Asm. Gabe Rodriguez

Maddy summaryAssembly Resolution 107 urges the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to redirect funding away from current transportation providers for disabled veterans and instead support existing county paratransit services and non-profit organizations (like ARC of New Jersey and Easterseals) that already provide transportation for seniors and people with disabilities. It specifically addresses disabled veterans in New Jersey - approximately 53,000 with service-connected disabilities - who use VA medical centers in East Orange and Lyons, where current transportation has been reported as inadequate (leaving veterans stranded for hours or overnight). The resolution proposes that VA funding enable these established networks to expand their services to cover veterans’ medical travel needs, rather than relying on underfunded or inconsistent VA or volunteer-provided transport. This is a non-binding request to the VA, not a legislative mandate.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Educator Evaluation Review Task Force to study and evaluate the state's current teacher and administrator evaluation system under the TEACHNJ Act. The 12-member task force, including educators, principals, and education organization representatives, must report findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature by September 30, 2024. It temporarily pauses new student growth data collection for the 2024-2025 school year, requiring schools to use existing data instead - except for new, non-tenured, or first-year teachers who must set new objectives during that year. Starting in 2025-2026, school districts will implement updated data collection guidelines based on the task force's final recommendations. The bill directly affects all public school teachers, principals, and administrators in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A3726 establishes the State Commission on Minority Affairs within the Department of State. The commission, composed of government officials and 16 public members (appointed with diversity and geographic considerations), will study and address issues affecting minority communities. Its key duties include researching minority employment, business opportunities, affordable housing, and access to services; collecting and sharing data on available programs; advising the Governor; and recommending legislation. The commission must submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature by December 31 each year.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a voluntary online resume bank for New Jersey residents with disabilities who wish to be appointed to state boards, commissions, authorities, or similar entities (like special committees or task forces). The Governor must establish a webpage listing available appointments and allow individuals to submit their resumes, including personal contact details, disability-related information, and preferred state entities. The resume bank will be accessible to the executive branch and Legislature to help identify qualified candidates for these roles. It does not mandate appointments but aims to streamline the application process for state positions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to require public bodies (like state agencies, municipalities, and authorities) to set aside 0.5% of funds from construction projects over $1 million for outreach and training programs. The funds must support programs preparing minority group members and women for careers in construction trades, engineering, management, and related occupations through apprenticeships and supportive services. Eligible programs can be run by community groups, labor organizations, schools, or other entities through grants from the Department of Labor. Annual reports will track fund usage, program participation, and employment outcomes for participants. The bill updates existing requirements from 2009 to expand covered occupations and ensure consistent fund allocation across all public construction projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Health to create a public awareness campaign focused on improving maternal and child health outcomes. The campaign will provide accessible information through a dedicated state website, including hospital data on cesarean births and breastfeeding rates to help people choose care providers, promote birth plan documentation in medical records, and share guidance on avoiding unnecessary interventions. It also details resources for high-value care options (like midwives and doulas), state Medicaid coverage for pregnant individuals, family leave rights, and breastfeeding support. The initiative directly affects pregnant people, new parents, and healthcare providers across New Jersey by standardizing and expanding access to maternal health information.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (for SNAP and WFNJ programs) and Department of Health (for WIC) to provide recipients with clear information about card skimming and cloning fraud risks, prevention tips, and how to report stolen benefits. It mandates that both departments establish a process to replace stolen benefits using federal funds first (following federal SNAP rules), then state funds if federal funds are unavailable. The bill also requires departments to work with card vendors to implement security upgrades like microchips, transaction alerts, and usage limits on electronic benefits cards. Additionally, departments must report annually on fraud incidents, replaced benefits, and fraud prevention efforts to the Governor and Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state, county, and private adult and juvenile correctional facilities to provide free voice, video, and electronic mail services to incarcerated individuals, eliminating all fees for calls or messages. It prohibits facilities from charging per-minute rates, setup fees, or any other charges to incarcerated persons or their families, and mandates that services must be provided at no cost to any party. The bill appropriates funds from the General Fund to cover implementation costs, ensuring facilities can provide these services without financial burden. As a result, incarcerated individuals and their families will no longer face costs previously associated with communication, such as domestic call fees up to 11 cents per minute.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commission on Human Trafficking to create a report addressing human trafficking prevention during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be partially hosted in New Jersey. The commission must evaluate current anti-trafficking laws, review assistance programs, and develop public awareness strategies - including mandatory signs with the national trafficking hotline - to be displayed by businesses already required to post such notices. The report, due within 180 days of enactment, must include recommendations for expanded hotlines, law changes, public service announcements, and coordinated responses by law enforcement and community organizations. It directly affects the Commission, state agencies, businesses displaying anti-trafficking signs, and the public through awareness efforts. The Attorney General must also issue guidelines for law enforcement to address trafficking risks during the event.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year "Male Teachers of Color Mentorship Pilot Program" in New Jersey, targeting male students of color in their final year of educator preparation programs at participating colleges and male teachers of color currently working in schools. The program pairs each eligible student with a mentor teacher for their final academic year and the first two years of teaching, if hired by the same school district. Mentors receive a $5,000 annual stipend, and participating schools must make a good-faith effort to hire students who receive positive performance reviews. The program requires a final report on effectiveness and is funded with $95,000 from the General Fund.