Asm. Carmen Morales

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year pilot program in New Jersey public schools to provide assistive technology (like text-to-speech software and digital tools) to elementary and middle school students with dyslexia or related reading/writing challenges. It directly affects students identified with dyslexia who do not require formal special education classification, helping them access grade-level materials and complete assignments more effectively. The program will provide grants to seven selected school districts (chosen across urban, suburban, rural areas and different county sizes) to cover the cost of technology, related services, and teacher training. Districts must apply with student data and plans showing how the tools will improve academic outcomes, with the Commissioner of Education overseeing implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits pet shops in New Jersey from selling cats, dogs, or rabbits, directly affecting pet shops, breeders, brokers, and animal shelters/rescues. It requires pet shops to collaborate with shelters for adoption showcases (without payment), bans shelters from paying breeders for animals, and fines violators $1,000 per violation - with license revocation for three or more offenses. The law aims to disrupt the "puppy-mill-to-pet-store pipeline" by prioritizing adoption over commercial breeding sales. It does not affect pet shop sales of other animals or pet supplies.

Maddy summaryAJR 32 is a procedural resolution proposing a rule change to New Jersey's evidence rules. It would allow evidence that a victim promptly reported sexual assault or employment discrimination to be admitted as a hearsay exception, specifically to address jury assumptions about delayed reporting. This change directly affects cases involving these crimes by enabling courts to consider timely complaint evidence without requiring the victim to testify about the report itself. The resolution, if adopted, would be implemented by the New Jersey Supreme Court under existing procedures, not by creating new law. It focuses on clarifying admissibility for factual evidence, not altering legal standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public and nonpublic schools to place at least one FDA-registered portable anti-choking device (using manual suction to clear airway blockages) in accessible locations like cafeterias, school nurse offices, and other similar areas during school hours and events. Schools must also develop policies requiring training for nurses and staff in airway management and device use, with annual educational opportunities provided by the state. The Department of Education will reimburse schools for device costs through a specified application process. The law takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2623) requires New Jersey executive county superintendents to distribute up to $500,000 in state funds to public school districts for purchasing tourniquets. It mandates that tourniquets be placed in unlocked, clearly marked locations accessible during school hours and school-sponsored events. The bill also requires annual training for school employees (including nurses, safety officers, and teachers) on tourniquet use and bleeding control, which schools may provide through partnerships with local emergency services. Schools must submit annual compliance statements to county superintendents.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's ACR 79 is a resolution condemning a federal HUD rule proposal (84 F.R. 20589) that would force families with mixed immigration status - where some members are ineligible for housing assistance due to immigration status - out of federally-subsidized housing. The proposed rule would require immigration status screenings for residents under 62 and mandate eviction within 18 months for families with "ineligible" members, potentially affecting over 55,000 U.S. citizen children. It would also increase costs for housing authorities by requiring full subsidies instead of prorated shares for mixed-status families, potentially reducing housing quality and availability. The resolution urges federal leaders to invest in affordable housing access for all families regardless of immigration status, rather than implementing this rule.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to install and maintain continuous high-definition video surveillance at all locations where license plates are returned. Cameras must cover each drop box fully, with footage stored securely for 30 days and used only for security or investigating crimes related to the drop boxes. The MVC must also place clear signage informing the public about the surveillance. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a program to reward employees who report tax law violations by employers in New Jersey's construction industry. Whistleblowers who provide specific, credible information leading to an administrative or judicial action against an employer can receive 15% to 30% of recovered taxes, penalties, and interest, or up to 10% if the tip came from media or government sources. It excludes employees who obtained information through their official duties or planned the violations themselves, and includes protections against retaliation under New Jersey's Conscientious Employee Protection Act. The program applies specifically to employers engaged in building, construction, repair, or maintenance work as defined in the bill.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans the intentional addition of carcinogens, reproductive toxicants, flame resistant chemicals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to synthetic hair products sold in New Jersey. It specifically targets products made from artificial fibers like polyester, nylon, or cellulose that mimic human hair. The law prohibits manufacturers, sellers, or distributors from offering such products in the state if they contain these substances, with violations punishable by fines up to $20,000 per offense. The bill defines prohibited chemicals using U.S. agency standards (like WHO and EPA classifications) to clarify compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a fee charged by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) when a car owner pays off a loan with a lien on their vehicle title. It directly affects New Jersey residents who have satisfied a car loan, as the MVC can no longer charge them to reissue the title without the lien noted. The key provision requires the MVC to automatically reissue the title free of charge after final loan payment, removing a specific cost for this routine transaction.