Asm. Gabe Rodriguez

Maddy summaryThis bill codifies and expands New Jersey's "rescue doctrine" to allow rescuers to recover damages for injuries sustained while trying to save a person or property endangered by another's wrongful conduct. It specifically extends the current law - which previously only covered rescuers helping people - to include rescuers protecting property (such as a pet or belongings) that was put at risk due to someone else's negligence or wrongdoing. Under the bill, if a person's negligent act creates a dangerous situation imperiling another or their property, the responsible party must also cover injuries to a rescuer who acts to protect them, as long as the harm arises from risks inherent in the rescue effort. The law takes effect immediately and aligns New Jersey with the majority of states and recommendations from the New Jersey Law Revision Commission.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A3857) allows licensed social workers to earn up to four hours of required continuing education credit by volunteering as poll workers during state primary or general elections. Social workers can receive two credits per election (primary or general), with a maximum of four credits per license renewal period. To claim these credits, they must provide proof of service via a certified letter from their local election office or as otherwise approved by the State Board of Social Work Examiners. The bill does not require social workers to volunteer - it simply offers this service as an optional way to fulfill continuing education requirements.

Maddy summaryAJR 180 designates July of each year as "Self-Care Awareness Month" in New Jersey. The resolution encourages the Governor to issue an annual proclamation and invites public officials and residents to observe the month with activities promoting self-care practices, such as healthy lifestyle choices, proper hygiene, and using over-the-counter health products like bandages or vitamins. This resolution does not create new laws or requirements but aims to raise awareness of how self-care can improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs, citing that over-the-counter medicine use saves the healthcare system over $146 billion annually.

Maddy summaryS 2082 creates a 12-member New Jersey Educator Evaluation Review Task Force to examine the state's current teacher and administrator evaluation system established under the 2012 TEACHNJ Act. The task force will specifically study the use of student growth objectives in evaluations, assess administrative burdens on educators, review current research on effective evaluation practices, and recommend potential updates to the law. It will hold public hearings and submit a final report to the Governor and Legislature by September 30, 2024. This bill does not change evaluation rules directly but sets up a process to review them; the current system affects all public school teachers, principals, and administrators in New Jersey. The task force includes representatives from teachers' unions, school administrators, and education associations.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "general barber" license category in New Jersey, distinct from the existing "barber" license. It establishes a two-year barbering apprenticeship program with a maximum of 550 hours of training, requiring instruction in shears-over-comb techniques, shop management, ethics, state laws, and sanitation/hygiene. To qualify for the apprenticeship, individuals must be at least 17 years old, have good moral character, and be free of communicable diseases. Barber shops hosting apprenticeships must meet specific requirements regarding oversight and management. Upon completing the apprenticeship, individuals can apply for either a barbering or general barbering license.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the filing deadline for New Jersey public safety retirees and members of PFRS, SPRS, and PERS to claim accidental disability retirement benefits related to 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations. It allows retirement system boards to approve additional two-year filing extensions beyond the initial two-year window required after the 2019 law. The bill also provides an alternative to proving prior medical health status by permitting members to submit medical examination results from before or after public service entry, rather than requiring proof of a passing pre-employment physical. This applies to those who participated in 9/11 operations between September 11-12, 2001, and developed qualifying health conditions as a result of their service. Retirement systems must notify members about this bill within 30 days of enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows 16- and 17-year-old New Jersey residents who are U.S. citizens and live in a school district for at least 30 days to vote only in local school board elections. It requires the Secretary of State to create a registration process and ballot design mirroring existing voter systems for this age group. The bill specifically limits voting rights to school board elections - 16- and 17-year-olds cannot vote in state or federal elections. It does not require school boards or municipalities to take action to implement the change.

Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding assembly resolution (AR 139) expressing formal appreciation to the staff of the New Jersey General Assembly. It specifically thanks the Chief Clerk and all staff members - including Sergeants at Arms, committee services, administrative personnel, and others - for their dedication, expertise, and service during legislative sessions. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is purely a symbolic gesture recognizing staff contributions to the legislature's operations. Copies will be distributed to all General Assembly staff members.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey employers to develop heat safety plans to protect workers from heat-related illness and injury. The plans must include access to cool water, shaded rest areas, regular breaks, and training on recognizing heat illness symptoms. Employers must follow these plans when temperatures reach 90°F outdoors or 87°F indoors, and must review their plans annually. The Department of Labor will enforce these requirements with fines or stop-work orders for violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Division of Minority and Women Business Development within New Jersey's Department of Treasury, led by a State Chief Disparity Officer. The officer will track contract awards to minority- and women-owned businesses, monitor participation rates, and report findings to the Governor and Legislature. All state departments and agencies must appoint a liaison to cooperate with this division. The bill codifies an existing 2006 executive order, requires full implementation of certification rules for these businesses (prohibiting self-certification), and modifies small business set-aside contract procedures. It directly affects state agencies, contractors, and minority/women-owned businesses participating in state procurement.