Asm. Shanique Speight

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits social media platforms from designing, promoting, or using features that could cause children under 18 to develop eating disorders, including promoting diet products. It requires platforms to conduct quarterly internal audits and annual third-party audits to identify harmful features, with corrective action required within 30 days if issues are found. Platforms with under $100 million in annual revenue, gaming-focused services, or those complying with audit requirements are exempt from penalties. Violations could result in civil penalties of up to $250,000 per violation. The bill specifically targets platform algorithms and features, not user-generated content.

Maddy summaryThis bill would establish a legal framework for supervised psilocybin therapy in New Jersey for adults 21+ with behavioral health conditions. It creates licensed psilocybin service centers where trained facilitators provide guided sessions, requiring prior medical referrals and mandatory preparation/integration therapy sessions with mental health providers. The bill defines key terms like "administration session" and "adverse event," and mandates a regulatory system including a Psilocybin Advisory Board to oversee safety, prevent diversion, and ensure accessibility. It specifically targets conditions like depression, anxiety, and treatment-resistant depression, with provisions to develop a statewide strategic plan for long-term service delivery. The bill does not legalize recreational use but focuses on regulated medical access under strict supervision.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A3865) requires public schools to include cursive handwriting instruction for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. It mandates that schools provide age-appropriate learning activities and resources to ensure students can read and write cursive by the end of third grade. The bill aims to address declining cursive skills due to digital technology use and supports cognitive development benefits linked to learning cursive. It directly affects all public school students in the specified grades across New Jersey. The requirement takes effect immediately for the next full school year following enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Pet Insurance Act establishes a regulatory framework for pet insurance in New Jersey, requiring insurers to clearly define key terms like "preexisting condition" and "hereditary disorder" in policies. It mandates specific disclosures to consumers about exclusions (e.g., for hereditary disorders, congenital conditions, or chronic illnesses) and limits waiting periods to 30 days for illnesses or orthopedic conditions (with no waiting period for accidents). The bill also prohibits requiring veterinary exams for policy renewals and mandates that wellness programs be clearly labeled as non-insurance, separate from coverage. Additionally, it requires insurance producers to complete training on policy terms and consumer disclosures before selling pet insurance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state agencies - including departments, boards, and public authorities - to make their websites compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA standard, ensuring they are accessible to people with disabilities. It mandates that all websites must also function properly on smartphones, tablets, and similar mobile devices. State agencies must certify compliance with these standards within two years of the bill’s effective date, with biennial recertification required thereafter. The Chief Technology Officer will establish the certification protocol and oversee compliance for all state government websites.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to offer multiple application options for state-administered housing, shelter, and rental assistance programs - such as Section 8 housing assistance and the State rental assistance program - instead of limiting applicants to online submissions alone. It mandates that applicants must be able to apply via mail, email, in-person delivery, or fax, where federal law permits. The bill directly affects individuals seeking housing aid through DCA programs, removing a potential barrier for those without reliable internet access. Key provisions ensure accessibility by requiring DCA to implement these alternative application methods, with implementation beginning three months after enactment.

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.