Asm. Garnet Hall

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3887) requires healthcare providers during prenatal care to help pregnant women develop personalized postpartum care plans, including designating a medical home for follow-up care. It mandates hospitals and birthing facilities to provide standardized postpartum information before discharge, covering warning signs of complications like excessive bleeding, high blood pressure, infection, and depression. The law directly affects pregnant women receiving maternity care in New Jersey, healthcare professionals, and maternity care facilities. Key provisions include mandatory plan development during prenatal visits and uniform educational materials for facilities to ensure consistent patient education about postpartum health risks.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-managed stockpile of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other emergency supplies to improve access during public health emergencies. The State Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will maintain the stockpile, ensuring it meets state needs, and provide free PPE to public schools, state hospitals, and nursing homes during emergencies. Remaining supplies will be sold at market price to other entities, while an online portal will allow donations of emergency supplies like test kits and linens. The bill also requires OEM to streamline procurement processes by centralizing ordering, reducing administrative burdens, and developing a pre-established emergency contract repository.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires main contractors (prime contractors) who win state construction, goods, or services contracts to notify subcontractors listed on their bids within 30 days of winning the contract. The notification, sent by certified mail, must include the state agency awarding the contract, a description of the main contractor's work, and the subcontractor's specific tasks with a timeframe. Prime contractors are not required to notify subcontractors about separate paperwork, permits, or deadlines needed to perform work. Failure to provide this notice within 30 days subjects the prime contractor to penalties specified in their contract.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies and procurement directors to make a good faith effort to increase contracts awarded to certified minority- and women-owned businesses for purchases not requiring public bidding (typically under $250,000). It sets a specific goal of achieving a 30% aggregate increase in these contracts within five years of the bill's effective date. To meet this, state agencies must submit monthly reports to the State Treasurer detailing their efforts, while the Treasurer develops implementation guidelines and submits biannual reports to the Governor and Legislature on progress. The bill directly affects state agencies handling procurement, the Division of Purchase and Property, and the Division of Property Management and Construction.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Treasury to update the state's Disparity Study every five years, starting January 1, 2029. The updates must track changes in how often small, minority-owned, women-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses secure state government contracts. The study, originally completed in 2024, directly affects state procurement policies and these business categories. This ensures regular assessment of opportunities for underrepresented businesses in state contracting.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A2319 directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a rebate program for residents and businesses purchasing electric or battery-powered leaf blowers. The program, funded through the state's societal benefits charge, will cover eligible equipment types and establish application processes similar to existing clean energy incentives. It aims to reduce reliance on gas-powered leaf blowers, which emit pollutants like carbon monoxide and particulate matter. The bill requires the BPU to consider environmental benefits when designing the program, without banning gas models. This policy change directly affects homeowners and commercial landscapers seeking to replace traditional equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4596) requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to form partnerships with businesses, community groups, healthcare providers, universities, and other stakeholders to strengthen emergency response during public health crises. The DOH must identify critical resources and at-risk populations, then establish formal partnerships to develop joint response plans, conduct shared training, and coordinate across agencies. These partnerships will focus on improving preparedness and response capabilities for future crises. The bill directly affects the DOH and the entities it partners with, aiming to create a more coordinated system without changing existing laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey state agencies to provide certified business enterprises with up to 10% of a contract’s value as an advance payment before work begins. It directly affects certified small, minority/women-owned, LGBTQ+, veteran, and disadvantaged-owned businesses that bid on state contracts but lack upfront capital. Contractors must request the advance in their bid, share it proportionally with certified subcontractors within 60 days, and repay if they fail to start or complete the work. The Division of Revenue Business Certification Program in the Treasury Department determines eligibility for these certifications.

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 (A4744) requires six New Jersey authorities (NJTA, SJTA, EDA, CRDA, PANYNJ, and DRPA) to consider and prioritize minorities and women in hiring decisions and to consider and prioritize minority-owned and women-owned businesses when awarding contracts. The bill defines "minority" to include Black, Hispanic, Asian American, and American Indian/Alaskan Native individuals, and specifies detailed criteria for minority and women-owned businesses. Each authority must publish demographic data about their employees and contractors on their websites, including counts by gender, race, and ethnicity with average salary and contract values, updating this information quarterly. The provisions for PANYNJ and DRPA will only become effective after New York and Pennsylvania pass similar legislation.