Asm. Rosy Bagolie

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1 million from the Property Tax Relief Fund to fund a school-based mentoring pilot program in 14 specific Bergen County school districts. The funding covers administrator salaries, program administrative costs, and stipends for staff and mentors in participating schools. The Commissioner of Education will distribute the funds through a competitive application process to the eligible districts. At the program's conclusion, the Commissioner must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature evaluating the pilot's implementation and feasibility for statewide expansion.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's bill A4494 raises penalties for drag racing on public highways. It increases first-offense fines to $100-$200 (from $25-$100) and second-offense fines to $200-$300 (from $100-$200). For a third or subsequent offense, the vehicle used in the violation must be impounded for at least 96 hours. Owners can reclaim the vehicle by paying towing, storage, and registration/insurance costs, but if unclaimed within 30 days, it may be sold at auction, with excess proceeds returned to the owner or managed under state unclaimed property laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits electric and gas utilities from charging residential customers enrolled in budget billing plans for service during interruptions caused by major emergency events (like hurricanes, floods, or declared disasters) that damage the customer's home. It applies only to periods when service is interrupted due to such events, not for charges accrued before the emergency. Utilities may still collect payments for service provided prior to the emergency. The Board of Public Utilities must enforce this rule, which takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4496) revises visitation and reporting requirements for professional guardians in New Jersey. It requires registered professional guardians (who are paid for their services) to personally visit their wards at least once every three weeks - instead of the current requirement of once every three months - to monitor the ward's physical and mental health, needs, and capabilities. It also updates reporting rules, mandating guardians to provide detailed reports to the court about the ward’s condition and estate, and allows family members to request such reports via court motion. These changes directly affect paid professional guardians, incapacitated individuals under their care, and family members seeking oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey school districts to hire certain teachers without requiring them to live in the state immediately, by creating a two-year residency timeline. It directly affects school districts struggling to fill teaching vacancies and the teachers they hire under this exemption. School districts must prove they advertised the position for six months, tried to hire local teachers, and document the candidate's certification before requesting an exemption. Teachers hired through this process must establish New Jersey residency within two years of starting, or the district must terminate their employment and re-advertise the position.

Maddy summaryThe "Cancer Patient Care and Compassion Act" (A4483) requires health insurance plans, Medicaid, and the State Health Benefits Program to cover cancer treatments administered through IV or other non-digestive system methods, along with survivorship care plans for patients with Stage III, IV, or terminal cancer, with no cost-sharing required. The bill prohibits mortgage lenders from initiating foreclosure actions and creditors from starting collection proceedings against cancer patients undergoing treatment, requiring dismissal of such actions upon physician certification. Additionally, it provides up to 45 days' eviction protection for tenants with cancer who submit physician certification, and extends employment protections for cancer patients taking disability leave. This legislation directly affects cancer patients in New Jersey who are receiving treatment for advanced stages of cancer, ensuring they face fewer financial barriers during their treatment.

Maddy summaryThis bill codifies requirements for New Jersey veterinarians using telemedicine or telehealth services. It requires veterinarians to first confirm that telehealth care meets the same standard of care as in-person visits, establish a proper client-patient relationship (including verifying identities and obtaining consent), and use real-time video communication during consultations - unless exceptions apply (like emergencies or specialist referrals). Veterinarians must also provide clear notice about telehealth risks/benefits, maintain records, and cannot prescribe Schedule II controlled substances without initial in-person exams. The bill directly affects licensed veterinarians and their animal patients by setting formal standards for remote care delivery.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4524) creates a new third-degree crime of incest in New Jersey, establishing specific penalties for certain family relationships. It makes it illegal to marry, enter a civil union, or commit sexual penetration with ancestors, descendants, siblings, aunts/uncles (siblings of a parent), or nieces/nephews (children of a sibling), including blood relatives regardless of legitimacy or adoption. The offense carries a penalty of 3-5 years in prison, a fine up to $15,000, or both. This addresses a gap where current law does not cover incestuous acts between consenting adults under sexual assault statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey taxpayers to deduct union dues paid to labor organizations from their gross income when filing state taxes. It directly affects individuals who pay dues to labor organizations, including public employees represented by such groups. The key provision requires taxpayers to provide verification of dues paid to the Division of Taxation to claim the deduction. The bill defines "union dues" broadly to include all required membership fees, and "labor organization" as any group addressing work conditions like wages or grievances. The deduction applies to taxable years beginning after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a property right for individuals to control the commercial use of their name, image, likeness, or voice, allowing them to sue when these elements are used without permission. It creates civil remedies for unauthorized commercial use, including through AI technology, and a disorderly person offense for violations punishable by up to 6 months in jail or a $1,000 fine. The right applies to living individuals and can be inherited by heirs for 10 years after death, with options to extend if commercially exploited or terminate after two years of non-use. The bill includes fair use exceptions for news reporting, criticism, and other protected activities under federal law.