Asm. Kenyatta Stewart

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes funding for on-demand micro transit services under New Jersey's Senior Citizen and Disabled Resident Transportation Assistance Program. It directly affects senior citizens and disabled residents by allowing them to access technology-enabled shared transportation that lets them choose pick-up and drop-off locations via phone or mobile app. The legislation amends existing state law to formally define "on-demand micro transit" and update related terminology within the transportation assistance framework. The program operates through the New Jersey Transit Corporation in coordination with local counties and advisory committees to ensure services meet accessibility needs.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A4085 prohibits businesses from using consumers' personal data to set prices for goods or services. It specifically bans pricing strategies that vary prices based on biometric data, genetic information, or protected class data (like race, gender, or disability) through methods such as personalized algorithmic pricing or surveillance pricing. The law applies to all business entities selling merchandise or services within New Jersey and imposes fines up to $10,000 for first violations and $20,000 for repeat offenses, plus potential penalties like cease-and-desist orders. Businesses may still offer standard discounts, promotions, or loyalty programs, which are explicitly exempted from the ban.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey," is a commemorative resolution naming a state initiative after civil rights leader John Lewis. It appropriates $2.5 million but does not establish new voting procedures or protections. The bill primarily includes recognition language affirming New Jersey’s commitment to voting rights for protected classes and defines terms like "covered entity" for future reference, though no specific implementation mechanisms are detailed. As it is pending technical review and lacks concrete policy changes, it functions as a symbolic gesture rather than a substantive legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows police officers in Newark and Paterson who were promoted to sergeant after the February 2019 exam to keep their promotions as permanent appointments instead of requiring them to retake the test. It overrides a previous court order that had made these promotions conditional and threatened to invalidate them, which could have led to demotions for over 100 officers. The legislation applies only to officers in these two cities who were promoted based on that specific exam and ensures their personnel records reflect their original appointment dates.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors working on New Jersey public works projects to verify that all craftworkers meet minimum qualifications. Specifically, it mandates that contractors register electronically and provide proof that each journeyperson has either completed a registered apprenticeship program meeting federal standards or has four years of documented work experience (with union members under certain collective bargaining agreements exempt). The law also requires contractors to confirm they participate in approved apprenticeship programs for any craftworkers they employ. These requirements apply directly to contractors bidding on or performing state-funded construction projects.

Maddy summaryBill A4525 extends the deadline for developers to submit a temporary certificate of occupancy for qualified residential or mixed-use parking projects under New Jersey's Economic Redevelopment and Growth Grant program. The current deadline of December 31, 2024, is changed to June 30, 2032, directly affecting developers of eligible projects participating in this grant program. This amendment adjusts a specific administrative requirement within the program's rules, allowing more time for project completion while maintaining existing environmental, labor, and sustainability standards. The change applies to projects approved under the grant program that require this certificate to access tax incentives.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how the state calculates financial aid for preschool programs in school districts that are newly receiving this funding for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. Currently, these districts must split the cost of preschool programs between state aid and local taxes, but the legislation exempts them from this requirement. Instead, the state will provide a larger share of funding based on the total number of enrolled students and program costs. This change allows affected districts to receive more state money without needing separate voter approval to raise local taxes to cover the remaining expenses. The bill is estimated to increase state spending by approximately $7.5 million in the 2027 fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill mandates that inmates with 24 months or more remaining on their sentences participate in a virtual reality life skills simulator program within Department of Corrections facilities. The program is designed to teach practical skills such as resume writing, budgeting, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation through immersive simulations. Inmates who successfully complete this training will become eligible for additional time credits toward their release. The legislation also updates existing workforce training laws to include this new virtual reality component as a required part of inmate education.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes a temporary community crisis response team pilot program in New Jersey permanent and allocates $6 million in funding. It allows eligible municipalities and community organizations in specific counties to apply for grants to establish teams that handle emergencies through non-police methods like triage and referrals to social services. The Attorney General will manage the annual grant selection process, which prioritizes groups that have already been approved for violence intervention work for at least two years. Funds can be used for planning, staffing, operational costs, and training to support these community-based safety initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Department of Corrections and the Youth Justice Commission to stop charging fees when families send money electronically to incarcerated individuals and youth. It mandates that all correctional facilities, including private ones, allow deposits through online platforms, mobile apps, or phone calls without transaction costs. To fund this change, the legislation authorizes the state to provide necessary money from the General Fund to both agencies. The rules must apply uniformly across all facilities in the state, and the law will take effect thirteen months after being passed.