Asm. Alixon Collazos-Gill

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3887) requires healthcare providers during prenatal care to help pregnant women develop personalized postpartum care plans, including designating a medical home for follow-up care. It mandates hospitals and birthing facilities to provide standardized postpartum information before discharge, covering warning signs of complications like excessive bleeding, high blood pressure, infection, and depression. The law directly affects pregnant women receiving maternity care in New Jersey, healthcare professionals, and maternity care facilities. Key provisions include mandatory plan development during prenatal visits and uniform educational materials for facilities to ensure consistent patient education about postpartum health risks.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Mental and Behavioral Health for Hispanics and Latinos Act" and appropriates $1 million to the New Jersey Department of Health. It requires the Health Commissioner, working with community organizations, to create and implement a culturally and linguistically tailored outreach strategy to reduce stigma and improve mental health awareness among Hispanic and Latino communities. The strategy must address subgroup differences (like gender, age, or pandemic impacts), promote evidence-based treatments, and engage community members in developing materials. The Commissioner must also submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature on how the strategy affects mental health outcomes for these populations.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Assembly Resolution 159 commemorates the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people (including American citizens) and took hostages. The resolution mourns the victims, condemns terrorism, stands in solidarity with both Israelis and Palestinians affected by the conflict, and calls for the release of all hostages and support for a peaceful resolution. It directs that copies be sent to Israel's U.S. Ambassador, the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, and New Jersey's congressional representatives. As a symbolic gesture, it does not enact new laws or directly affect any group with policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3577) provides a tax credit against New Jersey's corporation business tax for businesses developing anaerobic digestion facilities that process specific types of food waste. The credit covers up to 50% of development costs or $250,000 per facility, whichever is lower, with a total statewide cap of $15 million across all qualifying facilities. To qualify, businesses must apply for certification proving the facility processes defined food waste (excluding donated food or consumer waste) and submit cost documentation to the Environmental Protection Commissioner. The credit is available for six years and requires a report on the program's effectiveness after six years.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Treasury to update the state's Disparity Study every five years, starting January 1, 2029. The updates must track changes in how often small, minority-owned, women-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses secure state government contracts. The study, originally completed in 2024, directly affects state procurement policies and these business categories. This ensures regular assessment of opportunities for underrepresented businesses in state contracting.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a one-year pilot program in New Jersey public schools for students in grades 6-12 to test lockable phone pouches. School districts must apply with details about their schools and emergency notification plans, and the state will select six districts (two per region) representing urban, suburban, and rural areas. The program is funded by $500,000 from the General Fund to assess impacts on student focus and mental health. A report evaluating the pilot’s effectiveness and recommending next steps must be submitted to lawmakers within 120 days of the program’s conclusion.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Agriculture, working with the Department of Education, to create a single online application system for students to apply for the National School Lunch Program and school breakfast programs. School districts and participating nonprofit nonpublic schools must make this online application available to families, while still offering paper applications. Schools already using their own online systems have one year after the bill's passage to switch to the state-developed system. The policy aims to streamline enrollment for eligible students in these federally funded meal programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4596) requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to form partnerships with businesses, community groups, healthcare providers, universities, and other stakeholders to strengthen emergency response during public health crises. The DOH must identify critical resources and at-risk populations, then establish formal partnerships to develop joint response plans, conduct shared training, and coordinate across agencies. These partnerships will focus on improving preparedness and response capabilities for future crises. The bill directly affects the DOH and the entities it partners with, aiming to create a more coordinated system without changing existing laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to create a state policy governing student cell phone and social media use during school hours, on school buses, and at school events under staff supervision for all K-12 students. The policy must include age-appropriate rules for limiting phone use, exceptions for emergencies or health needs (with medical documentation), guidance on phone storage options like lockers, and methods to restrict social media access. School districts must adopt a policy consistent with this state guidance, though the Commissioner may grant exemptions upon request. The policy must be developed within 90 days and take effect for the next full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Home Security Systems Anti-Burglary Task Force" within New Jersey's Department of Law and Public Safety. The task force will study home security systems - including keyless entry, cameras, and alarms - to make recommendations for manufacturers and installers aimed at preventing residential burglaries. Composed of 14 members (including state officials, industry representatives from groups like the Security Industry Association, and public members with locksmith/alarm experience), it must submit a report within six months detailing improvements to security system design and product availability, along with any needed legislative or regulatory changes. The task force expires upon report submission.