Asm. Shanique Speight

Co-sponsor S 2057

Signed into law · New Jersey Senate · Co-sponsor

Requires certain documentation of needs of students with disabilities during school security drills and emergency situations and in school security plans; requires staff training on needs of students with disabilities in emergency planning.

Signed into law Jan 8, 2024 1 co-sponsor

Co-sponsor A 2040

Signed into law · New Jersey General Assembly · Co-sponsor

Requires Commissioner of Human Services to request authorization for SNAP benefits to be used to pay delivery charges for online grocery purchases.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-2040) requires New Jersey's Human Services Commissioner to request that the federal USDA allow SNAP (food stamp) benefits to cover delivery fees for online grocery orders. It directly affects low-income households in New Jersey who receive SNAP benefits and shop online through authorized retailers like Amazon, Walmart, ShopRite, and The Fresh Grocers. The key provision changes how SNAP funds can be used - permitting them to pay delivery charges for SNAP-eligible groceries, which was previously prohibited under federal rules. The bill was enacted into law (P.L.2023, c.236) after passing both legislative chambers unanimously.

Signed into law Jan 8, 2024 1 co-sponsor

Primary S 3957

Signed into law · New Jersey Senate · Lead sponsor

Expands exemptions from drug paraphernalia laws to also exempt certain harm reduction supplies.*

Signed into law Jan 8, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Primary A 1707

Signed into law · New Jersey General Assembly · Lead sponsor

Establishes presumption that VCCO will order payment to victim of crime.*

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's Criminal Injuries Compensation Act to establish a presumption that the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO) will approve payments to eligible crime victims. It extends the filing deadline for claims from three to five years (with the timeline starting when a minor turns 18) and requires the VCCO to make decisions within 90 days of receiving complete applications. The presumption means compensation will be granted unless specific denial reasons apply, such as the victim's criminal history or lack of cooperation with law enforcement. This change streamlines access to financial support for victims of qualifying crimes, including medical costs, lost wages, and funeral expenses.

Signed into law Jan 8, 2024 0 co-sponsors

Co-sponsor AJR 230

Signed into law · New Jersey General Assembly · Co-sponsor

Recognizes 75th anniversary of establishment of State of Israel.

Signed into law Jan 8, 2024 1 co-sponsor

Co-sponsor S 1211

Signed into law · New Jersey Senate · Co-sponsor

Provides for civil actions against persons or entities profiting from commission of human trafficking offenses, or maintaining victims of such offenses.

Signed into law Jan 8, 2024 1 co-sponsor

Co-sponsor A 594

In committee · New Jersey General Assembly · Co-sponsor

Establishes NJ State Parks and Open Space Foundation.*

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey State Parks and Open Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds for state parks, forests, historic sites, and natural areas. The foundation will supplement existing state and federal funding by accepting tax-deductible donations from qualifying nonprofits and the public to support park improvements, public programming, and accessibility enhancements. It will operate independently under a nine-member board (including government representatives and public members with environmental expertise) and must comply with state nonprofit and open meeting laws. The foundation’s funds may only be used for projects beyond routine park operations, such as facility renovations or educational programs, not for regular maintenance.

In committee Jan 8, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor A 3093

Signed into law · New Jersey General Assembly · Co-sponsor

Authorizes court to include in domestic violence restraining orders a provision making the order applicable to a pregnant victim's child upon birth of the child.

Signed into law Jan 8, 2024 1 co-sponsor

Co-sponsor A 5495

Passed · New Jersey General Assembly · Co-sponsor

Clarifies types of firearms allowed to be carried or transported while hunting.*

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that hunters with a valid handgun permit (under N.J.S.2C:58-4) or who are authorized to carry handguns generally (under N.J.S.2C:39-6) may carry those handguns while hunting. It explicitly permits carrying but prohibits using handguns to hunt any game, maintaining existing restrictions on firearm types for hunting. The bill amends New Jersey's hunting statutes (R.S.23:4-44, -12, and -13) to add this exception, aligning with recent changes to handgun permit laws following the *New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen* Supreme Court decision. It directly affects licensed hunters who carry handguns for personal protection during hunting activities.

Passed Jan 8, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Primary A 3211

Passed · New Jersey General Assembly · Lead sponsor

Establishes "New Jersey Feminine Hygiene Products for the Homeless Act."

Passed Jan 8, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track