Asm. Mike Venezia

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the New Jersey Home Safety Act, requires firearm owners to store their guns in locked safes or containers when not in use, directly affecting all residents who possess firearms in New Jersey. The law mandates that firearms be secured in a way that renders them inaccessible and unusable to anyone other than the owner, with exceptions for lawful carry and temporary transfers. Violations carry penalties ranging from community service for first offenses to criminal charges if the failure to secure a firearm results in serious injury or death. The legislation also directs the Attorney General to establish a list of approved organizations for community service sentences focused on gun violence prevention education and requires retail firearm dealers to provide written warnings about secure storage laws to customers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires nursing homes in New Jersey to provide detailed financial and ownership information to the Department of Health before a sale or transfer of ownership occurs. The new requirements include submitting a transfer fee, a cover letter identifying the facility, a description of the transaction with full details on current and proposed owners, and copies of sales and management agreements. The Department of Health must post these applications on its website within 30 days while redacting personal and proprietary information, and the public will have an opportunity to comment on each transfer. Additionally, ownership transfer approval depends on the Department reviewing the new owners' disciplinary history and ensuring all outstanding Medicaid claims and penalties are resolved or assumed by the new owners.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the 16-hour daily limit on private duty nursing services for Medicaid recipients in New Jersey who are 21 years of age or older. Under the new rules, eligible individuals whose medical condition requires it can receive up to 24 hours of nursing care in a single day, as determined by the state's Commission of Human Services. The legislation also directs the Commissioner of Human Services to seek necessary federal approvals and update regulations to implement these changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that New Jersey school districts offering elementary education must provide free, full-day preschool programs for three- and four-year-olds starting in the 2029-2030 school year. Districts that do not currently have such programs must submit a detailed implementation plan to the state by June 30, 2027, and may partner with neighboring districts to meet this requirement. The legislation also clarifies that these preschool programs must meet specific quality standards and outlines eligibility for state funding assistance for districts that establish them.

Maddy summaryThis bill would make it legal for adults aged 21 and older to grow and possess marijuana plants for personal use in New Jersey. Under the proposed law, individuals could grow up to six plants for recreational use or up to 10 plants for medical use, with a household limit of 12 plants total. The legislation removes criminal penalties for maintaining or operating premises used to grow these limited quantities of marijuana for personal purposes. Additionally, the bill requires the state's Cannabis Regulatory Commission to create rules within 90 days of enactment to implement these changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 17-member Joint Blue Ribbon Task Force to study how climate change affects property insurance in New Jersey. The task force will include state officials, legislators, industry representatives, nonprofit advocates, and academics appointed by the Governor and Senate. Its main job is to examine issues like rising insurance costs, uninsurable areas due to flooding, and how climate risks impact housing and community stability. The group must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within one year of being fully formed. Once the report is delivered, the task force will end.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to create policies for administering nasal seizure rescue medication and using manual vagus nerve stimulators for students with seizure disorders during emergencies. It defines specific roles for school nurses as primary responders while allowing them to designate at least two additional trained staff members to assist when the nurse is not present. The legislation mandates that designated staff receive CPR and defibrillator training, obtain written parental consent, and includes provisions protecting school employees from liability when acting in good faith during emergency medical situations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school bus drivers, aides, and other personnel transporting students with disabilities to complete specialized training. The training covers behavior management, communication, adaptive equipment use, recognizing life-threatening emergencies (as defined in the bill), and safety procedures. Employers (school districts or contractors) must provide this training annually and require staff to certify completion within five business days. The bill does not mandate 911 calls or specific bus safety features, but focuses on personnel preparedness through training and certification. It is pending before the Assembly Education Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Dominican-American Commission to advocate for the state's growing Dominican-American community, foster cultural engagement, strengthen ties with the Dominican Republic, and address community issues. The commission, composed of 21 members (including legislative appointees and 13 community advocates appointed by the governor), will report annually to the Governor and Legislature with recommendations. It will operate under the Department of State, with members serving staggered terms (two to four years) and focusing on cultural promotion, community advocacy, and policy recommendations. The commission directly serves New Jersey's Dominican-American residents, who the bill identifies as the state's fastest-growing Latino population.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies to offer businesses an optional electronic service for receiving legally required notices, such as violation warnings, underpayment alerts, and unemployment claims. It directly affects businesses operating in New Jersey that receive these official notices from state entities. State agencies must notify businesses about the electronic option within 60 days of the bill’s enactment and provide instructions for opting in. The bill does not change existing notice requirements but adds an electronic alternative, with the law taking effect 90 days after enactment.