Asm. Mike Venezia

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Legislative Youth Council, composed of 40 youth members aged 18-25 who are New Jersey residents for at least 10 years and represent each legislative district. The council advises the Legislature and state policymakers on youth-related issues - including mental health, school safety, and economic opportunities - and submits biennial policy recommendations. The Secretary of Higher Education selects a state institution of higher education to host the council, appoint a coordinator, and provide administrative support, with the coordinator overseeing operations and reporting to the Legislature. The council must reflect racial, gender, geographic, and economic diversity in its membership.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A422) requires New Jersey's Department of Education to annually report how federal pandemic relief funds are used by school districts. Specifically, the department must submit yearly reports by December 31 detailing the total funds received from federal programs like the CARES Act, CRRSA Act, and American Rescue Plan Act, along with the specific purposes school districts used these funds for (e.g., remote learning, staff support). A final report is also required six months after all funds are fully spent. The bill directly affects the Department of Education and public school districts receiving federal COVID-19 relief funding.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial Assembly Resolution (AR 25) formally recognizes Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey - as one of the nation’s two surviving Negro League stadiums - and the annual football rivalry game between Montclair State University and William Paterson University held there. It does not create new laws or funding but publicly affirms the stadium’s historical significance and the cultural value of the university game. The resolution directs copies to university leaders, the Governor, relevant legislators, and the New Jersey Historical Society to support ongoing preservation and community engagement efforts. It specifically aims to honor the stadium’s legacy in African American sports history and promote its educational role.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-426) requires all operators and riders of low-speed electric bicycles and scooters in New Jersey to wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet meeting state safety standards. It directly affects anyone using these vehicles for transportation, including those riding in attached seats. The law imposes fines of up to $25 for a first violation and $100 for repeat offenses. The bill aims to reduce head injuries, citing increased crash risks compared to traditional bicycles. It is pending before the Assembly Public Safety Committee after being introduced on January 13, 2026.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A-3708 creates a new first-degree crime called "home invasion" for entering a residential dwelling with intent to commit certain offenses (like robbery or violent crimes) while someone is present, using force, threatening violence, or being armed with a weapon. It mandates a 10-30 year prison sentence with no early release under the No Early Release Act (requiring 85% of the sentence to be served). The bill also upgrades burglary of a residence to second-degree if a resident is present during the offense, applying the same mandatory 85% sentencing rule. This law directly affects individuals convicted of these specific home-related crimes, altering sentencing requirements for both new home invasion charges and certain burglary cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to amend its building code to ban burning high-emission fuels (like natural gas) in new construction. Starting 12 months after enactment, it prohibits such combustion in new buildings under seven stories; 36 months later, the ban applies to all new buildings regardless of height. Exemptions apply only to emergency systems, emergency facilities, and commercial food establishments, though these areas must still be designed to be "all-electric ready" where feasible. The bill also mandates a joint report on electric rate adjustments within 12 months and allows municipalities to impose stricter rules. (Pending before the Assembly Housing Committee as of 2026-01-13.)

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs to develop a mobile application that provides veterans and their families with information on state and federal resources. The app would cover topics including legal rights, benefits, medical and insurance issues, education, housing, and support for transitioning from military to civilian life. It aims to improve access to these resources through a mobile platform designed to be faster and more user-friendly than traditional websites. The bill was introduced in 2026 but withdrawn after being enacted in prior legislation (P.L.2025, c.292).

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 7-member School Funding Formula Evaluation Task Force to study New Jersey's current school funding system. The task force, composed of the Commissioner of Education and six appointed public members with education and finance expertise, will examine how state aid is distributed under the 2008 School Funding Reform Act and 2018 update (S2). It will specifically assess calculations for school budgets, weighting of at-risk students, special education funding, geographic cost adjustments, and other key aspects. The task force must issue a final report with recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within one year of forming, which will be posted online. This study directly affects all public school districts in New Jersey by evaluating the formulas that determine their state funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires vehicle manufacturers selling in New Jersey to stamp the vehicle identification number (VIN) directly onto each catalytic converter installed in new vehicles. It directly affects manufacturers by mandating this marking as a standard part of vehicle production for all vehicles sold in the state. The key provision is the requirement to permanently mark catalytic converters with the VIN, which helps law enforcement identify stolen parts. The bill takes effect three months after enactment.

Maddy summaryAJR 19 designates May 7 of each year as "Cystinosis Awareness Day" in New Jersey. This symbolic resolution aims to raise public awareness about cystinosis, a rare genetic disorder affecting approximately 500-600 Americans, including children in New Jersey. The bill requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging state agencies, organizations, and residents to support education and advocacy efforts. It specifically references the Cystinosis Research Network's existing May 7 designation to promote early detection and treatment awareness. The resolution does not create new laws or funding, but seeks to amplify existing awareness initiatives for a condition that causes organ damage if undetected.