Asm. Mike Venezia

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1512) allows trained operators of New Jersey’s Suicide Hopeline to make follow-up calls to minors aged 16 or older who contact the hotline and are identified as high-risk for suicide, without requiring parental consent. It directly affects minors in crisis by enabling immediate, confidential support from the Hopeline after an initial call. The key mechanism amends existing law to explicitly permit these brief, supportive follow-up calls - specifically for suicide prevention - while clarifying they do not constitute formal mental health treatment. The bill was withdrawn after being approved as part of P.L.2025, c.238, meaning the policy change is now in effect.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 946), now law as P.L.2025, c.177, requires mental health services to be provided in the communication method preferred by each deaf or hard of hearing individual - such as sign language or oral communication - based on their assessment. It mandates that mental health professionals be fluent in that method, trained in cultural needs, and able to collaborate with interpreters. The law also requires a state resource guide listing specialized mental health services and ensures individuals can help shape their own care plans. It directly affects all deaf or hard of hearing residents seeking mental health support in New Jersey, addressing long-standing barriers in access and care quality.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 453) limits out-of-pocket costs for asthma inhalers under most health insurance plans. It requires coverage for prescribed asthma inhalers with no deductible and caps copayments or coinsurance at $35 per 30-day supply. The law applies to hospital, medical, and health service corporation plans issued or renewed in New Jersey, directly affecting asthma patients covered by these plans. Plans may lower costs further but cannot exceed this $35 limit per month.

Maddy summaryThis bill (NJ A432) requires landlords in New Jersey to inspect rental properties within 90 days for lead service lines (pipes connecting water mains to buildings) or lead plumbing. If lead pipes are found, landlords must disclose this to current tenants and provide written notice about health risks to prospective tenants before new leases. Violations carry a $500 penalty per offense, with each day of noncompliance considered a separate violation. The law directly affects all landlords of residential rental properties in New Jersey and aims to ensure tenants are informed about potential lead exposure in drinking water.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public colleges to provide a replacement scholarship to student-athletes who lose their athletic scholarship due to an injury or illness directly related to intercollegiate athletics. If the injury makes a student-athlete medically ineligible to compete (as determined by the institution's medical staff), the school must offer a scholarship equal in value for the remainder of their undergraduate degree program or up to five years total - whichever is shorter. It specifically applies to student-athletes enrolled at public institutions of higher education in New Jersey. The law defines "incapacitating injury or illness" as one directly tied to athletic participation that causes medical ineligibility for competition.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey hospitals providing inpatient maternity services and licensed birthing centers to offer new parents who have given birth either: (1) an in-person lactation consultation before discharge, or (2) a remote consultation via live voice if requested. The counseling must include breastfeeding education, support, care planning, demonstration of breastfeeding techniques, recommendations for assistive devices, and health benefit information. It defines "lactation counselor" and "lactation consultant" to include certified professionals like IBCLCs without requiring additional nursing licensure. The law applies to facilities licensed under New Jersey's birthing center regulations and aims to standardize postpartum lactation support.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires municipalities to reserve at least 50% of affordable housing units in new developments for veterans who served in time of war or other emergency, as defined by state law. It mandates that veterans applying within the first 90 days of a project's marketing period receive priority for these units, with remaining units then open to the general public. After the initial 120-day marketing period, veterans are placed on a special waiting list to maintain the 50% reservation as units become available. The bill adds this veterans' preference to existing affordable housing requirements without altering the overall fair share obligations for low and moderate income housing.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to conduct two annual school bus safety inspections per bus, including at least one unscheduled "surprise" inspection at the operator's terminal. It directly affects school bus operators (owners/responsible for daily operations) and the MVC, mandating they maintain detailed records of bus maintenance, driver qualifications, and emissions compliance. Key provisions include mandatory emission checks for diesel buses during all inspections and fines of $50-$500 per violation for non-compliance (e.g., failing to provide records or withhold buses without 24-hour notice). The law amends existing safety regulations to strengthen oversight without altering bus definitions or operational standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey School Counts County College Scholarship Program, providing up to $4,000 in tuition, book, and fee assistance to eligible high school graduates attending county colleges. To qualify, students must earn a School Counts certificate by maintaining 95% attendance, achieving a C average or higher, completing Algebra I, and meeting graduation requirements during high school. The scholarship covers costs after other financial aid is applied, requires full-time enrollment (24+ credits annually), and must be used within six months of high school graduation. County colleges can receive state matching funds if they raise private donations to support student scholarships.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year pilot program for Integrated Domestic Violence Courts in Camden, Essex, Hudson, and Middlesex counties. The courts will combine domestic violence cases with related family matters (like divorce and child custody) and criminal cases under a single judge to improve victim safety and case efficiency. Judges assigned to these courts must have specialized expertise in domestic violence law, family law, and criminal sentencing. The program will be monitored by the Administrative Office of the Courts, with reports due 12 months after launch and at the program’s conclusion to evaluate effectiveness.