Asm. Carmen Morales

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all menstrual products sold in New Jersey - including tampons, pads, discs, cups, and underwear (both disposable and reusable) - to list every ingredient on the package in descending order of quantity. The label must be clearly visible and understandable to consumers. Manufacturers who sell noncompliant products after the bill’s effective date face civil penalties of up to 1% of their annual in-state sales per package, capped at $1,000 per item, enforced by the Division of Consumer Affairs. The law applies only to products manufactured after the effective date and excludes shipping packaging.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey higher education and proprietary institutions from withholding student transcripts due to debts under $2,000 for non-mandatory charges (like activity fees). It requires institutions to release transcripts for transfer, graduate programs, or employment purposes regardless of such small debts, but allows them to require repayment plans for larger debts (over $2,000) or mandatory fees (tuition, room/board). Institutions cannot charge extra fees for transcripts or use transcript issuance to collect debt. Students needing transcripts for new or refinanced student loans cannot have their transcripts restricted. The law applies only to students residing in the U.S.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey county colleges to partner with county social services agencies to help low-income students access essential support programs like food assistance (SNAP), childcare subsidies, and temporary financial aid. It directs the state council of county colleges to work with the Department of Human Services to provide students clear information about available services and streamline application processes. Additionally, colleges must collaborate with workforce development boards to identify unemployed or underemployed residents and facilitate their enrollment in career-focused programs. These changes aim to reduce barriers to education and improve access to both social services and job training opportunities.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows honorably discharged veterans in New Jersey to obtain special license plates displaying the word "Veteran" in addition to standard registration markings. To qualify, applicants must provide a DD-214 or discharge certificate and pay a $15 fee on top of regular vehicle registration costs. Surviving spouses of deceased veterans may continue using these plates on their vehicles. The Motor Vehicle Commission will design the plates, handle applications, and notify drivers about the option during registration renewals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to offer multiple application options for state-administered housing, shelter, and rental assistance programs - such as Section 8 housing assistance and the State rental assistance program - instead of limiting applicants to online submissions alone. It mandates that applicants must be able to apply via mail, email, in-person delivery, or fax, where federal law permits. The bill directly affects individuals seeking housing aid through DCA programs, removing a potential barrier for those without reliable internet access. Key provisions ensure accessibility by requiring DCA to implement these alternative application methods, with implementation beginning three months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey county colleges to collaborate with county social services boards and state agencies to expand access to social services for low-income students. It mandates colleges to provide students with information about programs like SNAP, TANF, and childcare subsidies, and to facilitate direct application assistance through on-campus partnerships. The New Jersey Council of County Colleges must coordinate with the Department of Human Services to train college staff on helping students navigate these supports. Additionally, colleges must partner with workforce boards to identify unemployed residents and connect them to career-focused college programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public colleges and universities to provide students with information about food assistance programs. Specifically, institutions must include details about the federal SNAP program (food stamps) and campus or community food resources - such as food pantries or meal swipe programs - in initial admission offers and via email during each semester's registration. The state will develop standardized SNAP application links and program information for schools to distribute. This applies directly to students at public higher education institutions in New Jersey, aiming to improve access to food support.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4374) makes two specific violations of New Jersey's Prevailing Wage Act criminal offenses. It targets employers who knowingly falsify payroll records for public construction projects or submit false information on contractor registration forms. Currently, these violations result in fines up to $25,000 and disqualification from public work; the bill upgrades them to a fourth-degree crime punishable by up to $10,000 in fines, 18 months in jail, or both. The law applies directly to employers working on state or local public construction projects requiring prevailing wage compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4515) changes certification requirements for career and technical education (CTE) teachers in New Jersey. It prohibits the State Board of Education from requiring CTE teacher candidates to complete educator preparation programs longer than 200 hours or one academic year, replacing the current 350-hour two-year program. It also allows candidates to demonstrate basic English and math skills through alternatives like portfolios, industry certifications, or occupational licenses instead of standardized tests. These changes directly affect individuals seeking CTE teaching certification through the Alternate Route program, aiming to reduce barriers to entry.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to issue special license plates featuring Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. (Lambda Theta Alpha) branding. Vehicle owners who apply pay a $50 one-time fee and a $10 annual fee, with the extra funds deposited into a dedicated "Lambda Theta Alpha License Plate Fund." The fund's money is annually appropriated to the sorority to support its mission and programs, after covering administrative costs. The program requires 500 initial applications and private funding (up to $25,000) to cover setup costs before implementation, and expires if these conditions aren't met within 12 months.