Asm. Shavonda Sumter

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all state-appointed boards, commissions, task forces, and similar bodies established by statute to maintain gender balance in their membership. It mandates that no single gender can exceed half the total membership plus one for odd-sized groups, or more than half for even-sized groups. The requirement applies to all such bodies unless an exception exists in the creating statute or balancing conflicts with specific needs. The bill defines "gender" broadly to include gender identity and requires multiple appointing authorities to coordinate compliance. It applies immediately upon enactment to all existing and future such bodies.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A617 authorizes the creation of Juneteenth commemorative license plates for vehicle owners in the state. The bill requires a $50 initial application fee and $10 annual renewal fee (in addition to standard registration costs), with all collected funds deposited into a "Juneteenth License Plate Fund" managed by the New Jersey Historical Commission. This fund must be used to commemorate Juneteenth, and the program cannot launch until the Historical Commission secures $25,000 in private funding and provides 500 pre-orders for the plates. The plates must display commemorative wording/emblems and are subject to standard vehicle registration rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a New Jersey state program requiring contracting agencies (like state departments and authorities) to set annual procurement goals for awarding contracts to certified socially and economically disadvantaged business enterprises (SEDBEs). It defines SEDBEs as businesses owned by individuals who meet specific criteria for both social disadvantage (e.g., racial minority status, disability, gender identity, or location in high-poverty areas) and economic disadvantage (e.g., limited capital/credit access and net worth below a set threshold). The program mandates agencies to develop annual plans to meet these goals, use certified SEDBEs for prime contracts or subcontracts where feasible, and submit reports tracking contract awards and outreach efforts. The goal is to increase SEDBE participation in state procurement for construction, professional services, goods, and IT, without altering existing set-aside programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2848) allows New Jersey businesses to claim a tax credit against their corporation business tax or gross income tax for hiring employees with developmental disabilities. The credit equals 10% of the employee’s salary (capped at $3,000 per employee annually) and totals $60,000 per business per year. To qualify, the employee must have a developmental disability as defined by state law (N.J.S.A. 30:6D-25) and be declared eligible by the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Businesses cannot claim this credit for the same employee if they also claim the existing credit for hiring at a sheltered workshop or training center.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey registered voters to request receiving primary and school election sample ballots via email instead of physical mail. Eligible voters must submit a request, provide their physical address, and agree to waive liability for email delivery failures due to technical issues (like spam filters or typos). Local election offices must keep email addresses confidential, not public records, and send paper copies if email delivery fails. The Secretary of State must create standard procedures for implementation, including voter notification and options to switch between email and paper delivery.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow New Jersey municipal courts to issue restricted driver's licenses as an alternative to full license suspension for people facing financial hardship due to a suspended license, excluding suspensions related to certain offenses like DUI. The restricted license would only permit driving for work or school commutes during specific hours and between specific locations, requiring a special placard displayed in the vehicle's rear window. A fee of up to $100 would cover the license and placard, and the restricted license would expire when the regular license is restored.

Maddy summaryAJR 68 designates May 17 of each year as "Menstrual Empowerment Day" in New Jersey, honoring the birthday of Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner, a Black inventor who patented a sanitary belt in 1957. The resolution asks the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials, organizations, and citizens to observe the day through awareness activities. It aims to recognize Kenner's overlooked contributions to menstrual hygiene and align with global efforts to address period poverty and stigma. The bill does not create new laws or funding but formally designates an annual observance day.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals and birthing centers that provide maternity services to create written policies allowing patients to select a doula (a trained support person) to be present during labor, birth, and postpartum. Facilities must provide these policies in writing to medical staff, patients, and others upon request, post a summary online, and appoint a staff liaison to connect with doulas and organizations. The policies must be adopted within 180 days of the bill's immediate effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires automatic fire sprinkler systems in all new townhouses built in New Jersey. It applies to newly constructed townhouses (defined as not previously occupied, with permits issued after the bill's effective date, for up to two households in attached units). The key mechanism mandates that construction permits cannot be approved without sprinkler system provisions, and directs the state to update building codes to require separate shut-off valves for sprinklers and domestic water. The requirements take effect seven months after the bill is enacted, affecting future developments but not existing buildings.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A598) requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) to implement specific safety policies for its employees performing roadside maintenance. It mandates that NJTA prohibit power tool use in non-emergency maintenance during rain, require safety measures like warning signs and variable message signs during emergency work in bad weather, restrict gas-powered equipment to daylight hours (except emergencies), and use portable light towers for nighttime maintenance. These policies directly affect NJTA maintenance staff and drivers using New Jersey Turnpike roads. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.