Asm. Gabe Rodriguez

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 108) formally condemns the Russian Federation and Vladimir Putin for actions leading to the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny. It does not create new laws or affect any group directly; instead, it expresses legislative disapproval of Russia's treatment of Navalny, including his poisoning, imprisonment under harsh conditions, and death in 2024. The resolution specifies that copies will be sent to the U.S. Secretary of State, New Jersey’s congressional delegation, the Russian ambassador, and the UN representative. It is a procedural statement of condemnation, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 3-year pilot program requiring counties to create "Code Red" alert systems for extreme heat or poor air quality events. It directly affects at-risk individuals (defined as those living outdoors or in poorly insulated settings) by mandating counties to coordinate cooling centers, outreach plans, and transportation through municipal and social service partners. Alerts trigger when the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory or air quality index reaches 151, with counties reporting program outcomes to the State Office of Emergency Management by the 30th month. The program expires after three years, with counties eligible for reimbursement of administrative costs. (Note: Bill was withdrawn January 13, 2026, as it was incorporated into P.L.2025, c.297.)

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 483) requires landlords of multiple dwellings with 30+ units in urban municipalities (population 50,000+) to install and maintain accessible automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in unlocked locations with clear signage. It directly affects landlords in qualifying urban apartment buildings, with the Affordable Housing Defibrillator Fund providing grants to owners of affordable housing developments to cover AED costs. Key provisions include mandatory AED testing/maintenance, tenant notification of locations, and legal protection for users from civil liability. The bill would take effect 7 months after enactment, increasing emergency medical access in high-density residential areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance carriers in New Jersey to cover all hospitalization costs for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 without any out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance. It applies to all health insurance plans offered by companies, health maintenance organizations, and state-run programs like the State Health Benefits Program. The law takes effect immediately for health plans issued or renewed on or after its effective date, ensuring no cost-sharing for eligible hospitalizations related to the virus.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2612) requires New Jersey's Secretary of Higher Education and public colleges/universities to create specific programs aimed at increasing Hispanic and Latino representation in leadership roles. Key provisions include establishing leadership development programs for faculty, creating pathways for undergraduates to pursue academic careers, and mandating institutions to adopt diversity-focused hiring policies for leadership search committees. Public institutions must implement recruitment/retention programs, submit annual reports tracking leadership diversity (by race/gender), and review their progress. The bill directly affects all public higher education institutions in New Jersey and their leadership hiring processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Health (DOH) to provide SNAP (food assistance), WFNJ (cash assistance), and WIC (nutrition program) recipients with clear information about card skimming, cloning, and fraud prevention. It mandates that agencies replace stolen benefits through established claims processes using federal funds (per the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act) or state funds if federal funds are unavailable. DHS and DOH must also coordinate with card vendors to implement security measures like embedded microchips and transaction alerts. The bill directly affects millions of low-income New Jersey residents who rely on these programs for essential support.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's proposed A1678 would create a new Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as a principal agency within the state executive branch. The department would be led by a commissioner appointed by the governor, who would advise state agencies on diversity in investments, procurement, and housing programs. It would transfer existing diversity functions from the Treasury Department's Office of Diversity and Inclusion to this new department. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly State and Local Government Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Chief Diversity Officer to study whether disparities exist in how state agencies use minority-owned and women-owned businesses for purchasing goods and services. The study must determine if these businesses are underutilized compared to their availability in the state. After completing the study, the officer must submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature, with follow-up reports every four years assessing implementation of prior recommendations and whether new studies are needed. The report could inform potential policy changes to improve opportunities for these businesses in state contracting. This affects all state agencies, including departments, commissions, and independent authorities that award public contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates September 14 each year as "Latino Business Day" in New Jersey to highlight the economic contributions of Latino-owned businesses. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the day through activities that recognize these businesses' impact. The resolution emphasizes that Latino-owned businesses contribute significantly to job creation and economic growth in the state, noting their rapid expansion compared to other business sectors. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness of this economic segment.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows high school students in grades 10-12 who participate in school sports to substitute study hall for physical education during their sport's athletic season, provided they meet specific academic criteria. Eligible students must either be enrolled in advanced courses (like AP or dual enrollment) or need academic support due to low performance, as determined by the school. The substitution requires written approval from parents, coach certification of sport participation, and counselor approval confirming eligibility. Students retain full physical education graduation credit for their athletic participation, but the change only applies during the sport's season and does not affect PE requirements for non-athletes or younger grades.