Asm. Shanique Speight

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to revise its Pandemic Influenza Plan to better prepare for future large-scale flu outbreaks. The updated plan must address long-running pandemics, align with federal public health standards, clarify agency roles during emergencies, improve coordination with local health departments, establish healthcare guidelines for severe shortages, and address health equity gaps exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The DOH must seek input from the Governor’s Office, local health departments, and public health stakeholders during revisions and regularly update the plan for training exercises. The bill directly affects state emergency response systems and aims to strengthen New Jersey’s public health preparedness.

Maddy summaryAJR 197 designates May of each year as Haitian Heritage Month in New Jersey. This symbolic resolution directly affects New Jersey residents, particularly the state's fourth-largest Haitian-American community (nearly 69,000 people), by formally recognizing Haitian cultural contributions. The bill requires the governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance through events and educational activities. It highlights Haitian history, including the Haitian Revolution and global influences, without creating new laws or funding. As a procedural resolution, it serves to honor cultural heritage rather than implement policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies to make a good faith effort to increase the use of certified minority and women-owned businesses as prime contractors and subcontractors in state procurement. It mandates agencies to develop specific goals based on a statewide disparity study (to be completed by August 2029), which found minority and women-owned businesses currently receive only 4-15% of prime contract dollars across different sectors. Contractors must submit utilization plans detailing how they'll engage these businesses, with waivers available for those who make good faith efforts but can't meet requirements. Agencies must report annually on progress toward goals, with the bill set to expire on December 31, 2029 if the disparity study shows no continuing disparity.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a New Jersey gross income tax credit for licensed child care staff and registered family day care providers. Eligible workers must have been employed for six continuous months in their current role, with credit amounts varying by income level ($25,000-$45,000) and the age group of children they serve (birth-30 months or 30+ months). For those earning under $45,000, the credit is refundable - if it eliminates tax liability, they receive the remaining amount as a cash payment. The credit does not count as income for other state benefit programs and requires at least 50% of work time to be spent directly providing child care services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to create a state policy governing student cell phone and social media use during school hours, on school buses, and at school events under staff supervision for all K-12 students. The policy must include age-appropriate rules for limiting phone use, exceptions for emergencies or health needs (with medical documentation), guidance on phone storage options like lockers, and methods to restrict social media access. School districts must adopt a policy consistent with this state guidance, though the Commissioner may grant exemptions upon request. The policy must be developed within 90 days and take effect for the next full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryACR 144 is a New Jersey legislative resolution urging Congress to pass the "Find It Early Act" (H.R. 3086). It specifically calls for requiring all health insurance plans to cover supplemental breast cancer screenings - such as ultrasounds and MRIs - for women with dense breasts or other risk factors (like family history) at no cost to the insured. The resolution highlights that dense breast tissue can hide cancer on standard mammograms, leading to delayed detection, and notes that current insurance gaps force high-risk women to choose between costly out-of-pocket screenings or forgoing them. This resolution does not change law but formally requests federal action to improve access to early detection.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A2402 authorizes special license plates for active and honorably separated U.S. Coast Guard members, their spouses, parents, and business owners they control. Applicants pay a $50 one-time fee and $10 annual renewal fee, with proceeds funding a dedicated "Coast Guard License Plate Fund" that annually allocates money to the U.S. Coast Guard. The plates must display the Coast Guard seal and design approved by the Motor Vehicle Commission in consultation with the Coast Guard. Implementation requires 500 pre-paid applications and $25,000 in initial funding from the Coast Guard or private donors before plates can be issued.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $250 annual gross income tax deduction for eligible New Jersey educators and paraprofessionals for unreimbursed classroom supply expenses. It directly affects K-12 teachers, counselors, principals, and school aides (working at least 900 hours yearly) employed by public or private NJ schools. The deduction covers expenses like books, computers, software, and classroom materials, excluding nonathletic health/PE supplies. The policy applies to taxable years starting after the bill's enactment date.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new separate criminal offense for burglary of a residential dwelling (a home or place for overnight stays), distinct from general burglary. It defines "residential dwelling" as any building primarily used as a home or adapted for overnight accommodation. The crime is classified as a third-degree offense unless the burglar causes bodily injury, uses a weapon, or enters while someone is present, in which case it becomes a second-degree offense. Penalties remain unchanged: third-degree burglary carries up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine, while second-degree carries up to ten years and a $150,000 fine. The bill aims to improve tracking of residential burglaries by establishing this specific category.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey health care facilities to employ certified nurse aides (trained professionals who assist with patient care) as personal care assistants. It directly affects licensed health care facilities and certified nurse aides by removing a current restriction that prevented this dual role. The key provision amends licensing rules to permit facilities to hire these trained aides specifically for personal care assistant duties, without requiring additional certification. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.