Asm. Carmen Morales

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 12-member Commission on Oversight of Public Institutions of Higher Education to examine and improve financial transparency, accountability, and oversight of New Jersey's public colleges and universities. The commission includes officials, college presidents, labor union representatives, faculty, and student representatives appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders. It will study tuition transparency, student outcomes, and institutional performance, then issue a report to the Governor and Legislature within 180 days of organizing. The commission's work expires 30 days after the report is submitted.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's "Equitable Nonprofit Security and Innovation Grant Program," providing funding to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (including places of worship) to implement smart technology and artificial intelligence systems for security enhancement. Nonprofits can receive up to $25,000 for smart tech (e.g., motion sensors, energy-efficient systems) or up to $100,000 for AI security systems (e.g., threat detection, real-time monitoring), with priority given to organizations serving at-risk communities, communities of color, interdisciplinary groups, and collaborative networks. The Office of Homeland Security will administer the program, requiring applicants to submit security needs assessments and ensuring AI systems avoid discrimination. Grants must be used solely for these technology implementations within New Jersey, with the program requiring annual $14 million funding requests and a five-year impact evaluation.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends early intervention services to children aged three through five who are already receiving these services at age three. It requires the Department of Health to allow eligible children to continue receiving early intervention services until they turn six years old or become eligible for kindergarten, whichever occurs first. The services must comply with federal early intervention rules, including parental consent requirements. This change aims to minimize service disruptions during the transition from early intervention to school-based special education. The bill directly affects young children with developmental delays and their families in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Advisory Board's role to implement an annual progress review program for New Jersey's child advocacy centers and teams, ensuring they meet national accreditation standards. It also creates a new "Problematic Sexual Behavior Program" to support youth under 18 exhibiting developmentally inappropriate sexual behaviors (including tech-related issues like sexting), with $8.5 million in funding. The program will use specialized care coordinators to connect affected youth and families with medical, mental health, and community resources. It directly affects child advocacy centers, multidisciplinary teams, and youth/families experiencing these behavioral challenges. The bill amends existing law to establish these requirements and funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThe "Healthy Smiles Act" increases NJ FamilyCare's fee-for-service reimbursement rates for pediatric dental services by 20% starting July 1, 2025 (or 60 days after enactment), with annual adjustments based on regional inflation. It also requires managed care organizations to pay providers at least the same rate for identical services as the fee-for-service rate. This directly affects children under 21 enrolled in NJ FamilyCare (covering 20% of New Jersey’s population) and dental providers participating in the program. The goal is to improve access to dental care by addressing historically low reimbursement rates that have limited provider participation.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey's mobile intensive care paramedics to administer CDC-recommended vaccines during public health outbreaks. It directly affects all paramedics in the state, authorizing them to give vaccines for communicable diseases to any patient, regardless of age (unless the CDC specifies age limits). Paramedics must follow CDC or state health department guidelines for each vaccine and can administer vaccines under standing orders, individual prescriptions, or government-sponsored programs. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes requiring owners of low-speed electric bicycles (max 20 mph, pedal-assisted or motor-only) and low-speed electric scooters (max 19 mph) to register them with New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and maintain liability insurance. It directly affects individuals who own or operate these specific vehicles, which are defined in the bill as having fully operable pedals, motors under 750 watts, and speed limits. Key mechanisms include mandatory MVC registration with fees, proof of insurance coverage, and a requirement for manufacturers to label vehicles with speed and motor details. The bill does not impose driver's license requirements or restrict operation on most roads/bike paths, but specifies registration is mandatory before operation. This is a proposed requirement (not yet law), introduced in 2026 and pending committee review.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's ACR 106 is a formal statement condemning President Trump's 2025 decision to end federal protections preventing immigration enforcement in sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, places of worship, and shelters. The resolution states this policy reversal - reversing Biden-era guidance that had barred ICE actions in these areas - undermines community trust and deters immigrants from accessing essential services. It does not change laws but sends a formal disapproval to the White House, Homeland Security, and New Jersey's congressional delegation. The resolution reaffirms New Jersey's commitment to equal access to healthcare, education, and community resources for all residents, regardless of immigration status.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides tax credits to New Jersey businesses that hire and retain neurodiverse employees in STEM/AI roles. Businesses receive credits of up to $9,000 per full-time employee (or $4,500 for part-time) annually, increasing with each consecutive year of employment. To qualify, employees must earn at least minimum wage, work in eligible STEM/AI positions (not as contractors), and be certified by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation as neurodiverse. The credits reduce corporate and gross income tax liability, capped at 50% of tax owed, and require employers to submit certification applications for eligible workers.

Maddy summaryThis bill suspends fines for small businesses on first-time paperwork violations related to state agency requirements, defined as businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees meeting federal small business standards. It requires businesses to correct violations within six months to qualify for the suspension, unless the violation involves tax collection, poses serious public harm, or interferes with criminal investigations. For violations deemed a public safety danger, agencies may still suspend fines if the business corrects the issue within 24 hours of notification. The bill does not apply to repeat violations or certain tax-related offenses.