Asm. Julio Marenco

Maddy summaryThis bill provides New Jersey veterans with up to 60 tuition-free college credits at the county college in their county of residence. To qualify, veterans must have applied for all available state and federal education grants/scholarships and VA benefits (like the Post-9/11 GI Bill), be honorably discharged, and be enrolled in good standing at their local county college. Military service credits earned by veterans count toward the 60-credit limit. The bill does not cover non-tuition fees (such as books or housing), which veterans may still need to pay.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates practice restrictions for advanced practice nurses (APNs) in New Jersey, allowing them to practice to the full extent of their training without requiring physician supervision or joint protocols. APNs with more than 24 months or 2,400 hours of experience can practice independently, while those with less experience must maintain a joint protocol with a physician for prescribing medications. The bill updates requirements for prescribing medications (including pharmacology continuing education), authorizing medical cannabis, and practicing anesthesia, and repeals sections of law requiring physician collaboration. These changes aim to improve healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas, by expanding the scope of practice for APNs who are already trained to provide primary and specialty care. The bill also modifies documentation requirements so that APNs can use their own signatures instead of requiring physician endorsements.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows municipalities to permit new cigar lounges to open under specific conditions, creating a pathway for businesses that weren't operating before 2005 to register and operate. To qualify, new lounges must not sell food or alcohol (except at private events), have a distinct public entrance, be equipped with a safety exhaust system, and ban hookah use. Registration is valid for one year and requires annual renewal, with lounges needing to maintain at least 15% income from tobacco sales/humidors and avoid expanding or relocating. Failure to renew would permanently bar the owner from registering another new lounge.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a permanent Office of New Americans within New Jersey's Department of Human Services to support immigrants, refugees, and their children. The office will coordinate key services - including refugee resettlement, health screenings, and legal aid for low-income New Americans - and provide training to other state agencies on culturally responsive outreach. It requires the office to use data solely for integration efforts (like language access planning) and prohibits sharing data with immigration enforcement. The bill formalizes an existing office created by executive order in 2019, ensuring dedicated staffing and resources for New American communities.