Asm. Shanique Speight

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public transportation employees in New Jersey (specifically those working for NJ Transit) to complete a one-time training course on recognizing and responding to suspected human trafficking. The training must include information about known signs and signals used by trafficking victims seeking help or observed in public spaces. Current employees must complete the training within two years of the bill's effective date, while new employees must complete it within six months of starting their position. The New Jersey Transit Corporation will develop the training, establish which staff must complete it, and ensure materials are provided to employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to teach cursive handwriting to students in grades K-5. It mandates that school districts incorporate cursive instruction into the curriculum, including activities to help students read and write cursive legibly by the end of third grade. The law applies to all public school students in these grades and takes effect immediately for the next full school year after enactment. The bill does not specify funding or assessment methods, focusing solely on the curriculum requirement.

Maddy summaryAJR 67 designates the last week of April each year as "Reentry Week" in New Jersey. This resolution aims to raise public awareness about the challenges formerly incarcerated individuals face when returning to communities, such as finding housing, employment, healthcare, and reconnecting with families. It encourages state agencies, local organizations, and communities to observe the week through activities supporting successful reintegration. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of reentry efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale of cosmetics, carpets, and fabric treatments containing intentionally added PFAS (forever chemicals) starting two years after enactment. It also requires cookware manufacturers to notify consumers if their products contain PFAS. The law directly affects manufacturers of these consumer goods and aims to reduce human exposure to PFAS, which accumulate in the environment and are linked to health issues like cancer. The bill mandates state-funded research and educational programs about PFAS to protect public health.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires midwives and physicians in New Jersey to provide pregnant patients with written, evidence-based information about all available birthing options (including hospital births, home births, C-sections, and associated health risks) before labor begins. It mandates this information be provided in English and at least seven common non-English languages spoken by limited-English-proficiency residents, based on census data, during the initial consultation and annually thereafter. The content must cover all options, medication risks (like epidurals), and insurance coverage details. The law applies directly to pregnant patients receiving care from certified midwives or physicians in New Jersey. The Department of Health must create rules to implement these requirements within 180 days of enactment.

Maddy summaryS 3447 establishes a Special Education Transportation Task Force to study and recommend best practices for transporting students receiving special education services in New Jersey. The 18-member task force includes education officials, disability advocates, school staff, and parents, and will examine safety protocols, medical emergency response, equipment access, and staff training for these students. It must issue recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 12 months of forming, focusing on reviewing current policies and identifying areas for improvement. The bill does not change existing laws but directs the task force to study transportation challenges without implementing immediate changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires midwives and physicians providing obstetric care in New Jersey to give pregnant patients written, evidence-based information about all available birthing options before delivery. It mandates that this information be provided in English and at least seven common non-English languages (based on Census data), covering options like hospital births, home births, scheduled C-sections, medications (including epidurals and Pitocin), associated health risks, and insurance coverage details. Providers must offer this information during the initial consultation and again before labor begins, with annual updates in the patient's preferred language. The Department of Health will create implementing rules, and the law takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5435) requires New Jersey's Division of Housing and Community Resources (DCA) to create a single, user-friendly online application form for all state and nonprofit residential utility assistance programs. It directs the DCA to partner with state agencies and designated nonprofits to integrate all existing and temporary programs - such as those helping households pay utility bills or improve energy efficiency - into one centralized website. The consolidated application aims to simplify access for residents struggling with utility costs by replacing multiple separate forms. The DCA must adopt necessary rules to implement this system, which would directly affect low-income households seeking utility bill assistance and the agencies administering these programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a system where municipalities that update their zoning regulations to allow for more housing options receive priority for state funding. Municipalities that adopt specific housing strategies - such as permitting accessory dwelling units, reducing parking requirements, or allowing multi-unit developments in commercial zones - can qualify for preference in state grants, including the Main Street New Jersey Program and Neighborhood Preservation Program. School districts in these municipalities may also receive up to a 10% increase in state aid for school construction projects. The bill requires municipalities to review and potentially amend their master plans and zoning regulations to incorporate these housing strategies, with planning boards required to report findings and recommend changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies (including the Department of Community Affairs, Department of Human Services, and the Board of Public Utilities) to review and potentially increase income thresholds for residential customers to qualify for utility bill assistance and energy efficiency programs. It directly affects low- and moderate-income households by expanding eligibility if agencies determine an increase is appropriate. Key mechanisms include mandating public input during reviews, aligning income thresholds across programs, and ensuring households aren't eligible for both low- and moderate-income energy efficiency programs. The review must be completed within one year of the bill's effective date, with agencies considering factors like State median income and program costs. The bill does not change current program rules but sets a process for future eligibility adjustments.