Asm. Mike Venezia

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale, distribution, import, export, and propagation of 31 specific invasive plant species (including Japanese barberry, English ivy, and Japanese wisteria) in New Jersey, directly affecting nurseries, garden centers, landscapers, and anyone importing or selling these plants. It establishes a New Jersey Invasive Species Council to advise state agencies and develop rules for future prohibitions, with key timelines starting 13 months after enactment for propagation/import and 49 months for sales. Certain exempt cultivars (like specific Japanese barberry varieties) may still be sold but must include educational labels about invasive species. The law aims to protect New Jersey's ecosystems, natural resources, and public health by preventing the spread of harmful non-native plants.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state, county, and municipal governments to use plastic construction materials containing at least 10% recycled content (increasing to 15% after two years) for State-funded projects. It applies specifically to materials made of over 50% plastic by cost (like pipes or panels), not all construction. Projects may be exempt if using compliant materials would raise costs by 25% or if such materials aren't available. The law aims to boost recycled plastic use in public infrastructure without mandating changes that would significantly impact project budgets or feasibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public colleges and universities to create campus food waste reduction programs. It mandates redirecting unused food from dining halls, events, and facilities to local food security programs like soup kitchens and pantries, while ensuring all food safety standards are met during handling and transfer. Each institution must also submit annual reports on their food donations to the Governor and Legislature, posting them publicly online. The law applies directly to every public higher education campus in New Jersey and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public colleges and universities to create campus food waste reduction programs. These programs must redirect unused food from dining halls, events, and facilities to local food security groups like soup kitchens and pantries, while following food safety standards. Each institution must submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing their contributions and post these reports online. The law applies directly to every public higher education campus in New Jersey, aiming to reduce waste and support community food needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $1.5 million grant program administered by New Jersey's Division of Local Government Services to help local governments (municipalities and counties) improve operational efficiency. It allows local governments to apply for grants - up to $150,000 for counties or $100,000 for municipalities - to hire licensed consultants for efficiency reviews, with applicants required to contribute 25% of the grant amount as matching funds. Recipients must report on specific cost savings, shared services, or service improvements achieved within one year of receiving funds. The program mandates public reporting of results through comparative profiles and annual summaries to the Governor and Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the New Jersey Suicide Hopeline to make follow-up calls to minors aged 16 or older who are identified as being at high risk of suicide without requiring parental consent. It amends state law to make a minor's consent for these follow-up calls valid and binding as if they were an adult, and confidential - meaning operators do not need to report the calls to parents or guardians. Currently, national guidelines for suicide hotlines require parental permission for such follow-ups, but this bill removes that barrier for minors 16+ seeking mental health support. The policy directly affects at-risk youth aged 16 and older who contact the Suicide Hopeline for crisis counseling.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Education to create and maintain a free, public online registry of tutors and organizations offering free supplemental tutoring to students. It allows certified teachers, retired teachers, college students, industry professionals, and relevant organizations to register, providing details like contact information and subject expertise. All registrants must undergo criminal background checks (except certified teachers with prior checks), and the registry explicitly states it does not endorse or verify the quality of services offered. The registry will be accessible to all New Jersey residents via the DOE website.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4515) changes certification requirements for career and technical education (CTE) teachers in New Jersey. It prohibits the State Board of Education from requiring CTE teacher candidates to complete educator preparation programs longer than 200 hours or one academic year, replacing the current 350-hour two-year program. It also allows candidates to demonstrate basic English and math skills through alternatives like portfolios, industry certifications, or occupational licenses instead of standardized tests. These changes directly affect individuals seeking CTE teaching certification through the Alternate Route program, aiming to reduce barriers to entry.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies procedures in contested child custody cases in New Jersey. It requires courts to give greater weight to a child's expressed preferences (if age-appropriate) and consider recommendations from the child's licensed mental health professional when making custody decisions. The bill also restricts courts from ordering reunification therapy (family therapy to reconnect estranged parents and children) unless there's scientific evidence of its safety and effectiveness, and the child consents. Additionally, it mandates courts to document specific reasons when overriding a child's preference or ordering reunification therapy, and directs the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners to develop professional standards for reunification therapy within a year.

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.