Asm. Shanique Speight

Maddy summaryAJR 226 designates April 11 of each year as "Black Doula Day" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to honor Black doulas, who provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support during childbirth. It aligns with Global Black Doula Day and references New Jersey's maternal health disparities, where Black mothers face over seven times higher pregnancy-related mortality rates than white mothers. This is a ceremonial designation with no new policy requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's "Daniel's Law" to protect victim support advocates and victim support care providers by allowing them to request that their home addresses and unpublished phone numbers not be disclosed publicly. It establishes a process where authorized representatives (like legal guardians) can request removal of such information from the internet, and prohibits posting or sharing these details online without a court order or law enforcement need. Violating these restrictions would be a crime, with reckless violations classified as a fourth-degree offense and intentional violations as a third-degree offense. The law also exempts news media from liability for past publications and maintains telephone directory exemptions unless the individual has specifically requested to be unpublished.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's crime compensation law to allow victims of sexual assault to qualify for financial assistance even if they did not report the crime to police. Specifically, it permits compensation for unreported sexual offenses where the victim received forensic medical services through a sexual assault response team within nine months of the incident. The change directly affects victims who may avoid reporting due to trauma or fear, expanding eligibility beyond the standard requirement of a police report. It modifies Section 18 of the Victim Compensation and Advocacy Office (VCCO) law to include this exception as a valid pathway for compensation claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year "Sexual Violence Restorative Justice Pilot Program" in New Jersey, administered by the Attorney General through trauma-informed organizations (not tied to law enforcement). It directly serves survivors of sexual violence - including those who chose not to report to police - by offering voluntary restorative practices focused on their autonomy, healing, and control, with no mandatory participation. Key provisions include strict confidentiality for all program communications (preventing use in court unless waived), requirements for statewide service access, and a post-pilot evaluation report to the Governor and Legislature. The program aims to complement traditional justice systems by prioritizing survivor needs through structured, survivor-led processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires retailers to provide a raincheck for 60 days if a product or service advertised via a digital coupon (like a phone or website discount) is unavailable at the time of purchase. It directly affects retailers using digital coupons and protects consumers who cannot redeem the advertised offer. The key provision mandates that retailers issue a written raincheck allowing customers to obtain the same item at the same discounted price within 60 days. Violations would be considered consumer fraud under New Jersey law, with penalties including fines.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires four-year public and independent colleges, as well as private vocational schools, to collect and publicly post employment data for graduates. Starting with the 2022-2023 graduating class, institutions must conduct annual surveys and report metrics like: the percentage of graduates employed in their field or any field within one year, average salaries, and enrollment in graduate programs. The data must be posted on the institution's website for four years, alongside existing cost and graduation rate information already required by law. This affects all qualifying institutions in New Jersey and aims to provide transparency for students and families comparing educational options.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's aggravated assault statute to update the definition of "health care professional" to match the broader definition established in the "Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act." Currently, the aggravated assault statute only covers specific health care workers, while the "Health Care Heroes" law includes a wider range of staff such as volunteers, supportive services staff, and other employees working in health care facilities. By aligning these definitions, the bill ensures all health care professionals covered under the "Health Care Heroes" law would also be protected under the aggravated assault statute. This change directly affects health care workers, volunteers, and support staff across New Jersey who provide patient care or perform official duties in health care settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for retailers who sell tobacco or vapor products to people under 21. First violations now carry $500 fines (up from $250), second violations $1,000 (up from $500), and third or subsequent violations $2,000 (up from $1,000). Small businesses with clear compliance policies pay only $100 for the first violation. Five percent of collected fines will fund public education on vapor product dangers and illegal sales. Retailers must also post new signs at points of sale and vending machines warning that selling to minors is prohibited.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Food Security Coordination and Response Program within the Department of Human Services to improve access to food and nutrition resources during crises. It creates a working group with state health and human services agencies, plus community representatives, to coordinate responses when SNAP or WIC benefits face widespread disruption. The program also sets up an Emergency Fund to provide immediate grants to local food banks, childcare programs, and community organizations for distributing food and assisting with benefit enrollment during crises. The initiative specifically aims to reach pregnant individuals, parents of young children, and communities with culturally appropriate outreach in multiple languages.

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers the New Jersey Historic Trust from the Department of State to the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), aligning its statutory home with its current administrative placement since 2002. It updates trustee qualifications, requiring citizen members to have five years of experience in preservation, fundraising, or related fields, and expands the Trust’s authority to collect fees for workshops and loan applications. The Trust will continue its core work preserving historic sites and managing programs like the Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Fund. The bill ensures all existing functions, personnel, and records transfer seamlessly to DCA without altering the Trust’s mission or operations.