Asm. Mike Venezia

Maddy summaryThis bill requires each New Jersey county school superintendent to hire a violence prevention specialist who will develop a school safety plan with community partners like mental health providers, teachers, and parents. The plan must create a prevention team with mental health specialists to identify at-risk students, provide on-site mental health services, and coordinate with community agencies, law enforcement, and courts. It allocates $10 million from the state General Fund to the Department of Education for implementation, including annual updates to statewide guidelines and training materials. The bill directly affects all public school districts and students in New Jersey, focusing on early intervention and integrated mental health support within school communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the application fees for several types of firearms permits in New Jersey. It raises the one-time fee for a firearms purchaser identification card from $5 to $100. The fee for a permit to purchase a handgun increases from $2 to $50 per handgun. The initial fee and renewal fee for a permit to carry a handgun increases from $20 to $200. The sponsor states these fees have not been updated since the 1960s, justifying the increases.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A294) establishes the "Commission on People with Disabilities" in New Jersey. The commission, consisting of 25 members (13 voting with disability representation requirements and 12 non-voting ex-officio state agency representatives), will advise the state government on policies affecting people with disabilities. Its key duties include suggesting legislation, serving as a government contact point for disability needs, coordinating with state agencies on service delivery, and preventing employment discrimination. The commission must submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature. (Note: This is a procedural bill creating a body, not a policy change.)

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public high school students in New Jersey who observe Ramadan to opt out of required physical education classes and school sports programs during the holy month. Students must submit written notice to their principal before schedules are finalized, and can substitute physical education with an instructional course or study hall that provides equivalent graduation credits. Student-athletes may also be excused from sports, cheerleading, or intramural programs with written notice to their coach, and coaches cannot penalize them for this absence. The policy specifically accommodates Muslim students fasting during Ramadan, without exempting them from other required health education courses.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A2216) makes several changes to voting by mail procedures. It requires the Secretary of State to create informational posters promoting mail-in voting for display at polling places and include ballot status checking information with mail-in ballots. The bill mandates that county election boards count mail-in ballots received within 48 hours after polls close as valid, whether postmarked on election day or received via USPS within that timeframe. It also clarifies that all voted mail-in ballots, including those received after the 48-hour window, must be retained by county boards for two years, including their envelopes, and made available for voter inspection. These changes aim to increase mail-in voting accessibility and ensure proper handling of ballots.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A561) allows New Jersey public school students to have up to five excused absences per school year for mental or behavioral health needs. These absences will not count toward chronic absenteeism (defined as missing 10% of school days) or affect perfect attendance records. Schools must provide opportunities for students to make up missed work and may require non-medical documentation to verify the need. After two such absences, schools may refer students to support staff.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey School Counts County College Scholarship Program, providing two years of tuition support (up to $2,000 annually, totaling $4,000) at county colleges for eligible high school graduates. Students must earn a "School Counts certificate" by meeting strict criteria: 95%+ attendance, C+ GPA, completing extra credits beyond graduation requirements, finishing high school in 8 semesters (or per IEP), and passing Algebra I. The scholarship covers tuition, books, and fees (up to full cost of attendance), requires prior application for other aid, and mandates enrollment within six months of graduation. Funding combines state appropriations, county college contributions, and private donations, with program rollout starting at four colleges (one per region) and expanding to all 11 county colleges over time.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires data brokers (businesses that collect and sell personal details like names, addresses, or health information without a direct relationship with customers) to register annually with New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs for a $100 fee. Brokers must submit detailed information about their data practices, including opt-out options, data breach history, and policies for minors' data. Crucially, the bill prohibits brokers from selling, sharing, or transmitting any physical health records (e.g., doctor visits, treatments) or behavioral health records (e.g., mental health or substance use treatment details) to third parties. Violations carry penalties of $50 per day for registration failures or $1,000 per health record disclosed.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides supplemental transportation aid to New Jersey school districts participating in the interdistrict public school choice program that are located in cities of the second class and have been ordered by the New Jersey Supreme Court to desegregate. These districts (called "choice districts") must arrange transportation for students from other districts ("sending districts") who live more than two miles (elementary) or 2.5 miles (secondary) from the choice school, if the school is within 20 miles of the student's home. The sending district receives state transportation aid for these students and pays it directly to the choice district. If the choice district's actual transportation costs exceed the state aid received, it may get supplemental state aid by demonstrating cost-efficient routing (like centralized pick-ups for multiple districts) and reporting annual cost differences to the Department of Education.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey residents with specific diagnosed special needs to voluntarily add a notation to their driver's license or state ID card. It covers individuals diagnosed with autism, severe anxiety, communication disabilities, PTSD, or Tourette syndrome by a licensed healthcare provider. The notation, displayed as a specific restriction code, is intended to help law enforcement and emergency responders communicate effectively and provide appropriate assistance during interactions. Cardholders can add or remove this notation at any time without penalty.