Asm. Julio Marenco

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Children and Families to develop a program promoting trauma-informed care to help children and families affected by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress. The program mandates creating a toolkit for state employees and community partners, promoting a Trauma Awareness Month, and identifying gaps in services. It also requires all state agencies serving children and adults to implement trauma-informed practices, including staff training on ACEs and using trauma-sensitive language in contracts. The goal is to improve health and educational outcomes by addressing childhood trauma early through evidence-based approaches.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "general barber" license category in New Jersey, distinct from the existing "barber" license. It establishes a two-year barbering apprenticeship program with a maximum of 550 hours of training, requiring instruction in shears-over-comb techniques, shop management, ethics, state laws, and sanitation/hygiene. To qualify for the apprenticeship, individuals must be at least 17 years old, have good moral character, and be free of communicable diseases. Barber shops hosting apprenticeships must meet specific requirements regarding oversight and management. Upon completing the apprenticeship, individuals can apply for either a barbering or general barbering license.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the filing deadline for New Jersey public safety retirees and members of PFRS, SPRS, and PERS to claim accidental disability retirement benefits related to 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations. It allows retirement system boards to approve additional two-year filing extensions beyond the initial two-year window required after the 2019 law. The bill also provides an alternative to proving prior medical health status by permitting members to submit medical examination results from before or after public service entry, rather than requiring proof of a passing pre-employment physical. This applies to those who participated in 9/11 operations between September 11-12, 2001, and developed qualifying health conditions as a result of their service. Retirement systems must notify members about this bill within 30 days of enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows students receiving opportunity grants through New Jersey's Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program to use a portion of their award for summer courses that count toward graduation or their academic major. Students must notify the Secretary of Higher Education before the academic year begins, resulting in a proportional reduction of their grant funds during the regular academic year. The bill also requires annual reporting by institutions on summer grant usage and graduation rates, implementing a 2016 College Affordability Study Commission recommendation.

Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding assembly resolution (AR 139) expressing formal appreciation to the staff of the New Jersey General Assembly. It specifically thanks the Chief Clerk and all staff members - including Sergeants at Arms, committee services, administrative personnel, and others - for their dedication, expertise, and service during legislative sessions. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is purely a symbolic gesture recognizing staff contributions to the legislature's operations. Copies will be distributed to all General Assembly staff members.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey hospitals to include fentanyl and xylazine testing in standard urine drug screenings when conducted for patient diagnosis. It directly affects licensed general acute care hospitals that perform such screenings. Hospitals must report de-identified positive results for either drug to the state Department of Health, without altering existing opioid or overdose reporting requirements. The goal is to improve overdose treatment by providing healthcare workers with critical drug detection data and to help the state track the spread of these dangerous substances.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) program to include eligible workforce training programs, directly affecting students seeking non-degree credentials in high-demand fields. To qualify, programs must require at least 150 classroom hours, offer industry-valued credentials, and maintain 70%+ completion and job placement rates. The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority will designate participating programs, with eligibility criteria excluding degree-granting programs only if they meet these specific standards. This change broadens access to financial aid beyond traditional colleges, targeting workforce development needs identified by the state. The bill updates reporting requirements for these programs but does not alter existing TAG eligibility for degree-seeking students.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill makes several changes to address sexual assault and child abuse involving military personnel. It allows military protective orders to be enforced throughout the state, creates a central registry for all protective orders (including military ones), and enables service members to seek protective orders in New Jersey courts. The bill provides financial assistance to National Guard members for travel expenses related to military justice proceedings involving sexual assault, and expands eligibility for victim compensation for military sexual assault victims. Additionally, it establishes procedures for sharing information between civilian child welfare authorities and military family advocacy programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public high school students in grades 10-12 who participate in school-sponsored sports to replace their physical education class with a study hall during their sport's athletic season. Students must get written parental approval and have their coach confirm their participation, and their athletic involvement will count toward their graduation physical education credit requirement. The bill does not affect students not in sports, younger grades, or the existing requirement for health and safety education courses. It applies starting the 2024-2025 school year.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4265) creates a program to pay monetary awards to whistleblowers who report tax law violations by employers in New Jersey's construction industry. Whistleblowers providing specific, credible information that leads to enforcement actions (like penalties or settlements) can receive 15-30% of the money collected, or up to 10% if the information came from public sources like media or government reports. It excludes current Treasury employees and individuals who planned the violations they reported, and protects whistleblowers from retaliation under existing law. The award amount is based on how much the information contributed to the case outcome.