Asm. Ellen Park

Maddy summaryThe Liberty State Park Protection Act establishes a Liberty State Park Advisory Committee and sets requirements for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regarding actions at Liberty State Park. The bill prohibits the DEP from considering proposals to commercialize, develop, or privatize the park except for limited small-scale commercial activities that enhance visitor experience, such as bike rentals or food concessions. It restricts the DEP from transferring property rights within the 235-acre natural restoration area and Caven Point Peninsula, and requires the DEP to develop a management plan within five years after enactment. The DEP must consult the Advisory Committee before entering into any concession agreements or property transfers, and hold public hearings with 30-day comment periods for proposed changes. The Advisory Committee, composed of park advocates, environmental experts, and community representatives, will review proposals and make recommendations to the DEP.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2080) requires New Jersey colleges and universities to place automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in every athletic facility and student center. The AEDs must be in unlocked, accessible locations with clear signage during normal operating hours, near athletic fields. Institutions must ensure at least two staff members are trained in CPR and AED use during operations, and regularly maintain the devices while notifying emergency services of their location and type. The bill also grants legal immunity to institutions and staff using the AEDs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to operate a real-time call center within the state, available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to help people navigate the MVC’s online website and complete transactions. It mandates that all assistance be provided in both English and Spanish, and allows the MVC to reduce staffing needs by adding web tutorials or recorded help messages. The MVC must also publish quarterly performance reports online detailing call volume, wait times, call purposes, and call durations. This directly affects MVC customers using online services, aiming to improve access to vehicle-related transactions.

Maddy summaryBill A1605 requires New Jersey's Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) to publish a comprehensive list of its services and supports on the Department of Human Services website and provide it in print upon request. The list must detail all programs (including the Supports Program, Community Care Waiver, and self-directed services), eligibility criteria (such as Medicaid requirements and care level assessments), and available resources like transitional planning and guardianship services. DDD must regularly update the list to reflect current offerings and prominently share information about public webinars or presentations to help individuals access services. This bill directly affects individuals with developmental disabilities and their families seeking support through DDD-funded programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans and carriers in New Jersey to ensure adequate mental health care access for all covered individuals. It mandates that 100% of plan members must have access to either in-person mental health services within 15 miles of their home and 30 days of request, or telehealth services within 30 days if in-person options are unavailable. For telehealth services, the bill requires coverage and reimbursement rates to match in-person services - no higher copayments or deductibles - and sets minimum reimbursement rates at the Medicaid level. The law applies to all health benefits plans, including Medicaid, state employee programs, and private insurers, with penalties for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a competitive grant program to fund organizations recruiting teachers for underserved school districts in New Jersey. It appropriates $6 million from the state budget to match private contributions raised by eligible organizations (up to $1 million per organization annually for three years), with grants awarded to at least two organizations. To qualify, organizations must be tax-exempt and place teachers in districts where at least 40% of students are eligible for free/reduced-price meals and face teacher shortages. The Commissioner of Education will select grantees based on program quality, potential to improve student outcomes, and strategies for long-term teacher retention.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to follow specific steps when a student's meal bill is unpaid. Districts must first try to enroll students in free or reduced-price meal programs before notifying parents, and include meal program applications with any notice. It prohibits schools from shaming students (e.g., making them wait in line) or threatening child protective services over unpaid bills. Districts must report twice a year on how many students are denied meals due to unpaid bills.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public schools and nonpublic schools receiving federal funding to post clear, accessible information on their websites about students' rights under federal anti-discrimination law (Title IX). Specifically, schools must list students' rights, the Title IX coordinator's contact details (including phone and email), and step-by-step instructions for filing complaints, including time limits and investigation processes. The state education commissioner must also send annual reminders to these schools about Title IX obligations. This applies directly to students and schools, ensuring transparency about discrimination protections without creating new legal rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1639) expands mandatory trauma-informed training for law enforcement officers on handling sexual assault cases, requiring specific content about victim trauma, memory, and investigative techniques. It codifies that hospitals and police must inform all sexual assault victims about county rape care advocates before medical exams or statements, and arrange for these advocates when requested. Rape care advocates must provide confidential support, explain resources, assist during medical/legal processes, and offer ongoing counseling throughout the victim's healing journey. The bill directly affects sexual assault victims, law enforcement, healthcare facilities, and county sexual violence programs by standardizing response protocols and support services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey county clerks to provide accessible mail-in ballots to voters with disabilities who request them, delivered electronically to the voter's specified contact method. The accessible ballot must include features like audio guidance, braille compatibility, electronic marking, and the ability to print or return the ballot electronically for eligible voters. Eligible voters for electronic return include those who are blind, have visual impairments preventing standard ballot reading, or have physical disabilities affecting ballot handling. The Secretary of State must issue uniform guidelines for election officials to implement these requirements.