Asm. Gabe Rodriguez

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Assembly passed Resolution AR 45, urging Congress to pass H.R.3339, which proposes establishing a national infrastructure bank. The resolution does not create new funding but calls for federal action to address infrastructure gaps. It highlights concerns about aging systems in New Jersey (like 29% of roads in poor condition) and nationwide needs cited by groups like the American Society of Civil Engineers. The proposed bank would generate capital by trading U.S. Treasury Bonds for preferred stock, similar to a commercial bank, to fund projects including transportation, broadband, and energy grids. This resolution directly affects Congress, urging it to advance H.R.3339.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for primary care services to match Medicare rates for the same services, using $20 million in state funding. It directly affects Medicaid providers - including family doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and midwives - who deliver primary care to Medicaid beneficiaries. The rate increase applies to both fee-for-service and managed care systems, ensuring payments for common services (like routine checkups) are at least 100% of Medicare rates. The bill requires a report by July 2024 on how these changes impact access to and quality of care for Medicaid patients.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that New Jersey's Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991 explicitly covers elder abuse occurring in domestic settings. It directly affects elderly individuals living in non-institutionalized homes (not in care facilities) who experience abuse from family members or caregivers. The key change amends the Act's definition of "victim of domestic violence" to expressly include "elderly persons" who are not protected under separate elder care laws (P.L.1977, c.239). This ensures elderly victims in domestic situations receive the same legal protections as other domestic violence victims under existing statutes. The bill does not create new penalties but updates the law to close a gap in coverage.

Maddy summaryAJR 44 designates June of each year as "Immigrant Heritage Month" in New Jersey to recognize the economic and cultural contributions of immigrants to the state. The resolution requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the month with activities celebrating immigrant heritage. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or alter policies but highlights New Jersey's status as a state with one of the largest immigrant populations in the U.S., including immigrants who make up over 20% of residents and contribute significantly to the workforce and entrepreneurship.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits under the Pension Adjustment Act (P.L.1958, c.143) for members of New Jersey's State-administered retirement systems. It directly affects retirees and beneficiaries of the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund, Judicial Retirement System, Public Employees' Retirement System, Police and Firemen's Retirement System, and State Police Retirement System. The bill reverses a 2011 provision that had eliminated these automatic annual adjustments, ensuring benefits will adjust each year to help maintain purchasing power against inflation. By reinstating COLAs, the bill prevents gradual erosion of retirement benefits' value over time. This change provides concrete financial protection for retirees as the cost of living increases.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates an exception in New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act that previously allowed smoking in casinos and simulcasting facilities. It would require these venues to become smoke-free, meaning no smoking would be permitted inside for employees, patrons, or visitors. The change directly affects casino operators, staff, and customers at all New Jersey casinos and simulcasting facilities (such as those with slot machines, table games, or dedicated seating for betting). This policy shift extends the existing indoor smoking ban to these locations, removing a long-standing exemption.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's child care subsidy program to cover families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level (approximately $83,250 for a family of four in 2022), up from the current 200% limit ($55,500 for a family of four). It requires the state to establish at least four income tiers for determining eligibility and co-payment amounts, and appropriates necessary funds from the General Fund for implementation. The bill also ensures subsidy rates for child care - especially for school-aged children during school breaks - do not fall below pandemic-era levels ($83,250 for a family of four in 2022). This directly affects low- and moderate-income families with children under 13 who need subsidized child care services.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a public database managed by the NJ Business Action Center (Department of State) listing vacant commercial spaces available for lease or purchase by small businesses. It requires commercial property owners to report vacancies or occupancy changes monthly, with the database including details like square footage, capital equipment, and building systems (e.g., HVAC, security). The database will be updated monthly using data from property owners, realtors, and municipalities, and made accessible online with targeted outreach to business associations and chambers of commerce. The goal is to reduce the time and cost for small businesses to find suitable commercial space by centralizing vacancy information.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits employers from firing, punishing, or taking adverse actions against employees who cannot work due to a declared state of emergency (e.g., natural disasters or evacuations). It specifically protects most workers but excludes healthcare personnel, public safety staff, and contractors for emergency services. Employees must try to notify employers of their absence and return to work as soon as safety allows, but employers cannot force them to use sick leave for emergency-related absences. Violations carry fines up to $10,000 per offense, collected by the Labor Commissioner. The law applies only to emergencies declared after its effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits organizing, promoting, or participating in competitive events (such as contests with prizes) where participants harass or take specific wildlife - including coyotes, raccoons, squirrels, and other listed animals - except for authorized field trials. Violators face a disorderly persons offense (up to six months in jail, $1,000 fine) plus a five-year suspension of wildlife licenses and possession privileges. Injured wildlife must be transported to a licensed rehabilitator or vet, and killed wildlife becomes the property of the Division of Fish and Wildlife. The law applies broadly to events not covered by existing field trial permits, targeting commercialized wildlife competitions.