Asm. Carmen Morales

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey counties and municipalities to make voluntary annual contributions of up to $70,000 to nonprofit veterans' organizations that provide support services to veterans (including physical, emotional, and medical care). It directly affects local governments, which can now fund these organizations, and the veterans' groups themselves. The bill defines eligible organizations broadly to cover services addressing veterans' needs, and requires audits if contributions exceed $70,000. This expands existing funding rules that already permit up to $125,000 annually for emergency services associations.

Maddy summaryS 3199 establishes the New Jersey-Haiti Commission within the Department of State to strengthen economic and cultural ties between New Jersey and Haiti, with a specific focus on addressing economic challenges faced by New Jersey's Haitian-American community - the state's fourth-largest Haitian population in the U.S. The 13-member commission, led by the Secretary of State and including 12 public members appointed by the Governor (based on legislative recommendations), will conduct research, hold quarterly public hearings, and analyze data on migration patterns, demographics, and economic impacts. It will identify opportunities for collaboration in areas like trade, healthcare, education, and cultural exchanges, then submit annual reports with policy recommendations to the Governor and Legislature. This bill creates a formal structure for ongoing dialogue and evidence-based policy development between New Jersey and Haiti.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey financial institutions (like banks, credit unions, and mortgage servicers) to allow homeowners (mortgagors) to choose biweekly payments (every two weeks), bimonthly payments (twice monthly), or extra payments directly to their mortgage principal - without penalties. It mandates that any amount paid beyond the annual required total in biweekly plans must reduce the principal balance. The law applies to all new mortgage agreements signed six months after enactment and affects homeowners seeking more flexible repayment options to potentially pay off loans faster. It does not change existing mortgage terms but expands payment choices for future agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create an online application system for residents to obtain REAL ID identification cards and licenses. It mandates that the MVC accept and process electronic copies of required identity and legal status documents through its website, aligning with federal REAL ID Act standards. The MVC must approve applications if all federal requirements are met or deny them if not, with implementation rules to be adopted within 60 days of the bill's enactment. This change directly affects New Jersey residents applying for REAL ID-compliant credentials, streamlining the process while maintaining federal compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $1 million annual "Census Complete Count Trust Fund" within New Jersey's Department of State to support efforts ensuring a full population count during each federal decennial census. The fund, financed by $1 million yearly from the State General Fund, will be invested to generate interest that replenishes the fund. Moneys will directly support state, local, and community initiatives - like outreach and education campaigns - that help residents participate in the census. The Legislature will determine eligible activities for funding in the months leading up to each census.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution designates May 18 of each year as "Six Triple Eight Day" in New Jersey to honor the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-African American, all-female U.S. Army unit that served during World War II. The resolution commemorates their historic achievement in delivering over 14 million pieces of backlogged mail to U.S. personnel in Europe under difficult conditions. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance of the day. The resolution specifically recognizes that 28 New Jersey women served in the unit, including those from Allentown, where one member was born on May 18.

Maddy summaryThis bill would have New Jersey join the Social Work Licensure Compact, allowing social workers licensed in New Jersey to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The compact establishes a system where social workers must meet specific requirements (including passing national exams, holding appropriate degrees, and completing supervised practice) to qualify for a multistate license. It creates a commission to manage the compact, handle data sharing among states, and address disciplinary actions. The compact aims to increase access to social work services, reduce duplicate licensing requirements, and support workforce mobility for social workers across member states. This would directly affect social workers seeking to practice in multiple states and the states' licensing authorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates 5% of constitutionally dedicated Corporation Business Tax revenues to a new Urban Agriculture and Horticulture Fund starting in fiscal year 2026, with $25 million to be deposited immediately. It authorizes the Garden State Preservation Trust to acquire urban land for farming and gardening purposes, prioritizing small parcels, and lease this land for agricultural use through a competitive bidding process. The bill also establishes a grant program to support activities that improve soil health and climate resiliency on acquired urban farmland. Additionally, it expands existing county and municipal trust funds to specifically include urban agriculture and horticulture as a purpose for land acquisition.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all health insurance plans in New Jersey - including private insurers, health maintenance organizations, and state programs like Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare) - to cover planned home childbirth expenses. It mandates coverage for costs related to services provided by certified midwives, physicians, nurses, and doulas, as well as necessary medical equipment and supplies. The law applies to hospital service contracts, individual/group health policies, and state health benefit programs, with most provisions taking effect 120 days after enactment and Medicaid coverage requiring two years. It defines "health care provider" to include certified midwives, obstetricians, and other licensed professionals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey colleges and universities to maintain FDA-approved opioid antidotes (like naloxone) in secure, accessible locations and develop policies for emergency use. It permits licensed campus medical staff and trained non-medical employees to administer antidotes in good faith when they reasonably believe someone is experiencing an opioid overdose. Institutions must ensure overdose victims are transported to hospitals after antidote administration and provide staff with required training on standardized protocols. The bill also provides liability protection for good-faith actions by campus staff, pharmacists, and prescribers under these guidelines.