Asm. Shanique Speight

Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Works Act creates a tax credit for businesses that fund pre-employment training programs targeting low- and moderate-income individuals for jobs in high-demand occupations. These programs must provide at least 12 weeks of paid training at minimum wage, covering skills like communication, job readiness, and career-specific instruction. The bill appropriates $1 million to support the initiative and requires training programs to be approved by the state, partner with schools or nonprofits, and exclude construction businesses. It directly affects qualifying businesses, educational institutions, and job seekers in targeted regions seeking career advancement opportunities.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2551) requires New Jersey to reimburse public preschools that are "federally unapproved" for snack costs they provide to eligible children, using $100,000 in state funds. It directly affects public preschools that have applied to the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) but are awaiting approval, meaning they serve children qualifying for free/reduced-price snacks but cannot access federal reimbursement. The bill mandates state funding for these "unreimbursed costs" to ensure preschools can continue providing snacks without financial burden. It amends existing laws to define "federally unapproved" preschools and specifies the $100,000 appropriation for this purpose.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a $2,000 deduction from New Jersey gross income tax for eligible volunteer firefighters, first aid squad members, and rescue squad volunteers. To qualify, individuals must serve the entire tax year, meet specific duty requirements (60% fire service attendance or 400 duty hours for fire volunteers; 10% rescue service attendance or 400 duty hours for first aid/rescue volunteers), and hold required certifications (Firefighter I for fire volunteers or approved EMS training for rescue volunteers). Fire departments and first aid/rescue squads must submit annual lists of qualifying members to state agencies by March 31st. The deduction applies to taxable years beginning after the bill's enactment date.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the U.S. Congress to change federal law so people with disabilities do not lose Social Security benefits when they marry. Currently, marriage automatically terminates Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments for many disabled individuals, preventing couples from legally marrying without financial hardship. The resolution highlights that only Congress can amend these marriage-related rules, which are set by statute, and references the SSA’s 2024 acknowledgment of outdated policies. It is a procedural request, not a binding law, calling for legislative action to align disability benefits with marriage rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to create standardized protocols for hospitals and licensed birthing centers to collect and report detailed, de-identified data on maternity care. The data must cover specific metrics like maternal health conditions (e.g., hypertension, hemorrhage), delivery methods (e.g., induction timing, cesarean rates), and infant outcomes (e.g., birth weight, complications). The DOH will annually evaluate this data to set statewide benchmarks, identify quality improvement opportunities, and compare hospital performance. Results and recommendations must be reported to the Governor and Legislature yearly, aiming to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes through data-driven care.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to change venue rules for juveniles charged with specific repeat offenses. It creates a presumption that venue (the county where a case is heard) must be in the county where the complaint was filed for juveniles previously adjudicated delinquent for theft or unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, carjacking, or burglary with intent to steal a vehicle. The change applies only to juveniles with prior adjudications for these exact offenses. Currently, venue typically defaults to the juvenile's county of domicile unless the court finds good cause to keep it elsewhere. This adjustment streamlines proceedings for these repeat juvenile offenders in the filing county.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3597) establishes annual state funding to support New Jersey's Direct Support Professional Career Development Program. It requires the state to appropriate annual funds starting in Fiscal Year 2026 to cover living expenses for new program participants and education costs for existing direct support professionals working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The funds, managed through the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, will be distributed to the New Jersey Community College Consortium, with no more than 10% allocated for administrative costs. This amends prior law (P.L.2021, c.421) that provided only a one-time $1 million appropriation for the program's initial setup.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3308) requires New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs to hire additional staff to reduce backlogs in processing professional license applications and renewals. It appropriates $10 million annually for fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028 specifically for this purpose, directly affecting applicants and professionals in regulated fields like healthcare, engineering, and cosmetology. Key mechanisms include prioritizing staff hiring to clear backlogs and mandating annual reports detailing staffing changes, initial and final backlog numbers, and spending details. The bill aims to improve license processing efficiency for economic development and consumer protection without changing licensing standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary license for nursing graduates in New Jersey who have completed their education but haven't yet passed their state licensure exam. It allows the Board of Nursing to issue these licenses for one year (with one possible extension for illness or hardship), enabling graduates to practice under a licensed nurse's direct supervision while they prepare for their full license. The temporary license expires if the graduate fails the exam or fails to apply for full licensure 90 days before expiration. Graduates pay fees comparable to regular nursing licenses, and the license cannot be used for independent practice.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey residents to apply for special license plates featuring a purple ribbon and the phrase "Domestic Violence Awareness" on their vehicles. Vehicle owners would pay a one-time $50 application fee and an annual $10 fee, with the collected funds (after covering administrative costs) deposited into a dedicated fund. The fund, managed by the Department of Children and Families, provides annual grants to nonprofit organizations supporting domestic violence victims. The plates aim to raise public awareness while generating revenue specifically for victim services, with no state funds used for initial implementation costs.