Asm. Mike Venezia

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly resolution urges Congress to remove marijuana from Schedule I of the federal Controlled Substances Act, which currently classifies it as having "no accepted medical use" despite state legalization. It directly affects New Jersey residents and businesses by highlighting how federal Schedule I status prevents medical marijuana from being covered by health insurance, forces dispensaries to handle large cash amounts (increasing crime risks), and blocks banking access. The resolution cites state laws like the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act as evidence of marijuana's accepted medical value, conflicting with federal policy. As a non-binding resolution, it requests Congress take action but does not change federal law itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the age of a minor covered by the law from 16 to 18, prohibiting firearm owners from leaving loaded guns within easy access of minors under 18. It requires owners to store loaded firearms securely - using a locked container, a secure location, or a trigger lock - to avoid being charged with a disorderly persons offense. Law enforcement officers who observe unsecured firearms must return to the premises to ensure proper storage, with violations punishable by up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine. The law applies to all firearm owners at premises they control, including homes where minors reside or visit.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to maintain nasal rescue medication (like diazepam or midazolam nasal spray) and portable oxygen devices in secure, accessible locations throughout all school buildings. It directly affects students with seizure conditions (who have a seizure action plan), school nurses, and designated school staff trained to administer these treatments during emergencies when the nurse isn't present. Key provisions mandate parental written consent, liability waivers, and standardized training protocols developed by the Department of Education and Health. The state will reimburse school districts for related costs, with training materials distributed annually to schools.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public colleges and universities to provide a replacement scholarship to student-athletes who lose their athletic scholarship due to a sports-related injury or illness that makes them medically ineligible to compete. If an athletic scholarship is rescinded or not renewed because of such an injury or illness (as determined by the institution's medical staff), the school must offer a new scholarship equal in value for the remainder of the student's undergraduate degree program or up to five academic years total - whichever is shorter. It specifically covers injuries directly related to intercollegiate athletics that prevent continued participation. The bill applies only to public institutions of higher education in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires youth camps, recreation departments, and youth organizations (like Little Leagues, soccer leagues, and Police Athletic Leagues) to have an automated defibrillator on-site during youth athletic events held on public fields. It applies to any organization sponsoring youth sports events on municipal, county, school, or publicly-owned fields. Organizations can comply if a certified first responder with a defibrillator is present, and the bill grants legal immunity for those using defibrillators. The requirement must be met within 180 days of the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow students in grades 6-12 who attend charter schools, county vocational schools, nonpublic schools, or receive homeschooling instruction to participate in interscholastic athletics in their district of residence if their current school doesn't sponsor that sport. Students would need to provide proof of residency, meet the same physical, academic, and behavioral requirements as public school students, and demonstrate they're receiving an academically equivalent education (for homeschoolers). The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association would handle any eligibility disputes. This would expand participation opportunities for students who currently face barriers to joining interscholastic sports teams in their local school districts.

Maddy summaryAJR 190 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 causing cystine crystal buildup that damages organs like kidneys and eyes. It specifically requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging state agencies, organizations, and citizens to participate in awareness activities. The bill directly supports individuals affected by cystinosis - approximately 500-600 Americans, including children in New Jersey - and advances efforts to improve early detection and access to treatment for this condition.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 150) formally recognizes Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey, as one of only two surviving Negro League stadiums in the U.S. and highlights its historical significance as a landmark honoring African American athletes. It specifically acknowledges the annual football rivalry game between Montclair State University and William Paterson University held at the stadium, calling it a cultural event that preserves the site's legacy. The resolution has no legal effect but serves to publicly affirm the stadium's importance through formal recognition. It directs copies to university leaders, the Governor, relevant legislators, and the New Jersey Historical Society. The resolution does not alter any laws or funding but aims to promote awareness of the stadium's role in sports history.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "New Jersey Health Care and Privacy Protection Act," prohibiting businesses from disclosing precise geolocation data (within 1,750 feet) of individuals near reproductive health care facilities. It defines such facilities as locations providing legally protected health care activities - including abortion, contraception, and gender-affirming care - and bars businesses from sharing this data or linked personal information. Violating this provision is deemed an unlawful practice under New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act. The law ensures New Jersey statutes govern actions related to these health care services, with no reference to procedural or commemorative elements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year grant program (the "UNITY Grant Program") to provide school district employees facing adverse situations with financial support for their dependents' preschool or college education. The Commissioner of Education will administer the program, determine grant amounts, and allow multi-year awards after employees submit applications. It requires an annual report to the Governor and Legislature on program implementation, participants, and recommendations. The program is funded through an appropriation from the General Fund, with no specified cost or timeline beyond the three-year term.