Asm. Linda Carter

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services to create a public awareness campaign about doulas. It mandates the campaign to explain doulas' role before, during, and after pregnancy; describe their services and benefits; and list free or low-cost resources for doula care. The campaign must develop materials in the top 10 languages spoken in New Jersey and distribute them online and through health clinics, WIC offices, Planned Parenthood, pharmacies, and community organizations. The bill directly affects residents seeking maternal care by improving access to information about doula services, without changing healthcare eligibility or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey law enforcement officers to conduct a standardized danger assessment for individuals they reasonably believe are victims of domestic violence. The assessment, done with the victim's consent using an evidence-based tool approved by the Attorney General, evaluates risk factors like recent violence, injuries, and firearm use to determine if the victim faces elevated risk of serious harm. If the assessment indicates high risk, officers must inform the victim and, with consent, immediately connect them to domestic crisis teams or other support services. The bill also mandates training for officers and judges on conducting these assessments and responding to high-risk cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits certification requirements for career and technical education (CTE) teachers seeking a "Certificate of Eligibility" through the alternate route program. It prohibits the State Board of Education from requiring these teachers to complete educator preparation programs exceeding 200 hours or one academic year (currently 350 hours). The bill also removes the requirement to pass basic skills tests like the Praxis Core if candidates demonstrate proficiency through approved alternatives (e.g., occupational licenses, portfolios). These changes aim to streamline certification for CTE teachers, addressing concerns about program length and cost that have impacted recruitment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's public colleges and universities to provide students with information about food assistance programs. Specifically, institutions must include links to SNAP (food stamp) applications, NJ 211 (a state service for human services referrals), and details about campus or community food programs like pantries or meal swipes. This information must be included in initial admission offers and sent via email during each semester's registration. The policy directly affects public higher education institutions and students who may need access to food support services.

Maddy summaryACR 169 is a New Jersey legislative resolution urging Congress to provide emergency funds for Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). It specifically requests immediate action to modernize EWR's aging air traffic control infrastructure and increase staffing at facilities supporting the airport. The resolution cites recent disruptions - including radar outages, flight delays, and cancellations - stemming from outdated FAA systems (like aging copper lines) and staffing shortages (only 22 certified controllers at Philadelphia TRACON managing EWR airspace). This resolution directly affects EWR passengers (nearly 50 million annually), airport operations, and regional economic activity, emphasizing the urgent need for federal intervention before a long-term FAA system upgrade becomes operational.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public school staff in New Jersey to complete training on caring for students with epilepsy or seizure disorders every two years. It directly affects school staff (including teachers, coaches, and support personnel) and students with these conditions. The training, provided through Department of Health-approved courses by nonprofit organizations, covers recognizing seizures, emergency response, and daily care. This update builds on existing law (P.L.2019, c.290) that already requires schools to develop individualized health plans for affected students but adds the mandatory biennial staff training requirement. The law applies to all school-sponsored activities, including those outside regular school hours.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill S 2038 requires public four-year colleges to post on their websites the average time students take to earn each bachelor's degree (from initial enrollment to graduation). County colleges must post a student outcome measure determined by the Higher Education Secretary for each associate degree. Additionally, all public institutions must publicly post annual fiscal reports, audits, and a clear summary of this financial data on their websites. The law aims to increase transparency about student outcomes and institutional finances for the public. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly after passing the Senate unanimously.

Maddy summarySJR 100 designates every July as "Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month" in New Jersey to raise public awareness about cleft lip and palate birth defects. The resolution requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging community organizations, medical institutions, and advocacy groups to collaborate on educational programs and research about these conditions. This symbolic measure does not create new laws or funding but aims to foster understanding and support for individuals and families affected by cleft lip and palate.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3802) clarifies that certain legal service plans are not considered "legal insurance" under New Jersey law. It defines "legal insurance" as payment for specified legal services over time, while explicitly excluding common arrangements like retainer contracts, basic consultation plans, union-provided legal help, and services from legal aid offices. The law ensures these excluded services remain outside traditional insurance regulations, which require claims payments and risk assumption. This directly affects legal service providers, insurers, and consumers by preventing misclassification of routine legal assistance as insurance.

Maddy summaryThis bill redirects $2 million in existing state budget funds from "Salvation and Social Justice" to the Greater Mount Zion Community Development Corporation for a restorative maternal health birthing center in Trenton. The funds were originally allocated under the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations act for a maternal health initiative. The reassignment does not change the total budget amount or the purpose of the funding, and both organizations are based in Trenton.