Asm. Shanique Speight

Maddy summaryThis bill allows county sheriffs to directly certify that law enforcement officers in their departments meet specific renewal criteria for their licenses. It affects officers employed by county sheriff's departments in New Jersey. The certification requires verifying the officer has good moral character (via background check), completed required training, has no disqualifying convictions (like domestic violence, DUIs, or hate crimes), is not affiliated with groups advocating violence or discrimination, and has no social media posts supporting bias. This changes the current process where chief law enforcement officers (not sheriffs) typically handled this certification.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3484) requires New Jersey courts to consider the results of a domestic violence assessment before dissolving certain domestic violence restraining orders. It directly affects defendants seeking to dissolve an existing order and the courts reviewing those requests. The key mechanism mandates that if a defendant is subject to two or more restraining orders under P.L.1991, c.261, they must undergo a domestic violence assessment (paid by the defendant), and the court must consider the assessment findings alongside other specified factors when deciding whether to dissolve the order. The assessment findings are confidential and become part of the court's consideration process.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 49) urges Congress to fully fund existing programs authorized under the federal Elder Justice Act of 2010. It specifically requests funding for state adult protective services, long-term care ombudsman programs, facility survey agencies, forensic centers, and the Elder Justice Advisory Board - programs Congress has not fully funded since 2014, per a 2020 Congressional Research Service report. The resolution does not create new law but formally requests Congress restore funding to these elder abuse prevention and response initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows prosecutors to request extended prison sentences for repeat offenders convicted of receiving stolen property. It applies to individuals with two or more prior separate convictions for this crime (or substantially equivalent offenses), provided the current offense occurred within 10 years of either their last prison release or their most recent prior conviction. The court must hold a hearing where the defendant can challenge the evidence before imposing the extended term. This changes sentencing options for repeat property crime offenders by expanding eligibility for longer prison terms under specific prior conviction conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary medical relief program in New Jersey for individuals who lose NJ FamilyCare coverage due to specific provisions of the federal "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA). It establishes a state fund to provide eligible individuals with an electronic payment card for qualifying medical services like emergency care, prescriptions, and behavioral health - covering costs up to a 12-month period. The program automatically enrolls affected residents provisionally upon disenrollment, with benefits determined annually based on available funds. Unspent benefits after 12 months must be returned to the state Treasury, and the program does not replace comprehensive health insurance.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 10-year voluntary pilot program in New Jersey for employers to provide two fully paid medical leave days or two remote work days per month to employees with qualifying menstrual disorders, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids. Employees must provide physician documentation confirming their condition. Employers participating in the program receive tax credits (100% of wages for leave, 25% for remote work) to offset costs, with an annual $10 million cap on total credits. The program prohibits discrimination against employees using these accommodations and requires employers to follow existing anti-discrimination laws. It directly affects employees with specific medical conditions and participating employers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to provide annual training on trauma-informed education to all teaching staff and school board members. The training aims to help educators recognize and address the impacts of adverse childhood experiences (like abuse, household instability, or violence) on students' learning and well-being. School districts must use guidelines developed by the state Department of Education, which will cover identifying trauma signs in students, classroom strategies, and supporting staff affected by secondary trauma. The bill takes effect in the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryAJR 46 designates the first week of May each year as "Children's Mental Health Awareness Week" in New Jersey. The bill requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the week with activities promoting awareness. This procedural resolution does not create new programs or funding but formally recognizes the week to support existing efforts addressing children's mental health. It directly affects New Jersey state officials and the public through the Governor's annual proclamation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2192) creates the Automobile Theft Prevention Authority within New Jersey's Department of Law and Public Safety, funded by a $2 million appropriation. The authority, governed by a 7-member board (including the Attorney General, state police, prosecutors, an insurance representative, and public members), aims to coordinate statewide efforts to prevent, combat, and reduce automobile theft. Key mechanisms include developing prevention strategies, funding law enforcement programs, and auditing funded initiatives to ensure effectiveness. The authority will report annually to the Governor and Legislature on its activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a program promoting women-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned, and LGBTQ-owned energy businesses. The program must set annual targets for energy purchased by businesses and public entities through licensed energy agents, starting at 5% in the first year and rising to 25% by the fourth year. To qualify, businesses must be certified by state or national organizations, registered in New Jersey, and file annual reports. The BPU must track progress toward these targets and publicly post approved businesses and updates on its website.