Asm. Shanique Speight

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey law enforcement officers to issue citations by mail for most traffic violations under Title 39 of the Revised Statutes instead of stopping drivers. It mandates that officers send citations to the vehicle's registered owner within seven days, including photos or video evidence of the violation, and allows stops only for specific dangerous offenses (like DUI, reckless driving, or speeding over 30 mph) or immediate safety risks. The bill aims to reduce routine traffic stops, which the sponsor states could decrease pretextual stops and free officer time for community engagement. Vehicle owners directly affected receive citations via mail with evidence, rather than facing in-person interactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new State Board of Midwives within New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs to regulate midwifery practice, replacing the current oversight by the State Board of Medical Examiners. It directly affects midwives (including certified midwives, certified nurse midwives, and certified professional midwives) and the patients they serve, particularly in maternal and infant care. Key provisions establish the board's 11-member structure (with midwives, physicians, and public members), define "midwifery services" to include pregnancy, birth, postpartum care, and reproductive health, and update outdated regulations dating to the 19th century. The bill aims to modernize licensing to improve maternal and infant health outcomes, especially in vulnerable communities, by creating an independent regulatory framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies to provide written notice at least 60 days before stopping or changing any state aid (like grants or financial assistance) or state service (like programs or benefits), with 90 days for health/safety-related services. It directly affects individuals, organizations, and local governments receiving state aid or services who would otherwise face sudden changes. The notice must clearly state what is changing, the effective date, the reason, available alternatives, and contact information for appeals. Exceptions allow shorter notice only for federal mandates, emergencies, exhausted funds, or recipient violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) to create a mandatory training program for direct support professionals working with individuals with developmental disabilities in community settings. The training, to be developed within 120 days of the bill's effective date, must be completed by new hires within 90 days of starting work or by current employees within 210 days. Key required topics include abuse/neglect prevention, first aid, CPR, medication administration, facility policies, and specialized care for conditions like seizures, multiple sclerosis, and behavioral health needs. The bill directly affects DHS, direct support professionals, and the individuals they serve in community residences.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes clear rules for New Jersey public schools when removing students for mental health clearance. Schools may only remove a student in an emergency where they or others face immediate physical danger, and must notify parents immediately (with a written report within 48 hours). It requires schools to provide free mental health clearances, ensure continued instruction during removal (if over 5 days), and update a student’s education plan (like an IEP or 504 plan) after return. The bill also prohibits schools from imposing extra conditions beyond the mental health clearance for re-entry.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Assembly Bill A4344 would establish a "Purple Alert System" to help locate missing persons quickly. The system requires law enforcement to meet specific criteria before activating alerts, including evidence the person is in danger of death or serious injury, sufficient identifying information, and confirmation that public sharing would aid the search. Participating media and highway message signs can share details about the missing person while protecting sensitive health information, as mandated by the bill. This system aims to coordinate statewide law enforcement, media, and transportation agencies during active missing persons cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Community Learning Program within the Department of Education to provide comprehensive after-school programs in school districts (called "impact districts") most affected by past cannabis enforcement. It directly affects students in these designated communities by funding academic support and enrichment during non-school hours (before/after school, summer). The program is funded using a portion of New Jersey's state cannabis tax revenue, requiring districts to create detailed plans for services, staffing, locations, and costs within 120 days of the bill's effective date. The program aims to close achievement gaps by offering structured activities during times when school is not in session.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires property owners of multiple dwellings with six or more residential rental units to install an Internet-capable device that records indoor temperature hourly for 90 days, making the data accessible to both tenants and owners during October 31 through May 31 annually. Tenants may refuse installation, in which case the owner must notify the Department of Community Affairs. The Commissioner of Community Affairs will establish implementing rules within five months of enactment, covering device specifications, installation guidance, and tenant notification procedures. The bill takes effect 13 months after enactment to allow for preparation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Corrections (DOC) to assign transgender and non-binary inmates to state correctional facilities based on their self-identified gender identity or expression (not their sex assigned at birth), and to use their preferred gender pronouns. During initial intake, DOC staff must ask inmates about their gender identity, transgender status, and preferred pronouns - without disciplining those who decline to answer - and must assign facilities accordingly. Staff, volunteers, and contractors who consistently fail to use preferred pronouns face discipline under existing rules. The bill directly affects transgender, non-binary, and intersex inmates within New Jersey's state correctional system.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires retailers in New Jersey to store bath salts - defined as crystalline or flaked substances used to perfume or soften bathwater - in locked display cases or behind counters, accessible only to employees. It directly affects retailers selling bath salts, mandating physical restrictions to limit consumer access. First violations result in a written warning, while repeat violations could lead to fines up to $20,000 under consumer fraud laws. The sponsor states the goal is to prevent minors from misusing bath salts, though the bill itself focuses on retail display requirements.