Asm. Gabe Rodriguez

Maddy summaryACR 103 is a New Jersey concurrent resolution condemning a proposed federal rule by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The rule would require mixed-status families (households with both immigration-status-eligible and ineligible members in federally-subsidized housing) to either separate or face eviction within 18 months after immigration status screening. HUD analysis indicates this could displace over 55,000 children, including U.S. citizens, and increase costs by millions while potentially reducing housing quality and quantity. The resolution urges federal leaders to invest in affordable housing instead of implementing this rule, which would create administrative burdens for housing providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Commission on Health Equity within the Department of Health to address health disparities linked to racism and systemic inequities. The 27-member commission, including department heads and a local health department representative, will develop strategies to improve health outcomes for communities of color. Key provisions require collecting data on health outcomes by race, ethnicity, and language; making recommendations on implicit bias training for healthcare providers; and establishing a health equity framework for government decision-making. The commission must report annually to the Governor and Legislature on progress and recommendations, directly affecting state agencies, healthcare providers, and communities experiencing health disparities.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A563) amends New Jersey law to classify disclosing a domestic violence or sexual assault victim's personal information as a second-degree crime, regardless of the monetary value involved. It directly affects public servants (like law enforcement or government employees) who might improperly share such sensitive details. The key change removes the current $200 threshold that would downgrade similar misconduct to a third-degree crime if the benefit was minor. Under this bill, any disclosure of victim information would automatically be treated as a more serious second-degree offense, carrying penalties of 5-10 years in prison or fines up to $150,000.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A879 requires all public and nonpublic schools to test drinking water outlets (like fountains and faucets) for lead at least every five years, with initial testing due within 90 days of the bill’s effective date. Schools must remediate any elevated lead levels by closing affected outlets, replacing plumbing, or providing safe alternatives, and immediately notify staff and parents if lead is found. They must also publicly disclose all test results online and submit detailed reports to environmental and health departments. This applies to all schools except those already meeting federal lead standards as public water systems.

Maddy summaryThe "HOPE Initiative Act" (A3300) requires New Jersey's Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services to create a statewide public awareness campaign about heroin and opioid addiction. The campaign, called the "HOPE Initiative," will use all available media - including TV, social media, billboards, and even milk cartons - to share information on addiction pathways, warning signs, treatment options, naloxone use, and ways to safely dispose of prescription opioids. It mandates tailored messages for different groups: at-risk individuals and support networks like families, medical professionals, and employers, with culturally appropriate materials in multiple languages. The initiative must be evaluated annually through focus groups and household surveys, with annual reports to the Governor and Legislature on its effectiveness and needed improvements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Military Suicide Prevention Task Force within New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and Department of Human Services. The task force, made up of 17 members including veterans, mental health experts, and state agency representatives, will focus on reducing and eliminating suicides among active duty military members and veterans. It will identify key issues, review current services, examine suicide prevention data, and recommend evidence-based strategies and potential legislation. The task force must submit biannual reports to the Governor and Legislature with findings and concrete recommendations for improving mental health support and crisis resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow New Jersey teachers in public or nonpublic elementary and secondary schools to deduct up to $1,000 of unreimbursed classroom supply expenses from their state income tax. Classroom supplies include items like books, pencils, computers, and lab equipment used for daily teaching. The deduction applies only to expenses not covered by the school, and teachers must meet the definition of "eligible educator" under the bill. The policy would take effect for tax years beginning the year after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey electric, gas, and water utilities to notify customers about service outages using automated phone calls, text messages, and email alerts - using contact information already on file with the utility. The alerts must include outage location, estimated duration, utility and emergency contact details, and how to report related issues. Outages caused by non-payment are excluded, and state/local emergency agencies may share utility-provided outage information through their own alert systems. The requirement takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1703) makes landlord-tenant court records confidential for most cases to prevent unfair tenant screening. It requires court records to stay private for 60 days after filing, and indefinitely if the tenant wins or the case is dismissed - only becoming public if a landlord wins a judgment for possession (with exceptions for appeals or tenant remedies). Landlords cannot consider cases that didn’t result in a judgment for possession or judgments older than three years when screening applicants. Additionally, landlords must provide written notices explaining adverse rental decisions and disclosing any screening reports used, with penalties for violations including $1,000+ fines.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides tax credits to businesses and individuals who purchase hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for business use. It offers tiered credits: 25% of the vehicle cost (up to $15,000) for 2023 purchases, 15% (up to $9,000) for 2024, and 8% (up to $5,000) for 2025. To qualify, purchasers must obtain certification from the Environmental Protection Commissioner confirming the vehicle meets hydrogen fuel cell standards. The credits apply against corporation business tax or gross income tax, but cannot exceed 50% of the tax liability for the year.