Asm. Rosy Bagolie

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the membership requirements for the State Police Retirement System (SPRS) board of trustees. It removes the requirement that two members appointed by the Governor must be private citizens who are neither active nor retired members of the system. Currently, the board consists of two active or retired SPRS members (appointed by the Superintendent), two private citizens appointed by the Governor, and the State Treasurer ex officio. The bill would allow the Governor to appoint active or retired SPRS members to those two positions. This change alters who can serve on the board but does not affect the board's responsibilities for operating the retirement system.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey's down payment assistance program to provide additional support for first-generation homebuyers. It increases the maximum down payment assistance to $20,000 for first-time homebuyers, with an extra $7,000-$10,000 specifically for first-generation homebuyers (defined as individuals whose parents never owned residential property and who may have been in foster care). The program requires recipients to use the home as their primary residence for five years, complete homebuyer counseling, and repay the loan if they move before the five-year term. The assistance is structured as a zero-interest, forgivable loan if all conditions are met.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey's down payment assistance program to better support first-generation and first-time homebuyers. It increases the maximum zero-interest, forgivable loan amount from $15,000 to $20,000, adds an extra $7,000-$10,000 for first-generation homebuyers (defined as those without parental home ownership history or who were in foster care), and requires recipients to use the home as their primary residence for five years. The program must allocate at least 50% of annual funding to first-generation homebuyers, with detailed reporting on recipient demographics and program effectiveness. This directly affects low-to-moderate income homebuyers seeking to purchase single-family homes through the state’s housing agency.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes two new benefit programs under New Jersey's Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) cash assistance program. It provides eligible participants with a $14 monthly benefit for menstrual hygiene products (tampons, pads, or cups) for individuals aged 18-50, and a $30 monthly benefit per child under 36 months for diaper products. Benefits are added to participants' existing WFNJ electronic cards on the same schedule as regular benefits, with unspent funds carrying over monthly. The $2.5 million appropriation funds these programs, which directly affect low-income WFNJ recipients and their dependent children.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow New Jersey school districts without a board of school estimate to submit proposals for additional funding at special school elections, rather than only at annual elections. Special elections for this purpose could occur in January, March, September, or December, with districts limited to one such proposal per school year. The proposal must specifically identify program purposes for the funds and indicate whether approval would create a permanent tax increase. Districts could still submit capital project requests on the same election date. This change provides more flexibility for school districts to seek voter approval for additional funding when needed.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the requirement for teacher candidates in New Jersey to pass a basic skills test (such as the Praxis Core) to obtain certain teaching certificates. Specifically, it eliminates the need for candidates seeking a certificate of eligibility, certificate of eligibility with advanced standing, provisional certificate, or standard instructional certificate to complete a Commissioner-approved test of basic reading, writing, and math skills. The change directly affects individuals pursuing teaching certification in the state by streamlining the certification process. It repeals the existing law requiring these tests, making certification more accessible for educators meeting other standard qualifications. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires criminal history background checks for individuals applying for an initial license in three specific health care professions: applied behavior analysis, creative arts and activities therapy, and dietetics and nutrition. The background check must be completed before a license is issued, aligning these professions with existing requirements for other licensed health care fields. Existing rules allowing licensing boards to deny or revoke a license based on criminal history will continue to apply to these applicants. The requirement takes effect for applications received on or after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 147) condemns the U.S. Supreme Court's 2024 ruling in *Garland v. Cargill*, which determined that bump stocks do not qualify as machine guns under federal law. It reaffirms New Jersey’s existing ban on bump stocks, established by P.L.2017, c.323, which prohibits their sale and possession as dangerous devices. The resolution states the Court’s decision undermines federal gun safety regulations and contradicts New Jersey’s commitment to public safety, citing the 2017 Las Vegas shooting where bump stocks were reportedly used. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change laws but expresses the state’s position to lawmakers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that workers on projects financed through New Jersey's Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program receive prevailing wage rates. It amends existing law to explicitly classify C-PACE financing as "authority financial assistance" under state law, triggering prevailing wage requirements for all construction work related to these projects. The bill affects property owners who use C-PACE financing for energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, or resiliency improvements, as well as the contractors and workers performing the work. The prevailing wage rate, determined by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, must be paid to all workers involved in projects connected to C-PACE financing. This policy change ensures that C-PACE financed projects meet the same labor standards as other publicly assisted projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how health insurers in New Jersey calculate their minimum loss ratio requirement for individual and small employer health plans. It requires insurers to maintain at least 80% of premiums spent on claims and quality improvements, calculated using a three-year rolling average instead of annual figures. The law specifies that the numerator must include claims paid plus quality improvement spending, excludes new taxes from the calculation, and mandates that insurers issue rebates if the loss ratio falls below 80%. This applies to all health insurance carriers selling plans in New Jersey's individual and small-group markets.