Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Interagency Council on Homelessness within New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs to replace the existing Homelessness Prevention Task Force. The council, composed of 24 members including state agency leaders and public representatives (with at least two members who have experienced homelessness and two with housing expertise), will advise the Office of Homelessness Prevention and develop recommendations for coordinating services, identifying funding, and creating permanent housing solutions. It must produce an annual report for the Governor and Legislature detailing its findings and proposals. The council directly affects state agencies, homeless service providers, advocacy groups, and people experiencing or at risk of homelessness through its collaborative policy development process.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state grant program through New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development to fund YouthBuild programs serving economically disadvantaged youth aged 16-24 who have not completed high school. The program requires participating organizations to provide integrated education and job training (50% classroom instruction, 50% construction/vocational training), leadership development, counseling, and job placement assistance. It mandates that programs provide stipends to participants to cover participation costs and culminate in industry-recognized credentials. Only nonprofit organizations affiliated with YouthBuild USA or with previous HUD YouthBuild funding are eligible to apply, and funded programs must report outcomes to the Department of Labor. The bill appropriates state funds to support this program, aiming to increase access to and sustainability of YouthBuild services throughout New Jersey.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows health care professionals, patients, and their employers to sue if someone files or uses lawsuits to stop reproductive health care services provided in New Jersey. It targets "abusive litigation," such as lawsuits filed in other states to punish providers for services given to patients in New Jersey (even if the patient was elsewhere), or efforts to enforce out-of-state rulings against these services. Affected parties can seek court orders, money damages, or other relief within three years of the harmful legal action. The law specifically protects services like abortion, contraception, and pregnancy care covered under existing New Jersey laws (P.L.2021, c.375 and P.L.2022, c.51).
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) to hire a Transportation Planning Coordinator to oversee transportation services for DHS clients, including individuals receiving human services. The coordinator must have relevant transportation experience and will manage contracted providers, monitor safety issues, handle client complaints, maintain service records, and analyze costs to improve efficiency. Annual reports on activities and complaint resolution must be submitted to the DHS commissioner. The position aims to enhance oversight and reliability of transportation services provided to vulnerable populations served by DHS. The bill takes effect 10 months after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends New Jersey's existing protections against school suspensions and expulsions to students in third grade. Currently, students in preschool through second grade cannot be suspended or expelled (except for gun offenses or violent/sexual conduct endangering others); this bill adds third graders to that protection. It prohibits out-of-school suspensions for kindergarten through third grade students for non-violent or non-sexual offenses, and bans expulsions except under the "Zero Tolerance for Guns Act" or for violent/sexual conduct. The law applies to all public school districts and charter schools in New Jersey.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey driver's licenses to display a hearing impairment designation on the front for eligible individuals. It applies to people with a verified hearing loss of 41 dB or greater (confirmed by an ENT or certified audiologist), who can choose between the international deafness symbol or a numerical code. The designation must appear prominently on the license front, with no additional fee beyond standard license costs. The change aims to improve visibility of hearing impairments for safety awareness during traffic interactions.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-run insulin assistance program administered by New Jersey's Department of Human Services. It provides full reimbursement to participating pharmacies for insulin and related supplies dispensed to uninsured individuals who qualify based on financial hardship and have a valid prescription. Qualified individuals receive insulin at no cost for 90-day periods, with the option to reapply for additional 90-day terms if funds remain available. Participation is contingent on both department funding and documented inability to afford insulin despite having a prescription. The program requires pharmacies to register with the state and dispense insulin only to approved individuals meeting the financial criteria.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits franchisors from requiring franchisees to include no-poaching agreements that prevent hiring employees who currently or previously worked for the franchisor or other franchisees in the same chain. It directly affects franchisees and their employees, particularly in industries like restaurants and fast food where such agreements are common. The bill amends the Franchise Practices Act to allow employees to sue franchisors or franchisees for violations and recover damages, including attorney fees.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey firefighters (both paid and volunteer) to complete Coast Guard-approved marine firefighting training. It mandates a basic course within one year for current firefighters, an advanced course within two years of completing basic training, and ongoing biennial refresher training thereafter. The bill also establishes requirements for firefighter instructors who must complete specialized training to teach these courses. These changes apply to all land-based firefighters engaged in fire suppression or rescue operations across the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Police Training Commission to include cultural diversity and implicit bias training in the basic curriculum for all new police officers. It defines implicit bias as having unconscious attitudes or stereotypes toward people based on race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. The bill also mandates that instructors at police training schools must complete specialized training in cultural diversity and implicit bias. This applies to all municipal, county, and state police departments across New Jersey, affecting every officer undergoing initial training.