Asm. Rosy Bagolie

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 18-member Chronic Absenteeism Task Force to study chronic absenteeism in New Jersey public schools. The task force, composed of the Commissioner of Education, appointed public members representing education stakeholders, and legislative leaders, will analyze causes like mental health, school climate, pandemic impacts, and discipline policies. It must research state and national solutions and develop recommendations for school districts to improve attendance within six months. The task force will report to the Governor and Legislature before expiring 30 days after submitting its final findings. This procedural bill creates a study group but does not directly change attendance laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a three-year pilot program to support new school supervisors in New Jersey. It directly affects first-year certified supervisors (called "novice supervisors" in the bill) who guide teaching staff, requiring them to participate in a mentorship program. The program mandates 15+ hours of annual mentoring with trained mentors, plus additional professional development, administered by a nonprofit partner under the Commissioner of Education's oversight. The state appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to cover program costs. A final report on the program's effectiveness will be submitted to the Governor and Legislature after the pilot ends.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey school boards to award preschool education contracts directly to licensed childcare providers or Head Start programs without public bidding, through a board resolution. It extends the maximum contract term for these services from two years to three years. Boards must still document their reasons for using this exception and make contracts available for public inspection. The bill specifically applies to preschool services supported by state preschool education aid.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3871) requires New Jersey public school districts to include instruction on the history and contributions of Latino and Hispanic Americans in social studies and English language arts lessons for all students in kindergarten through 12th grade. It mandates the State Board of Education to adopt specific learning standards on this topic and directs school boards to integrate these standards into their existing curriculum. The Commissioner of Education must also provide sample lesson plans and resources to support implementation, working with the Commission on Latino and Hispanic Heritage. This affects all New Jersey public schools and their K-12 students by making this content a required part of standard curriculum, not optional.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a policy bill. It honors the late Congressman William J. Pascrell, Jr. (who served in Congress from 1997 until his death in 2024), specifically recognizing his founding role in the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force. The resolution urges New Jersey's current and future U.S. Congress members to join and support this bipartisan task force, which focuses on advancing brain injury awareness, research, and policy. It has no effect on laws or funding - it is purely a commemorative statement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors bidding on New Jersey public works projects (funded by public funds) to certify that each employee meets one of three minimum qualifications: a high school or GED diploma, enrollment in an equivalent apprenticeship program, or four years of verifiable work experience as a tradesperson. Contractors must provide documentation to verify these qualifications during electronic registration with the state. The law directly affects construction and labor contractors working on public projects, ensuring workers meet basic education or experience standards. It amends existing registration requirements under P.L.1999, c.238, with enforcement tied to contractor registration status.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act" to improve transparency around vehicle recalls and provide fair compensation for dealers. It requires motor vehicle dealers to check for open recalls on used vehicles using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website before sale, inform prospective buyers about any recalls found, and not sell vehicles subject to stop-sale or do-not-drive notices. Dealers must also provide the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission with lists of vehicles with long-unfixed recalls (six months or more), triggering the Commission to send official notices to vehicle owners. The bill also establishes compensation requirements for dealers when parts are unavailable for recalled vehicles, requiring 1.75 percent of the vehicle's value per month for used vehicles or the manufacturer's suggested retail price for new vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases tax rates on three forms of online wagering in New Jersey: from 15% to 19.75% for Internet gaming, from 13% to 19.75% for Internet sports wagering, and from 10.5% to 19.75% for fantasy sports operations. The tax revenue will be directed to the Casino Revenue Fund, State General Fund, and specific associations supporting horse racing and gambling prevention programs. The bill also establishes that 0.75% of funds from racetrack operations will go to the municipality and 0.5% to the county where racetracks are located. These tax changes apply to operators providing these services and take effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a $25 application fee for patients or healthcare providers appealing health insurance denials, reductions, or terminations of benefits. It directly affects New Jersey residents covered by health insurance plans who dispute carrier decisions after completing their insurer's internal appeals process. The key provision removes the fee requirement from the existing Independent Health Care Appeals Program, making the process more accessible without altering the program's structure. The change applies to all appeals reviewed under this state program, streamlining access to independent review. (3 sentences)

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year School Supervisor Mentorship Pilot Program to support new school supervisors in their first year of leadership. It directly affects "novice supervisors" - certified individuals newly assigned to oversee teaching staff - in public school districts, charter schools, and renaissance schools statewide. The program requires the Commissioner of Education to partner with a nonprofit to provide each participant with at least 15 hours of mentoring and additional professional development over one school year, while ensuring geographic and demographic diversity in participant selection. The state appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to cover program costs, and the Commissioner must report to the Governor and Legislature on the program's effectiveness and recommendations for continuation after the pilot ends.