Asm. Shanique Speight

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study the feasibility, costs, and marketability of implementing large-scale geothermal heat pump systems statewide. The study requires the BPU to assess installation challenges, compare geothermal energy costs with natural gas/propane/fuel oil in buildings, evaluate potential financial incentives, and consult with experts, other states (like Massachusetts and New York), and utilities. It mandates the BPU to report findings and recommend a pilot program within one year. The study directly affects the BPU and will inform future decisions about incentives for builders, ratepayers, and government entities considering geothermal systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a supplemental benefits program for New Jersey first responders who contracted COVID-19 while on duty and are already eligible for workers' compensation. It provides additional payments equal to 30% of weekly wages (up to $1,800 per week) to make up the difference between regular workers' compensation (70% of wages) and full wages, for up to 180 weeks while the responder is unable to work. The program is funded with a $20 million appropriation from the General Fund to the Second Injury Fund, with benefits retroactive to when the responder became unable to work due to COVID-19. The bill also creates an advisory council with 12 members to oversee the program and requires annual reports on claim numbers, benefit amounts, and costs. Benefits must be claimed within two years after the end of the public health emergency declared in 2020.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new program requiring New Jersey state agencies to reserve at least 3% of their contracts for businesses owned and operated by people with disabilities. To qualify, a business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by a person with a disability, certified by organizations like Disability:IN, and based in New Jersey. The Department of the Treasury will administer the program, including verifying business eligibility, maintaining a list of certified businesses, and handling disputes. State agencies must report annually on contracts awarded under this program to track progress toward the 3% goal.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Department of Education (DOE) to create policies for detecting, investigating, and preventing child abuse and neglect during public health emergencies that require social distancing (like the COVID-19 pandemic). Key provisions include enabling remote reporting and investigations via phone/video, developing public awareness campaigns about child safety during emergencies, and requiring schools to provide remote access to abuse prevention resources and behavioral health assessments for at-risk students. DCF must also collect and analyze child abuse report data from the pandemic, then submit a comparative report to the Governor and Legislature within one year, including recommendations for future emergencies. The bill mandates free online training for school staff on identifying abuse remotely and requires school districts to implement these protocols during emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (AJR 49) is a symbolic gesture by the New Jersey legislature recognizing the 75th anniversary of Israel's establishment, observed on April 25, 2023. It commends Israel's achievements in building a democratic society and reaffirms New Jersey's longstanding partnership with Israel, including economic, educational, and cultural ties. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply expresses legislative support through words. It does not directly affect any individuals or create new obligations. The resolution took effect immediately upon introduction.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow New Jersey municipal courts to issue restricted driver's licenses as an alternative to full license suspension for people facing financial hardship due to a suspended license, excluding suspensions related to certain offenses like DUI. The restricted license would only permit driving for work or school commutes during specific hours and between specific locations, requiring a special placard displayed in the vehicle's rear window. A fee of up to $100 would cover the license and placard, and the restricted license would expire when the regular license is restored.

Maddy summaryThis bill would expand New Jersey's drug paraphernalia law exemptions to include specific harm reduction supplies. Currently, fentanyl test strips and hypodermic needles sold by pharmacies are exempt from drug paraphernalia charges. The bill would add exemptions for equipment used to test controlled substances, dilutants, mixing devices, and other materials provided by authorized harm reduction services. These exemptions would apply to items like naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and supplies designed to prevent disease transmission and overdose. The bill would directly affect harm reduction service providers, individuals using these services, and law enforcement who would no longer pursue drug paraphernalia charges for these specific items.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Assembly Bill A2276 establishes a domestic violence prevention program within the Department of Health (DOH) to help health care providers identify and support patients experiencing domestic violence. The program requires health care professionals - including doctors, nurses, and other licensed providers - to undergo training on screening patients for domestic violence signs, documenting concerns, and connecting victims with local resources. It also mandates the development of educational materials for both providers and patients, along with data collection to evaluate the program's effectiveness and annual reporting to the legislature. This initiative directly affects health care providers treating patients in New Jersey and aims to improve early intervention for domestic violence victims.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey students receiving tuition aid grants (TAG) or opportunity grants (EOF) to use a portion of their award for summer courses that count toward graduation or their major. Students must notify the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) or the Secretary of Higher Education before the academic year begins, and their regular academic-year disbursement will be reduced by the summer amount. Institutions must annually report how many students used summer grants and their graduation rates within standard timeframes. The bill does not extend grant eligibility periods but provides flexibility for students to advance their degrees during summer sessions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's drug court program to require treatment providers to specifically identify if a drug court participant tests positive for marijuana or cannabis. Currently, treatment providers must report positive drug tests to probation departments, but this bill adds a requirement to specify whether the positive test involves marijuana or cannabis. If a positive test for marijuana or cannabis is identified, the probation department must then notify the appropriate division within the Department of Law and Public Safety. The bill does not change drug court eligibility, treatment requirements, or other reporting procedures for non-marijuana/cannabis positive tests.