied units). Key provisions include standardized notice procedures and occupancy restrictions to protect residents until hazards are resolved, as defined under New Jersey's housing code.