Asm. Shanique Speight

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) to apply for and manage federal benefits (like Social Security or Veterans benefits) on behalf of children in foster care, rather than using those benefits to cover state foster care costs. DCF must determine eligibility within 60 days of placement, apply for benefits, and establish a special account (such as an ABLE account) to conserve funds for the child's unmet current or future needs - never to offset state expenses. The department must annually review cases, provide accountings to the child and guardians, and transfer remaining funds directly to the child upon turning 18 or to parents/guardians if the child is a minor. This ensures federal benefits serve the child's long-term well-being, not state budget needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits electric and gas utilities from charging residential customers enrolled in budget billing plans for service during interruptions caused by major emergency events (like hurricanes, floods, or declared disasters) that damage the customer's home. It applies only to periods when service is interrupted due to such events, not for charges accrued before the emergency. Utilities may still collect payments for service provided prior to the emergency. The Board of Public Utilities must enforce this rule, which takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) to create a program helping children (up to age 18) with an incarcerated non-custodial parent enroll in safety net programs. DHS must collaborate with corrections and court systems to identify affected children, then contact their custodial parent or guardian at least three times (including one written contact) to explain available benefits like food assistance, healthcare, and childcare subsidies. The program mandates DHS to track applications and provide a decision within 30 days of submission. It directly affects children in these circumstances and their caregivers, ensuring access to critical support programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4496) revises visitation and reporting requirements for professional guardians in New Jersey. It requires registered professional guardians (who are paid for their services) to personally visit their wards at least once every three weeks - instead of the current requirement of once every three months - to monitor the ward's physical and mental health, needs, and capabilities. It also updates reporting rules, mandating guardians to provide detailed reports to the court about the ward’s condition and estate, and allows family members to request such reports via court motion. These changes directly affect paid professional guardians, incapacitated individuals under their care, and family members seeking oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits modifying a vehicle's muffler or exhaust system to amplify noise beyond the original factory level, directly affecting car owners and operators who install aftermarket exhaust systems. It requires vehicle inspections to check mufflers and exhaust systems for excessive or unusual noise, expanding current inspection standards that previously focused only on emissions. Violations carry a penalty of up to $500 in fines, 30 days in jail, or both. The bill amends existing laws (R.S. 39:3-69(c) and R.S. 39:3-70(b)) to clarify the prohibition and align inspection requirements with noise regulations.

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 establishes the "Reproductive Health Access for Haitian Migrants Act" to ensure Haitian migrants in New Jersey have free access to specific contraceptive methods, including IUDs, birth control pills, and Depo-Provera injections. It requires the New Jersey Department of Health to partner with clinics and migrant support organizations to provide these services at no cost, along with comprehensive reproductive health education and counseling. The Department must create implementation guidelines within 120 days and submit annual reports tracking outreach, usage, and access barriers. The law applies exclusively to Haitian migrants in the state and takes effect immediately upon enactment.

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 establishes a property right for individuals to control the commercial use of their name, image, likeness, or voice, allowing them to sue when these elements are used without permission. It creates civil remedies for unauthorized commercial use, including through AI technology, and a disorderly person offense for violations punishable by up to 6 months in jail or a $1,000 fine. The right applies to living individuals and can be inherited by heirs for 10 years after death, with options to extend if commercially exploited or terminate after two years of non-use. The bill includes fair use exceptions for news reporting, criticism, and other protected activities under federal law.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A3857) allows licensed social workers to earn up to four hours of required continuing education credit by volunteering as poll workers during state primary or general elections. Social workers can receive two credits per election (primary or general), with a maximum of four credits per license renewal period. To claim these credits, they must provide proof of service via a certified letter from their local election office or as otherwise approved by the State Board of Social Work Examiners. The bill does not require social workers to volunteer - it simply offers this service as an optional way to fulfill continuing education requirements.