Asm. Barbara McCann Stamato

Maddy summaryThis bill requires mental health services in New Jersey to be provided in a culturally affirming and linguistically appropriate manner for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. It mandates that services be delivered in the client's primary method of communication, as determined by the client's preference or a communication assessment, and that mental health professionals be certified as fluent in that method. The bill establishes a deaf services coordinator position within the Department of Human Services to oversee implementation, develop certification standards for professionals, and ensure access to services statewide, including through telemedicine in underserved areas. It also requires the development of a statewide system of care with specific standards for communication accessibility and cultural competence in mental health services.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A 4361 establishes rules for app-based micro transit services (like on-demand shuttle programs) operating within the state. It requires drivers to hold commercial licenses and receive equal pay/wages as other transit workers, ensures new services expand coverage to "transit deserts" (areas with limited public transit access) without replacing existing routes, and mandates that existing employees aren't harmed by new programs. The bill creates a three-member Micro Transit Oversight Committee - representing transit agencies, the legislature, and transit worker unions - to review and certify all program plans before implementation. These requirements apply to New Jersey Transit, county agencies, and third-party contractors providing such services.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for retail theft offenses based on the value of stolen goods, with shoplifting over $500 becoming a third-degree crime. It creates a new offense for "fostering the sale of stolen property" (including online sales) and upgrades penalties for "leader of organized retail theft enterprise" to a first-degree crime. The bill establishes a retail theft unit within the Attorney General's office to investigate and prosecute organized retail theft, and includes new requirements for gift card retailers to prevent fraud through packaging standards and third-party reseller record-keeping. It also creates extended prison terms for repeat retail theft offenders and increases penalties for tax evasion related to retail theft.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public schools (including charter and district schools) to adopt a policy governing student cell phone and social media use during school hours, on school buses, and at school events. The policy must align with guidelines developed by the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) within 90 days of the law's effective date. These guidelines mandate age-appropriate restrictions, ban non-academic phone use during class, permit emergency or health-related exceptions, address device types (like smartwatches), and provide storage options. The policy must also communicate rules to students, families, and staff while complying with special education laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for on-demand micro transit programs in New Jersey, which are technology-enabled shared rides requested via app or phone (like ride-sharing but public). It directly affects transit agencies, drivers, and riders in areas without existing public transit ("transit deserts"). Key requirements include: monthly data reporting on cost, ridership, and wait times; drivers needing commercial licenses and equal pay to regular transit workers; services must be accessible to people without smartphones/internet or disabilities; and new programs must expand service to transit deserts instead of replacing existing routes. A new Oversight Committee must certify all plans before service begins, ensuring compliance with these standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5329) requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to study the costs of creating a long-term health care benefit for residents. The study must model two specific approaches: (1) a public benefit funded by worker payroll deductions providing time-limited insurance, or (2) a public-private reinsurance model to stabilize insurer reimbursement for catastrophic long-term care costs. Within 365 days, the DOH must submit a report analyzing expected costs/benefits, participant numbers, potential Medicaid savings, and state risks to the Governor and Legislature. The report will include recommendations for future legislation or regulations, but the bill itself does not establish any benefit or mandate changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill permits municipalities to allow a single exit stairwell in new multi-unit residential buildings of six stories or less. It also allows the first floor to be used for non-hazardous non-residential purposes (like retail) if entrances are separate from residential areas. The policy applies only to new development applications submitted after the bill takes effect, and the state must create and publish a model ordinance for municipalities to adopt.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A4935) creates an Artificial Intelligence Apprenticeship Program within the Department of Labor to connect employers in the AI industry with apprentices focused on AI technology, data analytics, and automation. It also establishes a tax credit allowing employers to claim up to $5,000 per qualified apprentice (half of their wages, capped annually) against New Jersey’s gross income tax and corporation business tax. To qualify, apprentices must work at least 20 weeks per year in a compliant AI apprenticeship program (max four years), covering roles like AI software development or generative AI content creation. The program requires collaboration between employers, educational institutions, and the state to develop training pathways. This directly affects AI industry employers and unskilled/semi-skilled workers entering AI careers in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) in New Jersey to be enrolled in the Workers Compensation Judges Part of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) instead of the current Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP). ALJs currently enrolled in DCRP would be transferred to the Workers Compensation and Administrative Law Judges Part of PERS within 90 days of the bill's effective date, with their retirement accounts and service credit transferred as well. The State General Fund would cover the unfunded liability for benefits related to this transfer. This change would bring ALJs under the same retirement system as Workers Compensation Judges, who have been in this specific PERS part since 2001.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the AI and Labor Market Study Commission to examine how artificial intelligence affects New Jersey's workforce. The commission, composed of 11 members including state officials and private experts (with at least four having AI expertise), will identify jobs at risk of displacement, develop worker transition programs, and recommend policies. It creates a Job Transition Fund - initially funded by existing state job training money - to support displaced workers through education, training, and job placement services. The commission must report findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature at least twice yearly.