Asm. Shanique Speight

Maddy summaryThis bill adds $10 million from the off-budget Universal Service Fund to the NJSHARES-S.M.A.R.T. Program for utility payment assistance in New Jersey's fiscal year 2026. It directly helps low-income homeowners and renters facing financial hardship by providing grants to cover past-due utility bills (arrearages) and ongoing payments. The program requires applicants not to receive duplicate benefits from private insurance or other existing aid programs. The funding supplements a prior $5 million General Fund appropriation for the same program, directing the Commissioner of Community Affairs to establish quick-processing guidelines for eligible residents.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 2486) requires the Division of Taxation to create and maintain a free, online training program specifically for small and micro-businesses. The program will teach how to file and pay state taxes, including corporation business tax, gross income tax, and sales tax. It must be updated as tax laws change and made available on the Division's website. The bill directly affects small and micro-business owners who need help navigating state tax filing processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public colleges and universities in New Jersey to provide free menstrual products (tampons and sanitary napkins) in all campus buildings, including women’s restrooms, all-gender restrooms, and at least one men’s restroom in locations like lecture halls, residence halls, and libraries. Institutions must offer a variety of products - regular to super-plus, ultra-thin to overnight, and allergy-friendly options - and install dispensers or maintain existing ones that provide free access. The bill also mandates educational materials about toxic shock syndrome and proper disposal, with the state covering all costs through an $85,000 appropriation to the Office of Higher Education. Public institutions must submit reimbursement requests for expenses incurred.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2238) protects certified doulas in New Jersey from workplace retaliation when they miss work to attend births for clients in active labor. It prohibits employers from firing, harassing, or discriminating against doulas who provide at least one hour’s advance notice (or as soon as possible if not feasible) for such absences. Employers aren’t required to pay for missed work, but doulas may use accrued vacation or sick days. Violations allow employees to sue for damages, reinstatement, lost wages, or fines up to $5,000 per violation. The bill defines "certified doula" as a state-approved professional providing support before, during, and after childbirth.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey municipalities to submit quarterly reports to the Department of Community Affairs about affordable housing, senior citizen housing, and veteran housing units within their borders. The reports must include building addresses, management contacts, application status (including waitlists), and online application links. The state will compile this information into a public online directory on official housing websites (including the Department of Community Affairs, Housing Finance Agency, and Housing Resource Center) and mandate that municipalities link to these sites from their own websites. Municipalities will receive state reimbursement for costs related to gathering and submitting the data.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a program to reward employees who report tax law violations by employers in New Jersey's construction industry. Whistleblowers who provide specific, credible information leading to an administrative or judicial action against an employer can receive 15% to 30% of recovered taxes, penalties, and interest, or up to 10% if the tip came from media or government sources. It excludes employees who obtained information through their official duties or planned the violations themselves, and includes protections against retaliation under New Jersey's Conscientious Employee Protection Act. The program applies specifically to employers engaged in building, construction, repair, or maintenance work as defined in the bill.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires owners of seasonal rental properties (short-term rentals under 125 days) to clearly state in all advertisements whether pets are permitted. If they fail to disclose this, renters can cancel their agreement within 12 hours of moving in and receive a full refund of any payments. Online rental platforms and real estate agents acting as the owner’s representatives are not held liable for the owner’s failure to provide this notice. The law takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans the intentional addition of carcinogens, reproductive toxicants, flame resistant chemicals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to synthetic hair products sold in New Jersey. It specifically targets products made from artificial fibers like polyester, nylon, or cellulose that mimic human hair. The law prohibits manufacturers, sellers, or distributors from offering such products in the state if they contain these substances, with violations punishable by fines up to $20,000 per offense. The bill defines prohibited chemicals using U.S. agency standards (like WHO and EPA classifications) to clarify compliance.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A1469) allows state, county, and local governments to create "special event zones" around large gatherings (25+ attendees or approved events) to improve traffic safety. Within these zones, authorities can temporarily lower speed limits and ban "exhibition driving" (reckless maneuvers like tire screeching or driving on vehicle roofs). Drivers violating speed limits or exhibition driving rules in these zones face higher fines - up to $1,000 - and additional penalties for certain offenses. The zones remain active during the event and for a reasonable time before/after, with clear signage indicating restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3281) requires all land-based firefighters in New Jersey - both paid and volunteer - who perform fire suppression, firefighting, or fire rescue to complete Coast Guard-approved marine firefighting training. It mandates three training tiers: a basic course (with existing firefighters having one year to complete it after enactment), an advanced course within two years of basic training, and biennial in-service training thereafter. The bill also establishes a separate instructor qualification course for firefighters who complete the basic/advanced training and meet in-service requirements. The legislation is pending before the Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee, with no effective date set yet.