Asm. Shavonda Sumter

Maddy summaryThis resolution permanently designates the last week in February as "Eating Disorders Awareness Week" in New Jersey. It requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation for the week and encourages public officials and citizens to observe it with awareness activities. The resolution also directs that copies be sent to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) to support their work. The goal is to raise public awareness about eating disorders and encourage affected individuals and families to seek treatment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires athletic trainers and coaches in New Jersey public schools (for middle/high school sports, cheerleading, and dance programs) and public colleges to complete a standardized eating disorder awareness training program. The training, developed by the Commissioner of Education with health and education officials, covers identifying eating disorders, prevention strategies, available support services, and protocols for connecting student-athletes with help. Coaches and trainers must complete the training initially within six months of the program's launch and every two years thereafter, with new hires required to complete it within six months of appointment. Additionally, school boards and public universities must adopt protocols for addressing suspected eating disorders among student-athletes.

Maddy summaryThis bill would exempt poll workers' wages from being counted toward unemployment compensation calculations. Currently, earnings from poll work could reduce or eliminate an individual's unemployment benefits. The bill amends New Jersey's unemployment compensation law to specifically exclude wages earned by members of district boards of elections from being considered "employment" for unemployment benefit purposes. This change would directly affect individuals who serve as poll workers during elections and seek unemployment benefits afterward.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A4982) prohibits health insurance companies from using a person's body weight to decide whether to cover treatment for eating disorders. It directly affects individuals seeking treatment for eating disorders and all health insurance carriers (including companies, hospitals, and health plans) operating in New Jersey. The key provision bans insurers from considering body weight as a factor in coverage decisions for eating disorder treatments. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment, applying to policies issued or renewed after that date. It does not change coverage requirements for other medical conditions.

Maddy summaryBill A5633 ensures that individuals interested in filling vacancies in political party nominations for public office (such as for state or local positions) have access to key information and legal representation during the selection process. It requires political committees to maintain a public list of committee members with current contact details, share this list with interested applicants within 72 hours of notification, and provide selection meeting rules 24 hours in advance. The bill also mandates secret ballot voting for all contested selections to protect vote anonymity and integrity. These changes apply to vacancies occurring after a primary election but before the general election, directly affecting both candidates seeking nominations and the committees responsible for filling them.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an independent Office of State Police Affairs (OSPA) within the Department of Treasury but outside its control to oversee New Jersey's State Police. The OSPA will investigate complaints against law enforcement officers (including criminal allegations and misconduct), review internal police investigations for compliance with standards, and manage personnel decisions like promotions and removals. The OSPA director, appointed by the Governor for a five-year term, can compel testimony and documents, oversee criminal prosecutions of officers as a State prosecutor, and annually report to the Governor and Legislature on recruitment, hiring, and promotion practices. The office must ensure investigations follow professional standards and protect confidentiality while collaborating with other oversight bodies.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the New Jersey State Police from requiring pregnant or postpartum troopers to take physical fitness exams during those periods. It specifically states that troopers cannot be asked to complete the exam, appear at testing sites, submit related documentation, or undergo height/weight checks while pregnant or during the postpartum period (defined as the time before clearance from both their personal physician and a State Police physician). The bill also ensures troopers will not face disciplinary action, promotion barriers, or penalties for not taking the exam during these times. It directly affects pregnant and postpartum State Police troopers by removing a specific requirement during these health-related periods.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Police to create a dedicated community policing unit within their division. The unit must develop strategies to boost community engagement - like partnering with local groups and law enforcement to address neighborhood concerns - and increase diversity in State Police recruitment. It also mandates biennial training for all troopers on inclusive community practices and sets a yearly minimum for community engagement hours per trooper. The Superintendent must submit an annual report to the Attorney General and Legislature detailing the unit's activities. These changes directly affect State Police operations and troopers, aiming to improve trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5642) requires New Jersey's State Police to hold a recruit training class at least once every six months and establishes a formal recruitment program. It mandates the Superintendent of State Police, with the Attorney General, to set annual recruitment goals based on available funding and projected officer attrition (due to retirement or resignation). The program must actively seek diverse applicants, including specific targets for women and minorities, using outreach in low-income communities, partnerships with schools and community groups, and modern digital advertising. The Superintendent must annually evaluate the program's effectiveness in meeting diversity goals and adjust strategies as needed.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5644) requires New Jersey's Superintendent of State Police to create and implement a policy within six months that prioritizes recruiting women and minorities as civilian instructors and contractors at the State Police Academy. The policy aims to diversify the instructional staff who train new police recruits. The superintendent must annually report to the Attorney General and Legislature on the demographics (age, gender, race, ethnicity) of all civilian instructors/contractors and summarize any updates to the diversity policy. The bill focuses on changing hiring practices and reporting requirements for academy staff, not on altering police training content or outcomes.