Asm. Linda Carter

Maddy summaryThis bill (A6280) amends New Jersey law to reduce the minimum number of New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority (NJ EFA) members required for a quorum. Currently, a quorum requires a majority of the total authorized membership (at least 4 of 7 members). The bill changes this to require only "a majority of the current membership, but not less than three members" present at a meeting. This directly affects the NJ EFA board, making it easier to hold meetings and make decisions by lowering the threshold for quorum. The change applies to all future meetings of the authority without altering the board's size or membership appointments.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Attorney General to establish a program enabling anonymous reporting of potential threats to school safety. The program would provide accessible methods - including a telephone tip line staffed during reasonable hours and a mobile app - for students, parents, school staff, and community members to report unsafe or threatening activities without revealing their identity. Reports would be promptly forwarded to law enforcement or school officials, and the program must include training for schools and law enforcement on handling such reports. The Attorney General would also annually report on the program's usage, including the number of reports, times of reporting, and outcomes.

Maddy summaryAJR 226 designates April 11 of each year as "Black Doula Day" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to honor Black doulas, who provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support during childbirth. It aligns with Global Black Doula Day and references New Jersey's maternal health disparities, where Black mothers face over seven times higher pregnancy-related mortality rates than white mothers. This is a ceremonial designation with no new policy requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey Transit's North and South Jersey Passenger Advisory Committees to hold four public meetings each year. Each committee must provide public notice of meeting times and locations at least seven days in advance and post this information on NJ Transit's website. These committees, composed of transit riders and appointed members, advise NJ Transit on service issues like fare changes and route adjustments. The bill does not alter committee membership or duties but adds mandatory public engagement requirements. (3 sentences)

Maddy summaryThis bill, A6068, revises penalties for repeated violations of New Jersey's limousine safety and licensing laws. For the most serious offenses - including operating without a municipal license, permitting an unlicensed driver, failing to maintain $1.5 million insurance, or exceeding passenger capacity - third and subsequent violations now require a $7,500 fine, a six-month driver's license suspension, and vehicle impoundment. The bill also increases penalties for operating without proper registration plates or a required vehicle inspection, imposing the same $7,500 fine and impoundment for third and subsequent offenses. These changes directly affect limousine operators and drivers who repeatedly violate safety and licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies and strengthens New Jersey's law against interfering with child custody. It defines specific actions as interference (like taking, detaining, or concealing a child to deprive a parent of custody) and creates a tiered penalty system: minor offenses (first/second) are disorderly persons offenses with a $500 minimum fine, while more severe violations (taking a child outside the state or for over 24 hours) are third-degree crimes, and taking a child outside the U.S. is a second-degree crime. The law also includes defenses for parents who reasonably believe they're protecting a child from immediate danger or fleeing physical harm, provided they notify authorities within 24 hours. It directly affects parents, guardians, or custodians involved in custody disputes who may take or hide a child.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires four-year public and independent colleges, as well as private vocational schools, to collect and publicly post employment data for graduates. Starting with the 2022-2023 graduating class, institutions must conduct annual surveys and report metrics like: the percentage of graduates employed in their field or any field within one year, average salaries, and enrollment in graduate programs. The data must be posted on the institution's website for four years, alongside existing cost and graduation rate information already required by law. This affects all qualifying institutions in New Jersey and aims to provide transparency for students and families comparing educational options.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Treasurer to create and maintain a public registry of out-of-state contractors awarded public works contracts in the state. The registry must include the project description, trade name, owner name, and principal business address of each contractor. It must be displayed on the Department of the Treasury's website and provided upon request to any contractor, out-of-state contractor, or public body. The bill defines "out-of-state contractor" as one with a principal business outside New Jersey, excluding temporary satellite offices for a single project.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for retailers who sell tobacco or vapor products to people under 21. First violations now carry $500 fines (up from $250), second violations $1,000 (up from $500), and third or subsequent violations $2,000 (up from $1,000). Small businesses with clear compliance policies pay only $100 for the first violation. Five percent of collected fines will fund public education on vapor product dangers and illegal sales. Retailers must also post new signs at points of sale and vending machines warning that selling to minors is prohibited.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's public colleges and universities to post specific information on their websites. Four-year public institutions must display the average time-to-degree completion (time from enrollment to graduation) for each bachelor's degree program. County colleges must post approved student outcome measures for associate degrees. All institutions must also make annual fiscal reports and audits publicly accessible online, with clear summaries for the public. The requirement applies starting the first full academic year after enactment.