Asm. Shavonda Sumter

Maddy summaryThis bill removes mandatory minimum sentences for certain non-violent drug offenses in New Jersey, including crimes related to drug distribution, possession, and trafficking. It amends specific sections of the criminal code (2C:35-3, 2C:35-4, 2C:35-5, 2C:35-6, 2C:35-7, 2C:35-8, and 2C:43-6) that currently require minimum prison terms for these offenses. The bill incorporates recommendations from the New Jersey Criminal Sentencing and Disposition Commission to eliminate mandatory minimums for these non-violent drug crimes. By removing these mandatory minimums, judges will have more discretion in sentencing for these specific offenses, potentially reducing prison sentences for individuals convicted of these crimes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey health insurers, including commercial plans, health maintenance organizations, and state programs, to cover mammograms starting at age 35 rather than 40 for routine screening. It mandates annual mammograms for women 35 and older, while also requiring coverage for women under 35 with family history of breast cancer or other risk factors. The bill also requires coverage for additional breast imaging tests like ultrasounds or MRIs when mammograms show dense breast tissue or abnormalities. This applies to all health insurance plans in New Jersey, including the State Health Benefits Program and School Employees' Health Benefits Program. The policy change lowers the age threshold for routine screening to improve early breast cancer detection.

Maddy summaryThis bill regulates the use of automated hiring tools in New Jersey to prevent employment discrimination. It requires vendors to conduct annual bias audits of their tools and include the results at no extra cost when selling the tool. Employers must notify job applicants within 30 days if an automated tool was used to screen their application and that the tool assessed their qualifications. Violations can result in civil penalties of up to $1,500 per violation.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows students receiving opportunity grants through New Jersey's Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program to use a portion of their award for summer courses that count toward graduation or their academic major. Students must notify the Secretary of Higher Education before the academic year begins, resulting in a proportional reduction of their grant funds during the regular academic year. The bill also requires annual reporting by institutions on summer grant usage and graduation rates, implementing a 2016 College Affordability Study Commission recommendation.

Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding assembly resolution (AR 139) expressing formal appreciation to the staff of the New Jersey General Assembly. It specifically thanks the Chief Clerk and all staff members - including Sergeants at Arms, committee services, administrative personnel, and others - for their dedication, expertise, and service during legislative sessions. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is purely a symbolic gesture recognizing staff contributions to the legislature's operations. Copies will be distributed to all General Assembly staff members.

Maddy summaryThis bill regulates automated hiring tools used by employers in New Jersey to prevent discrimination. It requires vendors selling such tools in the state to conduct annual bias audits and include the audit results with the sale. Employers using these tools must post the latest audit summary on their website and notify job candidates within 30 days if an automated tool was used to assess their application, including details about the criteria evaluated. Violations can result in civil penalties up to $1,500 per incident. The bill directly affects employers, hiring vendors, and job applicants in New Jersey's workforce.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires local purchasing agents in New Jersey to hold a state-issued "qualified purchasing agent certificate." To qualify, individuals must complete approved training, pass an exam, and meet specific criteria including two years of government procurement experience (or equivalent education), a high school diploma, U.S. citizenship, and good moral character. The certificate must be renewed every three years, requiring additional training on "green product purchasing" for renewal. Local governments may appoint temporary purchasing agents without the certificate for up to two years under limited circumstances, but only for specific roles like certified finance officers performing day-to-day procurement work.

Maddy summaryThis bill would adopt New Jersey into the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, an interstate agreement that allows dentists and dental hygienists licensed in one participating state to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses in each state. To practice in another participating state, licensees would need to meet requirements like passing national board exams and having graduated from accredited programs, and would apply for a "compact privilege" to practice there. The compact would establish a commission to oversee the agreement and a data system to share licensure and disciplinary information among participating states, with adverse actions in one state affecting a professional's ability to practice in all participating states.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 130) urges New Jersey's Governor and Legislature to create programs supporting social work education. It specifically addresses the high student debt burden faced by social work students (average $26,500 for bachelor's degrees and $48,000 for master's degrees) and low median salaries ($50,390), which deter individuals from entering the field. The resolution proposes initiatives like scholarships and loan redemption programs to incentivize social work careers and strengthen the state's workforce. It directly affects prospective and current social workers pursuing degrees in New Jersey. The resolution is non-binding and serves as a formal request for action.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 134) urges the U.S. Congress to renew funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides monthly internet discounts and device subsidies to low-income households. The ACP currently serves over 20 million households nationwide - including 335,079 in New Jersey as of January 2024 - with discounts of up to $30 monthly (or $75 for Tribal lands) and a one-time $100 device subsidy. Without congressional action, the program is set to expire in April 2024 after exhausting its $14.2 billion budget. The resolution highlights how the ACP helps households access essential services like education, healthcare, and remote work by closing the digital divide.