Asm. Carmen Morales

Maddy summaryThis resolution encourages colleges and universities to address the underrepresentation of Hispanic and Latino leaders in higher education leadership roles. It specifically urges institutions to establish leadership development programs, diversify hiring committees and governing boards, and partner with organizations supporting Hispanic and Latino leaders. The bill highlights that while Hispanic and Latino students make up about 20% of U.S. undergraduates (25% in New Jersey), only 6% of college presidents nationally identify as Hispanic or Latino, with just one in New Jersey. The resolution is non-binding and aims to promote inclusive leadership through actionable steps, not legislative mandates.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A2624, the "Healthy SNAP Act," requires the state Department of Human Services to request a federal waiver prohibiting SNAP beneficiaries from using benefits to purchase soft drinks. The bill defines soft drinks as non-alcoholic, sweetened beverages (excluding milk-based drinks and juice-heavy beverages) and mandates a waiver request including public health justification, implementation plans for retailers, recipient education, and impact tracking. If approved, the restriction would take effect within six months; if denied, the state must resubmit the waiver annually. The bill directly affects SNAP recipients in New Jersey and aims to align state SNAP usage with nutritional goals, following the existing WIC program's exclusion of soft drinks.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated "Reproductive Health Care Access Fund" in New Jersey's General Fund to support abortion providers and clinics. The fund would provide funding for three specific programs: clinical training to increase the number of providers (especially in underserved areas like southern counties), security grants for clinics facing threats like violence or cyberattacks, and loans to help facilities operate. It directly affects reproductive health care facilities, clinics, and health care professionals providing abortion services statewide. The bill requires the State Treasurer to allocate these funds to the designated programs, aiming to strengthen access to abortion care through direct financial support.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey would join the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, allowing licensed professionals from other participating states to practice in New Jersey without obtaining a separate state license. The bill enables mutual recognition of licenses across member states, supports telehealth services for remote patient care, and preserves each state's authority to regulate practice and protect public safety. It directly affects licensed audiologists and speech-language pathologists seeking to work across state lines, with specific provisions to support military families relocating between states. The compact requires states to share licensing and disciplinary information to maintain oversight while expanding access to these services.

Maddy summaryAJR 60 designates April 11 of each year as "Black Doula Day" in New Jersey to recognize the role of Black doulas in maternal health. The resolution coincides with Global Black Doula Day and aims to honor professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to birthing people before, during, and after childbirth. It does not create new policies or funding but requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation. This symbolic measure follows New Jersey’s status as the third state to cover doula care via Medicaid and highlights ongoing racial disparities in maternal health outcomes, where Black mothers are over seven times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white mothers.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial Assembly Resolution (AR 25) formally recognizes Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey - as one of the nation’s two surviving Negro League stadiums - and the annual football rivalry game between Montclair State University and William Paterson University held there. It does not create new laws or funding but publicly affirms the stadium’s historical significance and the cultural value of the university game. The resolution directs copies to university leaders, the Governor, relevant legislators, and the New Jersey Historical Society to support ongoing preservation and community engagement efforts. It specifically aims to honor the stadium’s legacy in African American sports history and promote its educational role.

Maddy summaryThis bill suspends the collection of motor vehicle surcharges for individuals incarcerated for more than 90 days during the three-year period when surcharges are typically assessed. It directly affects drivers convicted of certain traffic offenses who are imprisoned for extended periods, including those incarcerated for 90+ days while surcharges are due. The key provision requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to automatically halt surcharge collection during incarceration and for at least 90 days after release. This change modifies existing collection rules without altering surcharge amounts or eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-426) requires all operators and riders of low-speed electric bicycles and scooters in New Jersey to wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet meeting state safety standards. It directly affects anyone using these vehicles for transportation, including those riding in attached seats. The law imposes fines of up to $25 for a first violation and $100 for repeat offenses. The bill aims to reduce head injuries, citing increased crash risks compared to traditional bicycles. It is pending before the Assembly Public Safety Committee after being introduced on January 13, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's Community College Opportunity Grant Program to include adult students enrolled in career and technical education programs at county vocational schools. It directly affects adult learners seeking licenses or certifications through programs like nursing or culinary training, allowing them to receive financial aid covering tuition and approved fees not covered by other grants. Key provisions define "adult student" and amend eligibility to include these programs (requiring at least four months of enrollment), while maintaining income limits ($0-$65,000) and requiring students to apply for other aid first. The program remains administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, targeting career-focused education without changing existing grant structures.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2546) required New Jersey’s Commissioner of Education to develop guidelines for public school policies on student use of internet-enabled devices (like smartphones and tablets) during school hours, on buses, or at school events. The guidelines must prohibit non-academic use during class, allow exceptions for emergencies or health needs, and include age-appropriate rules for device storage and social media restrictions. School boards were then required to adopt policies based on these guidelines, ensuring consistency with federal disability laws and student health plans. Note: This bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was approved as P.L.2025, c.195.