Asm. Shanique Speight

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Child Placement Bill of Rights Act to grant children in resource family care (foster care) the right to have specific signage displayed in their placement home. It requires conspicuous signage listing contact information for child abuse reporting and mental health services to be placed in at least three locations within the home. The policy directly affects children in foster care placements and their temporary caretakers by ensuring accessible resources for support. This is a concrete procedural change to existing rights, adding a visible resource access point without altering other placement requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Commission on Human Trafficking’s existing duties to specifically address trafficking affecting women and children of color. It requires the commission to study racial disparities in trafficking vulnerability, identify prevention strategies for these groups, and improve support services for victims. The commission must then make legislative recommendations based on these findings. The bill does not create new programs but directs the existing commission to prioritize these issues in its annual work.

Maddy summaryAJR 65 designates the date of the second new moon following the winter solstice (or the third if a leap month is needed) as "Lunar New Year" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing this date and encourages schools and cultural institutions to observe it with appropriate activities. It directly acknowledges the cultural significance of Lunar New Year for New Jersey's Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, which make up approximately 10% of the state's population. This symbolic gesture does not create a legal holiday but formally recognizes traditions celebrated by many residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Automobile Accident Injury Fund" within New Jersey's Department of Banking and Insurance to cover medical costs for people injured in car accidents involving stolen vehicles. It directly affects individuals who: (1) were injured when a stolen car was involved in an accident, and (2) have no health or auto insurance covering their medical bills. The fund pays for uncovered medical expenses after the department creates application procedures and payment criteria, without requiring the stolen car to have been properly insured. The fund is non-lapsing and revolving, meaning it permanently holds money to cover these specific cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Corrections to provide reunification therapy (counseling sessions) to inmates and their immediate family members before an inmate's release. It applies to inmates scheduled for release within six months (offering immediate participation) or nine months (requiring notification six months prior). Sessions must occur virtually with the inmate and in person with family at approved locations like contracted mental health offices or nonprofit reentry centers, with individual counseling available if family declines participation. The bill also mandates the Department to seek supplemental funding through public-private partnerships and provide information about reentry resources to participating inmates.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3187) requires New Jersey's Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) to create visitation guidance during public health emergencies, mandating that community-based residential providers allow in-person visits between residents with developmental disabilities and their immediate family members or legal guardians. It directly affects residents in licensed settings like group homes, developmental centers, and community care residences, as well as the providers operating these facilities. The key mechanism is DDD developing the guidance in consultation with the Department of Health, then requiring providers to implement it. The bill applies only during declared public health emergencies and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school districts to maintain restrooms in working order and meet specific daily standards. It directly affects every public school serving students aged 5-20, mandating that restrooms must have functioning toilets/sinks, stocked toilet paper, operable stall doors, working hand dryers or paper towel dispensers, emptied trash bins, and maintained menstrual product disposal units. School districts must clean and sanitize restrooms daily and update or renovate facilities as needed. The law amends existing requirements for school facilities to explicitly include these restroom standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts, charter schools, and special education programs to follow strict procedures when removing a student for a mental health clearance. It limits removals to true emergencies where a student poses immediate physical danger to self or others, mandates written documentation and parent notification within 48 hours, and requires schools to provide free mental health assessments (except when parents choose outside clinicians). Schools must also provide alternative instruction during removals, update student plans upon return (like IEPs or 504 plans), and post policies online. The bill directs the state to collect and publish annual data on removals, disaggregated by student characteristics, to track usage and outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires libraries in New Jersey municipalities or counties where 40% or more of residents live below 1.85x the federal poverty line to provide free tampons and sanitary napkins in all women's and all-gender restrooms. Libraries must also display educational pamphlets about menstrual health topics, including toxic shock syndrome and proper disposal. The state will cover all costs for providing these products and pamphlets. The law applies to libraries supported by municipal or county tax funds and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryAJR 61 designates April of each year as "Financial Literacy Month" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging schools, financial institutions, and nonprofit organizations to host activities focused on financial topics like credit management, savings, debt management, and homeownership. It does not create new laws or regulations but aims to raise public awareness about financial education. The designation applies statewide, affecting all New Jersey residents through promoted educational efforts during April.