Asm. Shanique Speight

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A925 would allow voters to register and vote on election day at polling places or during early voting by completing an affirmation statement and providing identification. Currently, voters must register at least 21 days before an election, but this bill would enable those who missed the deadline to register and cast a provisional ballot. Voters registering on election day would have 48 hours after the election to verify their identity through the Motor Vehicle Commission database or by providing acceptable identification, ensuring their ballot is counted if valid. This change would directly affect voters who meet eligibility requirements but missed the standard registration deadline.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey auto insurers from using an applicant's education level, occupation, or credit score to determine insurance rates or eligibility. It also bans insurers from asking about these factors during the application process. The law amends existing insurance regulations to explicitly forbid these rating practices and requires insurers to file their underwriting rules with the state commissioner. This directly affects all New Jersey drivers applying for or renewing auto insurance policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes free post-COVID-19 health clinics across New Jersey, providing physical and mental health evaluations, physical therapy, and related services at no cost to residents previously diagnosed with COVID-19. It requires the Department of Health to launch a public awareness campaign - including informational pamphlets in healthcare facilities - to educate people about long-term health effects and available care, with special focus on medically underserved communities and areas with poor health outcomes linked to the pandemic. The bill also creates a 15-member task force to study racial and ethnic disparities in long-term COVID-19 health impacts, with a one-year deadline to submit policy recommendations. The clinics, awareness efforts, and task force will expire one year after New Jersey’s public health emergency ends.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's child care subsidy program to cover families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level (approximately $83,250 for a family of four in 2022), up from the current 200% limit ($55,500 for a family of four). It requires the state to establish at least four income tiers for determining eligibility and co-payment amounts, and appropriates necessary funds from the General Fund for implementation. The bill also ensures subsidy rates for child care - especially for school-aged children during school breaks - do not fall below pandemic-era levels ($83,250 for a family of four in 2022). This directly affects low- and moderate-income families with children under 13 who need subsidized child care services.

Maddy summaryThis bill redirects $1.5 million annually from the existing Workforce Development Partnership Fund to specifically support the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. (NJMEP) or its successor. NJMEP is a nonprofit organization that helps New Jersey manufacturers improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness through technical assistance and training. The bill modifies the fund's allocation formula by setting aside this specific amount for NJMEP, rather than directing it to the Office of Customized Training as previously required. This change ensures dedicated, ongoing funding for NJMEP's services to manufacturers across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to implement a "complete streets" policy for all new or rebuilt public highways and transportation projects. The policy must specifically include design elements that help people with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual or developmental disabilities travel independently. The DOT must also develop universal design concepts and guidance to integrate these accessibility features into planning, construction, and maintenance. Additionally, the DOT must encourage local governments receiving state transportation funding to adopt similar inclusive policies.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A1143 establishes an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for mental health, substance use treatment, and developmental disability service programs. The COLA, based on the previous year's Consumer Price Index (CPI) from October 1 to September 30 (as published by the U.S. Department of Labor), must be included in state contracts for these programs starting on the bill's effective date. This applies to all state-funded programs - whether fully or partially Medicaid-funded - that are licensed or approved by New Jersey's Department of Human Services. The Department must announce the annual COLA rate each October 1, ensuring service providers receive regular inflation-based funding increases.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Juvenile Justice Commission to establish a five-year pilot program providing arts education to juvenile offenders in detention and correction facilities. The Commission must select three organizations through a competitive process to develop model arts programs - partnering with arts groups, community agencies, and private entities - each required to secure its own five-year funding. These programs will be evaluated annually for four years to measure improvements in critical thinking, self-esteem, cultural understanding, and educational outcomes, with the Commission then recommending to the Governor and Legislature whether to expand the program statewide.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $2,000 tax exemption for New Jersey volunteer firefighters, first aid, and rescue squad members who meet specific service and training requirements. To qualify, firefighters must serve the entire year, respond to at least 60% of fire alarms and drills, and hold Firefighter I certification; rescue and first aid members must respond to at least 10% of rescue alarms and drills and have approved training or EMT certification. Volunteer organizations must submit annual lists of eligible members to the state for verification by March 31. The exemption applies to taxable years starting after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a public database managed by the NJ Business Action Center (Department of State) listing vacant commercial spaces available for lease or purchase by small businesses. It requires commercial property owners to report vacancies or occupancy changes monthly, with the database including details like square footage, capital equipment, and building systems (e.g., HVAC, security). The database will be updated monthly using data from property owners, realtors, and municipalities, and made accessible online with targeted outreach to business associations and chambers of commerce. The goal is to reduce the time and cost for small businesses to find suitable commercial space by centralizing vacancy information.