Asm. Carmen Morales

Maddy summaryThis bill limits residential rental application fees to the actual cost of a credit check or related service, with a maximum cap of $30. Landlords cannot charge tenants more than this amount for application fees, even if the credit check costs more than $30. Violating this rule results in a $250 penalty per violation, enforceable by the state or through a tenant lawsuit seeking the penalty plus attorney fees. The law directly affects landlords and tenants in New Jersey rental housing by restricting excessive fees and providing enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "New Jersey First Responders Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Protection Act," protects paid first responders (including police, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and 9-1-1 dispatchers) diagnosed with work-related PTSD. It prohibits employers from firing, harassing, or discriminating against these employees for taking leave related to a qualifying PTSD diagnosis, which must be linked to a traumatic event experienced during their duties or vicarious trauma from their job. Employers must reinstate employees to their prior position after leave, and violations allow employees to sue for remedies including $5,000 fines for first violations, reinstatement, back pay, and attorney fees. The civil action must be filed within one year of the alleged violation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school staff (including those in after-school programs) to complete epilepsy and seizure disorder care training every five years. It directly affects school boards, administrators, and all school personnel who interact with students. The key provision mandates that training must be provided through a Department of Health-approved course from a nonprofit epilepsy support organization. This ensures staff can recognize seizures, provide appropriate care, and know when to seek help, as outlined in individualized health plans developed with parent input and physician guidance. The law applies to all schools in the state and takes effect at the start of the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to allow multiple application methods for housing, shelter, and rental assistance programs - including Section 8 housing assistance and the State rental assistance program - instead of limiting applicants to online options alone. It mandates that applicants must be able to apply via regular mail, email, in-person delivery, or fax, where permitted by federal law. The policy directly affects individuals seeking state-administered housing aid, particularly those without reliable internet access. The bill aims to improve accessibility for vulnerable populations by expanding how they can submit applications. It takes effect three months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to issue special license plates for the Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. Motor vehicle owners can apply for these plates by paying a $50 one-time fee and a $10 annual fee (in addition to standard registration costs). The fees collected, after covering administrative expenses, will fund a dedicated account that annually provides grants to support the fraternity's mission and programs. The program requires the fraternity to raise up to $25,000 from private sources and secure 500 applications before implementation, and it expires if these conditions aren't met within 12 months.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services to share eligibility data for certain low-income assistance programs (like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, SNAP, and Supplemental Security Income) with agencies managing energy assistance programs. It mandates that those agencies automatically enroll eligible households into utility bill payment assistance or energy efficiency programs without requiring separate applications. The policy directly affects households already receiving federal or state needs-based aid, streamlining access to energy help. Key provisions include data-sharing agreements between state departments and automatic enrollment for qualifying individuals, as permitted by federal law. The bill takes effect six months after enactment.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2051 requires law enforcement officers to conduct a risk assessment for domestic violence victims who agree to participate. Officers must use the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA) tool, gathering details on recent incidents, injuries, and weapon use. If the assessment indicates elevated risk of serious harm, officers must inform the victim and, with consent, connect them to crisis services or charge the suspect. The bill directly affects domestic violence victims (through consent-based assessments) and law enforcement officers (through mandated training and procedures).

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year "New Economy Opportunity Skills System Pilot Program" to improve collaboration between local workforce development boards and community colleges in New Jersey. The pilot will operate in three areas, focusing on jointly developing workforce training programs with industry credentials, coordinating marketing efforts, and integrating funding resources to better serve job seekers. It designates community colleges as the preferred providers for state workforce training and adult literacy programs, replacing previous arrangements. The State Employment and Training Commission will manage the pilot, develop a statewide expansion strategy, and submit annual reports on outcomes like employment rates and credential attainment. Funding will come from state and federal sources, prioritizing federal funds where available.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 2373 (the "New Jersey First Responders PTSD Protection Act"), protects paid first responders (including police, firefighters, EMTs, and 911 dispatchers) who are diagnosed with work-related PTSD. It prohibits public employers from firing, harassing, or discriminating against these employees for taking leave related to a PTSD diagnosis verified by a licensed medical professional. Employers must reinstate employees to their prior roles after medical clearance and face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation if they retaliate. The law applies only when PTSD arises from trauma directly tied to job duties, such as witnessing incidents or experiencing vicarious trauma while performing official responsibilities.

Maddy summaryS 2961 requires contractors working on New Jersey public works projects (funded by public money) to certify that each employee meets one of three minimum qualifications: a high school diploma or GED, enrollment in an equivalent apprenticeship program, or four years of documented trade work experience verified by tax filings. Contractors must submit this certification as part of their registration with the state, alongside other required documentation like business details and insurance proof. Non-compliance could lead to denial, suspension, or revocation of the contractor’s public works registration. The bill directly affects contractors bidding on public projects and the workers they employ on those projects.