Asm. Mike Venezia

Maddy summaryThis bill creates two new New Jersey Transit (NJT) programs. The "NJpass Program" provides discounted group fares for eligible organizations (like workforce training providers, schools, government agencies, and social service groups) when purchasing transit passes for their employees or clients. The "GO NJ Transit Card Program" establishes a reloadable card system where individuals can load money (minimum $10) for any NJT service, with funds never expiring. NJT must publish eligibility details, enter contracts with qualifying organizations, and submit annual reports on program effectiveness to the Governor and Legislature. The bill is pending and would take effect after passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state to appropriate $1 million annually from the General Fund to educational services commissions that primarily serve students from School Development Authority (SDA) districts. These commissions currently receive no state funding for school facility upgrades or security improvements, despite having similar needs as SDA districts. The funds must be used for specific facility projects (like construction or renovations) and security measures (such as cameras, emergency notification systems, and access controls).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services to create two dedicated websites: one in English and one in Spanish, to help residents enroll in Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs. The English site will list health navigators and community centers that assist with enrollment, including the languages they speak. The Spanish site will mirror this content with a Spanish domain name for easier access by Spanish-speaking residents. A bilingual public awareness campaign will promote both websites. The bill directly affects New Jersey residents seeking affordable health care, particularly Spanish speakers facing language barriers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Labor to establish a heat stress standard by June 2025, creating rules to protect workers from heat-related illness. It directly affects all employers in the state - including construction, agriculture, and indoor workplaces without climate control - by mandating written heat illness prevention plans. Key provisions include employer requirements for monitoring heat exposure, providing cool water (66-77°F or 35-65°F), paid rest breaks, shade or cooling areas, and emergency response protocols. The standard aims to address risks highlighted by rising temperatures and existing deaths from heat exposure, aligning with protections in other states like California and Oregon.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how New Jersey issues medical cannabis business permits. It requires the Cannabis Regulatory Commission to issue the first three permits for medical cannabis cultivators, manufacturers, and dispensaries (one per region: north, central, south) as combined permits, while future permits follow updated rules. The bill establishes conditional permits (making up one-third of all permits) with specific requirements, including income limits ($200,000 individual / $400,000 joint) for owners, background checks, and regional distribution rules. It directly affects new applicants seeking medical cannabis business licenses, including microbusinesses, by setting clearer application processes and financial criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2726) requires employers in New Jersey to use bias audits for automated tools that screen job applicants or make employment decisions (like hiring, promotions, or pay). It mandates that sellers of these tools provide annual bias audits evaluating potential discrimination against protected groups (such as race, gender, or disability), and employers must post audit summaries online and notify candidates 10 days before using such tools. The law applies to all employers, including government agencies, and aims to prevent biased outcomes by requiring independent reviews and transparency. The bill is pending before the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a rebate program for residents purchasing new low-speed electric bicycles meeting specific safety standards (ANSI/CAN/UL 2849). Rebates cover up to $2,000 or 50% of the bike's price (minimum $1,000 purchase), but only for in-person purchases made by New Jersey residents. The program, funded by $1 million from an existing societal benefits charge, aims to reduce vehicle emissions by encouraging e-bike use for short trips. The BPU will determine eligible bike types, application processes, and additional program requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes New Jersey's voter registration deadline from 21 to 14 days before an election. It directly affects voters who move within their county before an election but fail to update their registration in time. The key provision amends R.S.19:12-7 to allow voters who move without filing a change of address by the 14th day before the election to still correct their registration and vote using a provisional ballot at their current polling place. The change applies to primary elections, general elections, and school elections. Voters must still notify election officials within the new 14-day window to avoid provisional ballot requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 430) requires that only registered design professionals (like architects or engineers) or employees certified by the state as fire escape contractors may install, service, repair, inspect, or maintain fire escapes in New Jersey. It directly affects contractors working on fire escapes and building owners requiring these services. The key provision creates a certification requirement for fire escape contractors, enforced by the Commissioner of Community Affairs, to ensure qualified personnel handle these critical safety systems. The bill does not apply to other fire protection equipment like sprinklers or alarms.

Maddy summaryThe "Ease of Doing Government Business Act" requires all New Jersey state and local government entities (like departments issuing licenses, permits, or certifications) to review and simplify their public-facing processes. Within 180 days of the law taking effect, these entities must identify steps to streamline services, reduce redundancies, and cut processing times - repeating this annual review. They must also implement user-friendly online tools with plain language, multilingual options where possible, and systems for citizens to submit feedback on their service experiences, which must be reviewed within 30 days. The bill directly affects government agencies handling public transactions and aims to make interactions faster and clearer.