Asm. Rosy Bagolie

Maddy summaryThis bill requires drivers to stop at least 25 feet from school buses loading/unloading children or individuals with developmental disabilities on undivided highways, and to slow to 10 mph on divided highways. It establishes that violations captured by school bus monitoring systems (like cameras) will result in a $300 civil penalty instead of criminal charges or license points. The law directly affects drivers near school buses, school bus operators, and enforcement agencies. Key provisions include standardized stopping distances, speed limits for divided highways, and shifting penalties for monitored violations to a civil fine system. This changes enforcement by prioritizing evidence from monitoring systems to reduce penalties for documented violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all source plasma donation centers in New Jersey to obtain a state license to operate, directly affecting center operators and their staff. It mandates annual licensing with a $25 fee for existing centers (higher fees for new applicants), requires safety rules based on federal standards, and allows health department inspections. Centers must display licenses visibly and follow guidelines for donor screening and staff practices. Violations could lead to license suspension or revocation, enforced through administrative hearings.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill, the "Social Networking Safety Act" (A 2532), prohibits transmitting sexually offensive communications (like sexual solicitations or obscene material) to children under 13 or teens aged 13-15 who are at least four years younger than the sender. It also bans abusive communications (threats, intimidation, or harassment) directed at anyone under 18 on social media. Violators face civil penalties: $1,000 plus fees to the platform operator per violation, and up to $5,000 plus fees or actual damages (including medical costs, counseling, or emotional harm) to the victim. Social media platforms must quickly suspend users who violate these rules upon receiving reports, or face liability unless they have a clear, accessible reporting system for such violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios for hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and state developmental/psychiatric hospitals in New Jersey. It requires specific ratios, such as 1 nurse per 4 patients on medical/surgical units and 1 nurse per 2 patients in critical care, along with unlicensed staff ratios (1 per 7 patients during day shifts). Hospitals must implement an acuity-based staffing system approved by the health department to adjust staffing based on patient needs and unit conditions. The law aims to ensure safe staffing levels without reducing existing standards, directly affecting healthcare facilities and patient safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey law enforcement officers to complete mandatory training on identifying machine gun conversion devices and related components used to modify standard firearms. It directly affects every officer employed by state or local law enforcement agencies, as this training becomes a condition for continued employment or appointment. The bill amends existing law by adding specific content to required continuing education, focusing on recognizing devices that convert semiautomatic guns to fire multiple shots per trigger pull. The training must be approved by the Police Training Commission and documented by officers and their agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows eligible New Jersey educators (K-12 teachers, counselors, principals) and paraprofessionals (school aides) to deduct up to $250 of unreimbursed classroom supply expenses from their gross income tax. It covers costs like books, computers, software, and classroom materials, but excludes nonathletic supplies for health or physical education classes. To qualify, individuals must work at least 900 hours annually in a New Jersey public or private elementary/secondary school. The deduction applies to taxable years starting after the bill's enactment date.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 946), now law as P.L.2025, c.177, requires mental health services to be provided in the communication method preferred by each deaf or hard of hearing individual - such as sign language or oral communication - based on their assessment. It mandates that mental health professionals be fluent in that method, trained in cultural needs, and able to collaborate with interpreters. The law also requires a state resource guide listing specialized mental health services and ensures individuals can help shape their own care plans. It directly affects all deaf or hard of hearing residents seeking mental health support in New Jersey, addressing long-standing barriers in access and care quality.

Maddy summaryAJR 64 designates November of each year as "Transgender Awareness Month" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the month with activities that raise awareness of transgender individuals' challenges, including discrimination and violence. It also recognizes the contributions and resilience of transgender people, referencing existing New Jersey observances for Transgender Awareness Week and Transgender Day of Remembrance. This is a symbolic designation with no new legal requirements or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to obtain approval from the Commissioner of Education and the Local Finance Board for any lease of school buildings exceeding 20 years. It authorizes districts to enter into 20-year lease purchase agreements for school building improvements or additions, provided the agreement fits within the district's tax levy growth limit and won't require additional voter approval for existing programs. The lease payments must be included in the annual budget, and the bill clarifies that such agreements will be treated as district property for tax purposes. It directly affects all public school districts in New Jersey seeking long-term building leases or improvements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Jersey Strong Public Service Scholarship Program to help students working in critical public service roles. It provides scholarships covering up to $25,000 for two years (after one year of employment) or $50,000 for four years (after two years of employment) at New Jersey public colleges or universities. Eligible students must be NJ residents, U.S. citizens, employed full-time in designated sectors like hospitals, schools, or first responder roles, and meet income and academic requirements. The program requires repayment of funds if a student withdraws without approved reasons or is dismissed from school.