Asm. Cleopatra Tucker

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's professional licensing boards to issue licenses to veterans who hold a valid, good-standing license in another state, regardless of when they earned it during or after military service. To qualify, veterans must provide proof of honorable discharge, evidence their out-of-state license is current, and meet all other standard requirements like exams. The law mandates boards to evaluate equivalent training/experience without requiring the same number of hours as local applicants. It directly helps veterans licensed in other states who face barriers to working in New Jersey due to differing licensing standards.

Maddy summaryAJR 18 is a non-binding New Jersey joint resolution urging the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to study hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as a potential treatment for veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD or traumatic brain injury (TBI). It does not create new programs or funding but requests the VA conduct research on HBOT's efficacy, referencing existing VA pilot programs and prior evidence reviews. The resolution directly addresses the VA, not veterans or healthcare providers, and focuses on gathering evidence to inform future treatment options. It was introduced in the New Jersey Assembly's Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides reimbursement for the first six months of COBRA health insurance costs paid by spouses and unmarried children of public safety employees who died while on duty or within 24 hours of duty. To qualify, dependents must have been covered by the State Health Benefits Program or the employee’s employer plan until death, and must apply by March 1 each year for the prior year’s coverage. The state allocates $750,000 annually for these reimbursements, with payments distributed proportionally if funding falls short of demand. This program does not affect the standard 36-month COBRA coverage period available to survivors.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 3702) makes it a fourth-degree crime for a landlord or property owner to knowingly rent a dwelling that qualifies as "illegal occupancy" (violating housing codes, zoning, or health/safety regulations) when that rental causes serious bodily injury or death to another person. Landlords convicted face up to 18 months in jail, a $10,000 fine, or both. The bill does not replace existing civil penalties for illegal occupancy but adds criminal liability specifically when harm occurs. It directly affects landlords who rent unsafe properties they knowingly allow to remain non-compliant.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's proposed Bill A 3444 requires all correctional police officers in state prisons to wear body cameras during most duties, with limited exceptions (such as restroom use, medical appointments, or strip searches). It also mandates security camera systems in correctional facilities. Recordings must be retained for a minimum of 180 days, with extended retention (up to three years) if a complaint is filed, an officer requests it for evidentiary value, or the footage relates to an investigation. The bill applies directly to correctional officers and facilities, aiming to document officer activities and incidents like use of force or disciplinary actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new contracting goals for New Jersey state agencies to increase participation by minority and women-owned businesses, based on a 2024 disparity study showing ongoing statistical gaps in public contracting. It requires state agencies and prime contractors to make a "good faith effort" to meet specific targets - 7% for minority-owned businesses and 3% for women-owned businesses - across construction, professional services, and goods/services contracts. The law defines key terms like "minority business" and references the 2024 disparity study as the basis for these goals, which replace previous race-neutral approaches. The bill is pending before the Assembly State and Local Government Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for New Jersey employers who hire qualified individuals with disabilities. Employers can claim a 15% credit on wages paid to these employees (up to $2,000 per employee annually), provided the worker meets ADA criteria, works at least 35 hours weekly at $15+ per hour, and is not an independent contractor. To qualify, employers must apply for certification through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, which must approve applications within 90 days. The credit applies to both corporation business tax and gross income tax returns, with limits preventing credits from reducing tax liability below the statutory minimum.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds the Sons of The American Legion to a list of veteran organizations whose authorized representatives in New Jersey state, county, and municipal government jobs can receive paid leave to attend conventions. It modifies existing law (R.S.38:23-2) to include this group while removing two outdated organizations from the list. Public employees representing eligible groups may take up to five paid days annually for convention attendance, including travel time, but unused leave expires each year. The change directly affects government workers serving as official representatives for these veteran organizations.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) to disregard certain federal pension benefits when determining Medicaid eligibility for veterans. It directly affects veterans who receive federal pensions but apply for Medicaid, as these pension payments would no longer count toward their income limit. The key provision amends existing Medicaid rules to exclude these specific benefits from income calculations during eligibility reviews. This change ensures veterans' pension income does not disqualify them from Medicaid coverage they otherwise qualify for under federal and state standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1397) requires New Jersey's Department of Treasury to update the state's Disparity Study every five years, starting January 1, 2029. The study examines how well small, minority, women, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses are participating in state government contracts. The updates must track changes in these businesses' availability and use in state procurement. The requirement applies directly to the state's procurement system and the businesses seeking state contracts. The bill builds on the 2024 Disparity Study, mandating regular reviews to inform policy.