Asm. Shanique Speight

Maddy summaryThis bill requires outdoor lighting fixtures installed or replaced by the State or at projects receiving State funds to meet specific environmental and efficiency standards. It mandates the use of fully shielded fixtures to prevent upward light pollution, limits light output to necessary levels (not exceeding recommended illuminance), and requires full cutoff fixtures for lights exceeding 1,800 lumens. Temporary exceptions apply for emergencies, nighttime work, or safety needs, and the Department of Transportation must assess whether reflective road markers could replace lighting on roadways. The goal is to reduce energy waste, minimize light trespass and glare, and protect New Jersey's natural nighttime environment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3879) requires all emergency departments in New Jersey general hospitals and licensed satellite emergency departments to post visible signs and distribute pamphlets about the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO). The Commissioner of Health, working with the Attorney General, must create clear, easy-to-understand materials listing VCCO services, contact details, and how to file a claim. These materials must be provided to individuals treated in emergency rooms following a crime. The law directly affects crime victims seeking compensation assistance after an emergency room visit. It takes effect four months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a certification process for shampoo technicians in New Jersey, who provide basic hair washing services (like shampooing and conditioning) in licensed salons but do not pursue a full cosmetology license. To become certified, individuals must complete a 40-hour training program approved by the State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling (either through a licensed school or a licensed shop) and pass a practical exam. The State Board issues a biennial certification requiring reasonable fees for initial certification, renewal, and reactivation after expiration (with reactivation after 10+ years requiring retaking the exam). The bill also prohibits examiners affiliated with a school from grading students from that same school and sets standards for training providers and examiners.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey pharmacy staff authority to administer vaccines. It allows pharmacists, pharmacy interns, externs, and technicians to give COVID-19 and influenza vaccines to patients aged 5 and older (lowering the previous age limit from 7), with parental permission required for those under 18. Staff must work under a licensed pharmacist's direct supervision and report all vaccinations to the state immunization system. The law directly affects pharmacy workers and patients seeking vaccines without a doctor's appointment.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's fire safety requirements for residential properties. It eliminates the requirement for portable fire extinguishers in certain structures while mandating smoke-sensitive alarm devices on each level of residential buildings and outside sleeping areas. The bill also establishes new licensing requirements for fire inspectors, including educational programs, prerequisite criteria, and state exams. Additionally, it clarifies that new property owners must obtain a certificate showing no outstanding fire safety violations and are liable for any unpaid fees or penalties. The bill also updates procedures for serving notices and collecting penalties related to fire safety violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's public colleges and universities to readmit undergraduate students who left school due to military service, including active duty in the Armed Forces, National Guard, or Reserve. Schools must reinstate these students with the same academic standing they held before their service interruption and grant readmission for the next available semester upon written request. The bill prohibits institutions from charging application or other fees for these readmission requests. It takes effect immediately, applying to the first full academic year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3791, the "New Jersey Online Foreclosure Sale Act") permits sheriffs and authorized officials to conduct foreclosure sales of real property through online auctions, replacing in-person sales. Key provisions require online sales to display bids publicly in real-time, cap vendor fees at $1,000 per sale (including a $50 processing fee), and mandate a non-electronic bidding option (e.g., paper bids). It affects homeowners facing foreclosure, lenders seeking recovery, and sheriffs managing sales by adding online sales as an authorized method while maintaining traditional notice requirements. The bill does not change foreclosure timelines but aims to increase bidder participation and potentially higher sale prices for debtors and creditors.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners of seasonal rental units (like vacation homes rented for up to 125 days through platforms such as Airbnb) to inform prospective renters before booking if a pet is regularly present or will be present within two weeks of the stay. It directly protects renters with pet allergies or sensitivities by preventing unexpected exposure to pet-dander environments. If owners fail to disclose, renters can cancel their booking, leave within 12 hours of arrival, and receive a full refund of deposits or payments. The law takes effect January 1, 2025, and applies to all seasonal rentals excluding those for migrant or seasonal workers.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's FY2025 Community Hazard Assistance Mitigation Program (CHAMP) to add three new hazard mitigation projects to the list eligible for funding: Brick Township's reservoir improvements, Rochelle Park's sewer pump station reconstruction and elevation work, and Highlands Borough's flood mitigation and green infrastructure. It increases the total authorized funding from $7.2 million to $13.8 million to cover these nine approved projects. The New Jersey Infrastructure Bank will provide low-interest loans to local governments for these resilience initiatives, which aim to protect communities from flooding and climate-related risks. These projects directly affect Bergen County municipalities and other local governments receiving CHAMP loans.

Maddy summarySJR 76 designates the second Friday in December each year as "PSRPs in Our Schools Day" in New Jersey to recognize paraprofessionals and school-related personnel (PSRPs). This resolution honors PSRPs, including instructional aides, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and custodial staff, who support students through tutoring, classroom assistance, meal preparation, facility maintenance, and student transportation. The resolution does not create new programs or funding but calls for the Governor, Legislature, and citizens to observe and acknowledge these staff members' contributions. It takes effect immediately upon passage.