Asm. Shavonda Sumter

Maddy summaryAJR 94 designates November 14 of each year as "Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day" in New Jersey. The resolution commemorates Ruby Bridges' historic 1960 walk to William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana, where she became the first Black child to integrate an all-white school amid violent protests and isolation. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging schools and communities to observe the day with educational activities honoring her courage and the broader struggle for school desegregation. This is a symbolic resolution with no new legal requirements, focusing solely on recognition and education about Ruby Bridges' role in the civil rights movement.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's State Board of Education to create a biotechnology endorsement for career and technical education teaching certificates. It allows certified teachers to teach biotechnology courses in public high schools (grades 9-12). To qualify for this endorsement, teachers must meet one of four requirements: hold a bachelor's degree in biotechnology-related fields, a master's in biology/chemistry, an existing medical laboratory technician certification, or relevant industry work experience. The endorsement applies statewide to all public schools.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's municipal court conditional dismissal program to include defendants charged with certain minor drug offenses (previously excluded under Chapter 35/36 of Title 2C). It requires eligible defendants to complete court-directed programs like substance abuse treatment, mental health services, job training, or housing assistance over a one-year probation period. If they successfully complete these requirements without new offenses, the court dismisses the charges with no conviction record. The program applies to first-time offenders who meet standard eligibility criteria, such as no prior convictions for similar offenses. This change aligns with existing conditional dismissal rules for non-drug offenses but specifically adds drug-related cases to the program.

Maddy summaryACR 95 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow New Jersey municipalities to tax property improvements (like buildings) at a lower rate than land, currently subject to a single tax rate. If approved, the Legislature would create general laws enabling municipalities - potentially limited to those needing infrastructure investment - to adopt ordinances with dual tax rates. These laws would permit local flexibility in setting the rate difference, phased implementation of changes, and the option to revert to a single tax rate. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election following constitutional passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1990) requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to create a free emergency notification system for schools to alert students, staff, parents/guardians, and teachers during active shooter incidents on school grounds. The system must allow users to register any mobile device (like phones or tablets), work with all device types, and automatically contact local law enforcement or state police upon activation. Schools must customize the system using registered contact information, and it will be provided at no cost to all public and nonpublic schools. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

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 repeals a $100,000 cap on sales and use tax exemptions for businesses in New Jersey's Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) program. It removes the limit on tax exemptions for materials, supplies, and services used for major renovations, new construction, or substantial improvements to business properties. The change applies retroactively to January 1, 2022, meaning businesses participating in the UEZ program can now claim full tax exemptions for eligible capital improvements without the previous dollar cap.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires property owners to submit an affidavit of title when recording deeds, enhancing fraud prevention. It mandates specific disclosures for property transfers (including new construction details with "NEW CONSTRUCTION" labeling) and requires county recording offices to notify the property owner whenever a deed is recorded. To cover notification costs, the bill allows an additional $2 fee per deed recording and lets owners provide preferred contact information (mail/email) for these notifications. The law directly affects anyone recording or receiving a deed for real property in New Jersey, aiming to prevent unauthorized property transfers.

Maddy summaryThis bill permits union officials representing probation officers, supervisors, and related judicial staff to participate in all union activities - including lobbying, spending union funds, and partisan political activities - while on full-time leave under existing law (N.J.S.11A:6-12). It directly affects union officers for judicial probation units in New Jersey, removing a previous restriction on their involvement in these activities. The law overrides other provisions that previously deemed such participation improper. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Assembly Bill A3155 proposes to restrict when law enforcement can use deadly force. It removes current allowances for using deadly force during arrests for specific crimes (like homicide, kidnapping, or robbery) and to prevent escapes from jail or prison. Under the bill, deadly force would only be permitted if an officer reasonably believes there is an immediate threat of deadly force to themselves or another person. This change would apply to all law enforcement officers and others acting under the law in New Jersey.