Asm. Carmen Morales

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new teacher certification endorsements in New Jersey to streamline pathways for educators, particularly in high-need areas like special education, STEM, and bilingual education. It replaces outdated endorsements (such as "Deaf or Hard of Hearing" titles) with clearer, more inclusive designations like "Students with Disabilities Preschool through Grade 12" and "Bilingual and Bicultural Preschool through Grade 12." The bill also removes individual subtest score requirements for elementary certification, requiring only a minimum average composite score instead, and eliminates barriers for native speakers in world language endorsements. These changes directly affect prospective and current teachers navigating certification, aiming to reduce financial and logistical hurdles that disproportionately impact underrepresented candidates.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Rent Control Enforcement Unit (RCEU) within New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs to handle tenant complaints about rent violations. It directly affects residential tenants and landlords in municipalities with local rent control laws (like rent stabilization or limits on increases for low/moderate-income housing). Tenants can petition the RCEU to investigate and challenge rent increases they believe violate local rules, with the unit authorized to order rent reductions (as low as the lowest rate in the past year), impose penalties up to four months' rent, or allow lease termination. The unit will also provide a dedicated helpline and portal for reporting violations, operating under rules requiring tenants to first try local administrative remedies where available.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to keep nasal rescue medications (like diazepam or midazolam sprays) and portable oxygen devices in secure, accessible locations throughout all school buildings and during school events. School nurses must designate trained staff to administer these during seizures if the nurse isn't present, after obtaining parental written consent and confirming staff training through state-established protocols. Parents must sign agreements acknowledging the school has no liability for injuries from administration and agree to cover potential costs. The state will reimburse districts for these costs, with training protocols developed by the Department of Education and Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public high schools (grades 9-12) to have counselors or teachers discuss career paths in skilled labor, military service, or agriculture with students and their parents. It specifically mandates that military enlistment discussions include information about the military enlistment test. The state education commissioner must also provide schools with resources detailing these career opportunities, required education, certifications, or apprenticeships. The bill applies to all public schools with grades 9-12 and takes effect immediately after enactment.

Maddy summaryBill A 451 establishes a three-year pilot program to strengthen collaboration between local workforce development boards, community colleges, and county vocational schools in New Jersey. The pilot, implemented in three areas, requires joint development of workforce training programs with industry credentials, coordinated marketing, and integrated funding planning to better serve job seekers. Community colleges and vocational schools are designated as the primary providers for workforce training and adult literacy programs under this initiative. The State Employment and Training Commission must annually report on outcomes like employment rates and credential attainment, and develop a plan for statewide expansion. The program is funded through state and federal resources and expires after three years.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires owners of qualifying 18-hole public golf courses (excluding 9-hole, par-3, or miniature courses) to maintain an automated external defibrillator (AED). Within one year of enactment, course operators must acquire, store accessibly, and maintain an AED, notify emergency services of its location, and ensure at least one employee on-site during business hours holds current certification in AED use and CPR. Violations carry escalating civil penalties: $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second, and $1,000 for subsequent violations. The law applies only to full-sized public courses meeting the defined criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows licensed social workers in New Jersey to earn up to four hours of required continuing education credit by volunteering as poll workers during state primary or general elections. Social workers receive two credits for each election they serve (primary, general, or both), with a maximum of four credits per license renewal period. To claim these credits, workers must provide proof of service, such as a county-issued assignment letter. The bill does not require social workers to volunteer - it simply offers this as an optional way to meet their continuing education requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey correctional facilities to provide family planning services to female inmates at least 10 days before their release. It amends the 2009 "Fair Release and Reentry Act" by adding family planning services as a mandatory provision for female inmates, alongside existing requirements like medical discharge summaries and reentry program information. The law aims to support female inmates' health and successful community reintegration by ensuring access to reproductive health services prior to release. This requirement applies to all female inmates in state correctional facilities, with services to be provided in a manner consistent with clinical guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services to create a program helping children under 18 with incarcerated non-custodial parents access safety net benefits. The program must collaborate with Corrections and Courts to identify affected children, then contact their custodial parent or guardian at least three times (including one written contact) to explain available benefits like food assistance, healthcare (NJ FamilyCare), and childcare subsidies. It mandates tracking applications and providing eligibility decisions within 30 days of submission. The bill directly affects children in these situations by connecting them to existing state support programs they might otherwise miss.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a one-year pilot program in New Jersey public schools (grades 6-12) to assess whether lockable cell phone pouches improve student academic performance and mental health. Participating school districts must apply with details about school enrollment, implementation plans, and emergency notification methods. The state will select six districts (two per region, balancing urban/suburban/rural areas) and provide $500,000 in funding for program guidance and training. After the pilot, the education commissioner must submit a report evaluating outcomes and recommending future use of the pouches.