Asm. Rosy Bagolie

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for assaulting law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. If bodily injury occurs, assaulting a law enforcement officer would become a second-degree crime (5-10 years in prison) rather than third-degree under current law. The bill also requires offenders to submit to testing for communicable diseases when assaulting these professionals, with positive results shared with the victim. It expands the list of protected professionals to include firefighters and emergency medical personnel under the assault with bodily fluids provision. These changes would apply to offenses occurring after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts nonresident military spouses from New Jersey's residency requirement for public employees. It amends state law to clarify that spouses of active-duty military members stationed in New Jersey (due to permanent transfer, legal domicile, or change-of-station move) are not required to live in the state to hold public-sector jobs. The exemption applies to those who meet the defined criteria, ensuring they can work for state agencies, schools, or other public entities without needing NJ as their primary residence. The change directly affects military spouses who relocate with service members but maintain residency elsewhere.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4836) requires New Jersey school districts to annually send written notices to parents or guardians of students with disabilities about available advanced placement (AP) courses. The notice must include the course name, description, and prerequisite requirements. It also prohibits schools from excluding students with disabilities from AP courses solely based on their disability. The law applies directly to public school districts and students with disabilities in New Jersey. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey county clerks to automatically send mail-in ballot applications to registered voters who are 17 years old upon reaching their 18th birthday. It directly affects 17-year-old registered voters who will turn 18 before the next general election. The key provision mandates that clerks mail these applications on the voter’s 18th birthday, rather than requiring voters to request them separately. The state will reimburse counties for any additional costs from implementing this change. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill would provide tax credits to New Jersey employers who hire individuals with disabilities meeting specific criteria. Employers could claim a credit equal to 15% of wages paid to qualifying employees (up to $2,000 per employee) against corporation business tax and gross income tax. To qualify, employees must have a disability recognized under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, work at least 35 hours per week, earn at least $15 per hour, and not be independent contractors. Employers must apply for certification from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, with specific timelines for review and approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies to make a good faith effort to increase the use of certified minority and women-owned businesses as prime contractors and subcontractors in state procurement. It mandates agencies to develop specific goals based on a statewide disparity study (to be completed by August 2029), which found minority and women-owned businesses currently receive only 4-15% of prime contract dollars across different sectors. Contractors must submit utilization plans detailing how they'll engage these businesses, with waivers available for those who make good faith efforts but can't meet requirements. Agencies must report annually on progress toward goals, with the bill set to expire on December 31, 2029 if the disparity study shows no continuing disparity.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the next Educational Adequacy Report (due September 1, 2025) to include a comprehensive review of school funding components, developed through consultation with school administrators, staff, students, parents, and community members. It also mandates that the Governor and Commissioner commission school finance experts to recommend revisions to the methodologies used for calculating key funding factors, such as base per-pupil amounts, preschool funding, special education costs, and transportation/security aid coefficients. The goal is to ensure these funding levels adequately support students meeting New Jersey's core curriculum standards. The report will update the parameters determining state aid to school districts for the following three fiscal years.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $250 annual gross income tax deduction for eligible New Jersey educators and paraprofessionals for unreimbursed classroom supply expenses. It directly affects K-12 teachers, counselors, principals, and school aides (working at least 900 hours yearly) employed by public or private NJ schools. The deduction covers expenses like books, computers, software, and classroom materials, excluding nonathletic health/PE supplies. The policy applies to taxable years starting after the bill's enactment date.