Asm. Cleopatra Tucker

Maddy summaryACR 97 is a concurrent resolution urging the Governor to create a plan for applying to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' State Home Construction Grant Program. This program provides federal grants covering up to 65% of costs for constructing, renovating, or repairing state-operated veterans homes and care facilities. The resolution highlights that New Jersey’s three existing veterans homes serve only 948 residents - far below the needs of over 350,000 veterans in the state, with more than half aged 65+. It does not create new law but formally requests the Governor develop a strategy to access these federal funds for expanding veterans care.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the BRAVE Act, requires New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to prioritize vendors with higher percentages of veteran employees when awarding contracts for goods or services. Specifically, for each contract, the DMVA must compare the top three vendors based on the percentage of their full-time employees who are veterans (defined as honorably discharged veterans or disabled veterans certified by the VA), and award the contract to the vendor with the highest percentage. Vendors must submit employee data, which the DMVA must verify within 30 days; false claims can result in a five-year contract ban for the vendor and its principals. The bill directly affects businesses seeking DMVA contracts and aims to support veteran employment by creating a financial incentive for hiring veterans.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in public places (like restaurants, stores, or venues) to train staff about the rights of people with disabilities to bring service or guide dogs. It mandates that employers provide training based on a pamphlet created by the Labor Commissioner, covering state and federal laws (including the ADA) regarding access to public facilities. Employers must distribute a printed copy of the pamphlet to each employee and have them sign an acknowledgment form confirming they received it. The training can be completed using free resources from state agencies or self-developed programs, and the pamphlet will be available online for public access.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A3136 requires retailers to sell children's Halloween costumes (for those under 18) with reflective material either attached to the costume or packaged with it. The law aims to improve visibility for trick-or-treaters in low-light conditions, citing safety concerns from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Sellers violating the rule face civil penalties of up to $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for repeat violations. The bill applies to costumes sold on or after November 15 following its enactment. It directly affects retailers selling children's costumes, not consumers or costume makers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey municipalities to designate one parking space near city hall or another main municipal building for disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients. The space must be reserved for vehicles displaying the special license plates or placards these veterans already receive from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Municipalities must implement this within six months of the bill's enactment. This provision complements existing parking fee exemptions for these groups by adding a dedicated, visible parking spot.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires males under age 26 applying for a New Jersey driver's license, learner's permit, or nondriver ID to consent to registering with the U.S. Selective Service System as part of the application process. It directs the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to forward applicants' personal information to Selective Service if they haven't registered, with the application submission serving as their consent. The MVC must print a clear notice on all relevant forms stating that submitting the application means consenting to Selective Service registration if required by federal law (or upon turning 18 for applicants under 18). The bill aims to ensure compliance with federal registration requirements, which carry penalties including fines, imprisonment, and loss of federal benefits like student aid.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A1618 requires all public school districts to submit annual reports to the Department of Education (DOE) by April 30 each year on computer science courses offered. The reports must detail course availability (including AP courses), subject matter, teacher demographics (gender, credentials), and student enrollment disaggregated by gender, race, special education status, and socioeconomic factors. The DOE will compile this data and publish it online by October 1 annually. This bill directly affects all New Jersey public school districts and aims to track participation gaps in computer science education to address underrepresentation of women and minorities.

Maddy summaryAJR 90 is a joint resolution (not a law) urging the U.S. Department of Defense and New Jersey Civil Service Commission to coordinate so deployed military members can take civil service exams during their service. It specifically aims to allow service members to participate in computer-based civil service examinations while deployed, ensuring they can be included in hiring eligibility lists when they return. This would increase their job prospects with New Jersey government employers, though veterans would still need to provide proof of status within eight days before a hiring list is issued. The resolution requests action but does not create new legal requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey shore municipalities (those bordering the Atlantic Ocean, tidal bays, or rivers) to provide free beach access and recreational facility use to qualifying veterans. It mandates that no fees be charged to veterans honorably discharged from U.S. Armed Forces who served at least 90 days in active duty or were discharged due to a service-incurred injury/disability. The Adjutant General will establish eligibility rules, and veterans can verify status using a military ID, DD-214, or a state ID with a Gold Star Family designation. This replaces prior law that allowed municipalities to optionally offer free access but did not require it.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A947 amends stalking laws to specifically protect adoptive parents and children from unwanted contact by individuals whose parental rights to the child have been terminated. The bill defines "course of conduct" to include repeated contact with an adoptive child by a terminated parent contrary to the adoptive parent's instructions, making such behavior a stalking violation. Courts can now order restraining orders prohibiting all contact (including electronic communication), restricting the terminated parent from the adoptive parent's residence or workplace, and requiring monetary compensation for harm caused. These protections apply when the terminated parent commits acts like assault, harassment, or stalking against the adoptive family, with violations treated as criminal contempt.