Asm. Gabe Rodriguez

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Office of Information Technology to create a single, centralized website to help residents navigate mental health and substance use disorder services. The website must provide easily searchable information on treatment options, hotlines, peer support groups, housing resources, emergency procedures, and agency oversight - all in plain language with direct links. It will be maintained in collaboration with state departments including Mental Health Services, Health, and Children's Services. The site must be prominently linked on those departments' websites and publicized through multiple media channels. This directly benefits individuals seeking mental health/substance use support and their families by simplifying access to critical resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's public colleges and universities to provide free menstrual products (tampons and sanitary napkins) in all campus buildings, including lecture halls, residence halls, and restrooms. Institutions must ensure access in all women’s restrooms, all-gender restrooms, and at least one men’s restroom, offering varied options like allergy-friendly and different absorbency levels. The state appropriates $85,000 from the General Fund to reimburse institutions for costs, and schools must also provide educational materials on menstrual health and disposal. The policy applies starting the first full academic year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new first-degree crime called "home invasion" for entering a residence with intent to commit certain serious crimes (like robbery, sexual assault, or kidnapping) while another person is present and using force, threats, or being armed. It mandates a 10-30 year prison sentence with 85% served without parole under the No Early Release Act. Additionally, it upgrades burglary of a residence to a second-degree crime if anyone other than the offender is present in the home (regardless of the offender’s knowledge), increasing the maximum sentence from 5 years to 10 years. These changes directly affect individuals committing such offenses in residential settings.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A613 requires publicly traded corporations with their principal office in the state to appoint women to their boards of directors. By December 31, 2023, all such corporations must have at least one female director; by December 31, 2025, requirements increase based on board size (e.g., three women for boards of six or more directors). Corporations must annually report director demographics to the Secretary of State and face fines of $100,000 for first violations and $300,000 for repeat failures to meet quotas. The bill aims to increase gender diversity in corporate leadership through mandatory representation standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A128) creates a $1,200 annual deduction against New Jersey gross income tax for parents and guardians who purchase qualifying school supplies for students enrolled in public or nonpublic elementary, secondary, or higher education institutions in the state. It specifically covers common items like notebooks, pencils, paper, backpacks, calculators, and other classroom essentials listed in the bill. The deduction applies to purchases made during the taxable year and takes effect immediately upon enactment for the following calendar year. This policy directly affects New Jersey taxpayers with school-aged children by reducing their taxable income for eligible education-related expenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) agencies to remain open during public health emergencies and ensures the state funds one HPP agency in each populous county (defined as a county with 350,000 or more residents per the latest federal census). The Department of Community Affairs must provide ongoing funding for these agencies, and if federal pandemic-related funds become unavailable, the agency may request state funding from the General Fund. This applies specifically to counties meeting the population threshold, guaranteeing continuous homelessness prevention services during emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes "gang shoplifting" as a new third-degree crime in New Jersey. It applies when two or more people enter a store together and openly take items without paying (intending to deprive the store of them) or tamper with property to endanger people or damage the store. Convicted individuals face a mandatory minimum one-year prison sentence without parole eligibility, plus potential fines up to $15,000. The bill directly targets coordinated retail thefts, specifically addressing incidents described as "flash mobs" looting stores in public view.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the protected tenancy period for eligible senior citizens and disabled tenants from 40 years to their lifetime when a rental building is converted to condominium, cooperative, or other ownership. It applies to tenants aged 62 or older (or surviving spouses 50+ with one year of residency) and those with qualifying disabilities (including veterans with 60% disability) who have lived in the building for at least one year. The law prevents landlords from evicting these tenants or raising rents solely due to conversion, ensuring they can remain in their homes without disruption. This update aligns with longer life expectancies and economic challenges, particularly post-pandemic.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Department of Early Childhood as a principal department within New Jersey's Executive Branch. It transfers numerous early childhood-related responsibilities from the Departments of Education, Human Services, Children and Families, and Health to this new department. The transfer includes programs for children from pregnancy through age eight, such as preschool education, child care services, home visitation programs, and early intervention services. The bill specifies the structure of the new department, including the role of the Commissioner of Early Childhood, and requires coordination among existing departments for an orderly transition of programs and staff.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state correctional facilities to allow inmates with disabilities to use service animals (trained to perform tasks) or companion animals (pets for emotional support) under a new program. Inmates must apply through the Department of Corrections, with requests for new animals evaluated within 30 days for feasibility and need. The program mandates vaccination documentation for animals and requires the Department of Corrections, with input from the Department of Human Services, to establish rules for animal care, safety, hours of use, and logistical procedures. The bill appropriates state funds to cover implementation costs.