Asm. Heather Simmons

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's post-election audit procedures to enhance election integrity. It requires the Secretary of State to appoint an independent audit team each year to oversee manual or third-party electronic audits of voter-verifiable paper records for federal, statewide, and selected local elections. Audits must cover at least 2% of election districts (with exemptions for smaller elections) and must meet strict statistical standards: ensuring 99% confidence for statewide races and 90% for others that a full manual recount wouldn’t change results. The audit team must include statistical and auditing experts, with strict rules barring campaign staff or voting system vendors from participation. These changes directly affect county election officials who must conduct the audits and the Secretary of State who appoints the teams.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey county colleges to collaborate with county social services boards and state agencies to expand access to social services for low-income students. It mandates colleges to provide students with information about programs like SNAP, TANF, and childcare subsidies, and to facilitate direct application assistance through on-campus partnerships. The New Jersey Council of County Colleges must coordinate with the Department of Human Services to train college staff on helping students navigate these supports. Additionally, colleges must partner with workforce boards to identify unemployed residents and connect them to career-focused college programs.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4374) makes two specific violations of New Jersey's Prevailing Wage Act criminal offenses. It targets employers who knowingly falsify payroll records for public construction projects or submit false information on contractor registration forms. Currently, these violations result in fines up to $25,000 and disqualification from public work; the bill upgrades them to a fourth-degree crime punishable by up to $10,000 in fines, 18 months in jail, or both. The law applies directly to employers working on state or local public construction projects requiring prevailing wage compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies eligibility rules for New Jersey's State small business set-aside program, which helps direct state government contracts to small businesses. It specifies that employee count requirements apply only to businesses without a federal revenue standard (13 CFR §121.201), and changes how gross revenue is calculated: businesses must now use a 5-year average (instead of 3 years) of revenue history for eligibility. This directly affects businesses seeking state contracts under the program, requiring updated revenue reporting. The changes update the existing Set-Aside Act (P.L.1983, c.482) and supersede certain existing regulations.

Maddy summaryS 2346 creates a three-year pilot program to protect vulnerable residents during extreme heat and poor air quality events. It establishes "Code Red" alerts triggered when heat index reaches 95°F+ for two days or air quality hits index 151+, requiring counties to coordinate cooling centers, transportation, and outreach for homeless or outdoor residents. The bill appropriates $5 million total - $500,000 per participating county - to fund this effort in 10 selected counties. Counties must develop alert plans with local agencies, report to the state, and submit a final evaluation on the program’s effectiveness after the pilot ends.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts minors under 16 who are featured in family-run vlogs (not creating their own content) from standard child labor restrictions. It defines a "vlogger" as a caregiver or family member creating compensated video content featuring a minor, excluding minors under 16 who produce their own vlogs. The exemption applies when a minor meets specific criteria over a 12-month period, allowing them to work as a vlog subject without needing a theatrical permit. This directly affects minors working in family vlog content creation and their caregivers. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Budget Committee after passing the Assembly.

Maddy summaryS 2961 requires contractors working on New Jersey public works projects (funded by public money) to certify that each employee meets one of three minimum qualifications: a high school diploma or GED, enrollment in an equivalent apprenticeship program, or four years of documented trade work experience verified by tax filings. Contractors must submit this certification as part of their registration with the state, alongside other required documentation like business details and insurance proof. Non-compliance could lead to denial, suspension, or revocation of the contractor’s public works registration. The bill directly affects contractors bidding on public projects and the workers they employ on those projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 3-year pilot program requiring New Jersey counties to establish "Code Red" alerts during extreme heat events when the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory. It directly affects at-risk individuals living outdoors or in poorly insulated housing who face weather-related health risks. Counties must coordinate with municipalities and social service agencies to set up cooling centers, transportation, and outreach plans during alerts, with volunteer organizations operating under county guidance. The program includes liability protection for participants and requires a state report on the pilot’s effectiveness after three years, with counties eligible for reimbursement of administrative costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill, "Max's Law," requires New Jersey public school districts to include age-appropriate instruction about fentanyl and xylazine dangers in health classes for students in grades 6 through 12. The curriculum must cover prevention, symptoms of poisoning, emergency response, and relevant laws protecting those seeking help. School districts must use resources from federal agencies like the CDC and NIH, and the state education department will provide materials and post online resources for staff, students, and parents. The law takes effect immediately, applying to the first full school year after enactment, with annual reports evaluating its impact on youth drug use and poisoning.