Asm. Garnet Hall

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public agencies receiving state funds for public work to publicly post on their websites a monthly breakdown of how much of those funds was used for contracts with minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses versus other businesses. If an agency lacks a website, it must submit the data to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, which will post and update it monthly. The Department of Labor must also annually summarize this information in a report to the Governor and Legislature. The requirement applies to all state and local government entities, including departments, boards, and public institutions, but excludes contracts for goods or products.

Maddy summaryAJR 113 designates November of each year as "Transgender Awareness Month" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the month with activities that raise awareness of transgender issues and recognize the community's contributions. It does not create new laws or requirements but formally acknowledges challenges transgender individuals face, including discrimination and violence, while highlighting their societal contributions. The measure follows existing New Jersey designations for Transgender Awareness Week (November 14-20) and Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20).

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3428) expands New Jersey's child tax credit to include children aged six to 11, in addition to existing coverage for children under six. It increases the credit amount for all children under 12 over a two-year period: for 2023-2024, families with children aged six to 11 receive $500 (up to $30,000 income) or less at higher income levels, with the credit rising to $600 for 2025 and beyond. The credit phases out completely for taxpayers earning over $80,000 annually, regardless of filing status. It directly affects New Jersey taxpayers with children aged six to 11 who file state income taxes and earn under $80,000.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the application fees for several types of firearms permits in New Jersey. It raises the one-time fee for a firearms purchaser identification card from $5 to $100. The fee for a permit to purchase a handgun increases from $2 to $50 per handgun. The initial fee and renewal fee for a permit to carry a handgun increases from $20 to $200. The sponsor states these fees have not been updated since the 1960s, justifying the increases.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to include age-appropriate instruction on menstrual health and hygiene for students in grades 4 through 12 as part of their required health and physical education curriculum. The instruction must cover proper use of menstrual products (including safety warnings about Toxic Shock Syndrome), symptoms and health impacts of menstrual disorders, effects of period poverty, and when to seek medical help. School districts must also notify parents or guardians before teaching this content. The law takes effect for the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow undocumented immigrants residing in New Jersey to access full Medicaid health care coverage if they meet all other eligibility criteria for the program. It amends existing law to remove immigration status as a barrier to Medicaid enrollment for these individuals, provided the state's health systems are prepared to implement the change. The bill requires the state to seek federal funding first for this coverage; if unavailable, it would be paid with New Jersey state funds. Implementation would only occur after the state confirms compliance with federal law and the Commissioner of Human Services approves the necessary system changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1712) requires New Jersey public schools to maintain specific staffing ratios for certified school library media specialists based on student enrollment: half-time for schools under 300 students, one full-time specialist for 300-1,499 students, and two full-time specialists for 1,500+ students. It also mandates that schools with 500+ students employ at least one full-time library clerk, adding one clerk for every additional 500 students. School boards may request a one-year waiver for staffing shortages, but no more than two waivers are allowed within five years. The bill applies to all public schools and takes effect immediately for the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the public bidding threshold for contracts at New Jersey's public research universities where workers are not subject to the New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act from current levels (ranging from $17,700 to $33,000) to $100,000. The bill affects Rowan University, Montclair State University, Kean University, and the New Jersey Institute of Technology. The threshold will be adjusted every two years based on the Consumer Price Index. Universities will no longer need to publicly advertise for bids for contracts under this higher threshold, streamlining procurement processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1693) establishes an Office of the Advocate for Private Commuter Bus Service Customers within New Jersey’s Division of Consumer Affairs. It directly affects commuters using private bus services by creating a "bill of rights" that requires private carriers to adhere to published schedules, provide real-time delay updates, prevent overcrowding, maintain clean buses, and offer toll-free complaint hotlines. Key mechanisms include the Advocate’s role in resolving customer issues, facilitating public hearings for recurring service problems, and enabling the Division to investigate violations and impose civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation. The bill mandates carriers to provide clear complaint contact information on buses and compensate customers when service failures prevent travel.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all licensed child care centers in New Jersey to have epinephrine auto-injectors available and at least one staff member trained to use them during operating hours. It directly affects licensed child care centers operating under New Jersey's child care licensing rules (P.L.1983, c.492). The key provision mandates centers to maintain a sufficient supply of epinephrine devices and ensure trained personnel are present. The Commissioner of Health may create additional rules to implement the law, and the bill takes effect immediately.