Asm. Eliana Pintor Marin

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes five specific centers and programs at Rutgers University-Newark, appropriating $6.5 million total for their operation. It creates the Sheila Y. Oliver Center for Politics and Race (to research race-politics links and train students), CLiME (to address systemic inequality through data and policy), CLSCR (to strengthen New Jersey’s supply chains), RE-OPEN (to support justice-impacted individuals re-entering communities through entrepreneurship), and NJSTEP (to provide college courses and transition support for incarcerated individuals). Each center receives designated annual funding: $1 million for the first four, and $2.5 million for NJSTEP. The bill directly affects Rutgers University-Newark and the communities these programs serve, including students, justice-impacted individuals, and local government policymakers.

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 (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 requires public employers to provide free cancer screenings every three years for firefighters who are eligible for the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) but have waived enrollment in it. The screenings must cover 11 specific cancers, including colon, lung, and breast cancer, and must be conducted without any out-of-pocket cost to the firefighter. Employers can be reimbursed by the state up to $1,250 per firefighter per three-year period for these screenings. This extends existing coverage and reimbursement requirements to firefighters who are eligible for SHBP but chose not to enroll, ensuring they receive the same preventive care as those enrolled in the program.

Maddy summaryAJR 178 is a New Jersey joint resolution urging the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to study hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as a treatment option for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI) who haven’t responded to standard therapies. It directly affects veterans using VA care, noting that 23% of VA patients have experienced PTSD, which can cause long-term neurological and psychological symptoms. The resolution highlights that HBOT has shown potential in treating brain function disruptions and references a 2017 VA pilot program and recent VA evidence reviews. It does not fund or mandate HBOT but requests a formal study to assess its effectiveness for veterans with treatment-resistant conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows students receiving opportunity grants through New Jersey's Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program to use a portion of their award for summer courses that count toward graduation or their academic major. Students must notify the Secretary of Higher Education before the academic year begins, resulting in a proportional reduction of their grant funds during the regular academic year. The bill also requires annual reporting by institutions on summer grant usage and graduation rates, implementing a 2016 College Affordability Study Commission recommendation.

Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding assembly resolution (AR 139) expressing formal appreciation to the staff of the New Jersey General Assembly. It specifically thanks the Chief Clerk and all staff members - including Sergeants at Arms, committee services, administrative personnel, and others - for their dedication, expertise, and service during legislative sessions. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is purely a symbolic gesture recognizing staff contributions to the legislature's operations. Copies will be distributed to all General Assembly staff members.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey counties to use property tax revenue for debt payments without counting those payments toward the 2.5% annual limit on property tax increases. It amends existing law to explicitly include all debt service (such as bond payments) as an exception to the tax levy cap, removing this cost from the calculation that determines allowable tax hikes. The policy directly affects counties by giving them greater flexibility to fund outstanding bonds and loans without triggering the cap. This change simplifies budgeting for debt obligations while maintaining the overall tax increase limit for other spending.

Maddy summaryAJR 69 is a joint resolution designating March 31 of each year as "Cesar Chavez Day" in New Jersey. The bill commemorates the birth anniversary of Cesar Chavez, a farm worker advocate who co-founded the United Farm Workers union and championed nonviolent labor rights for agricultural workers. It requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the day with appropriate activities. This resolution, which takes effect immediately, honors Chavez's legacy as a labor leader whose work led to California's 1975 Agricultural Labor Relations Act - the only U.S. law guaranteeing farm workers the right to unionize. The designation aligns New Jersey with nine states and federal recognition of March 31 as a day to celebrate Chavez's contributions.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A4044 (A4044) modifies the county property tax levy cap law to allow counties to retain tax revenue capacity when paying off debt. Currently, retiring debt reduces the amount counties can raise through property taxes under the 2.5% annual cap. This bill changes that by automatically increasing a county's maximum allowable tax levy by the difference in debt service spending from the prior year, adjusted for the prime rate. The change directly affects New Jersey counties managing their budgets, enabling them to redirect funds previously tied to debt service toward other priorities without triggering the tax cap.