Asm. Ellen Park

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1952) requires all members, officers, and employees of the New Jersey Legislature to complete annual implicit bias and cultural competency training. It mandates an online tutorial by April 1 of every even-numbered year, plus additional annual in-person training directed by legislative leadership. Certifications of completion must be submitted to the Legislative Counsel and become public records. The training aims to help legislative staff recognize unconscious biases and improve interactions across diverse cultures. This applies to all legislative branch personnel, including district office staff.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey's State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling to conduct required licensure exams at licensed cosmetology schools during public health or state emergencies declared by the Governor. It specifically prohibits students from taking exams at their own school of enrollment. The change applies to all license types covered under existing law, including cosmetology, barbering, and hair braiding. The bill ensures exam accessibility for applicants during crises while maintaining standard licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 71) urges the New Jersey State Board of Education to require school districts to integrate financial literacy instruction into existing mathematics and social studies classes, rather than creating separate curriculum requirements. It directly affects public school districts and students in grades 6-12, aligning with current state standards that already mandate financial literacy education. The key mechanism is embedding lessons on budgeting, debt management, and savings into current subject areas like math and social studies. This approach aims to reduce administrative burden on schools while ensuring students learn practical financial skills through existing coursework. The resolution is non-binding and serves as a recommendation to the State Board of Education.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Office for Women's Advancement within New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The office will directly support women in the state's workforce by gathering data on issues like the gender pay gap, workplace culture, and hiring practices; collaborating with state agencies and groups like the New Jersey Advisory Commission on the Status of Women; reviewing legislation for gender equity; and publishing reports and hosting events. It creates a dedicated "Women's Advancement Fund" to receive annual state appropriations and accept federal funds or grants for the office's operations. The goal is to promote full and equal workplace participation for women across all industries in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Health (DOH) to apply for federal waivers to cover menstrual hygiene products (like tampons, pads, and cups) under NJ FamilyCare, SNAP (food stamps), and WIC programs. If the federal government denies the waiver, DHS must establish a state-funded benefit using $2 million from the General Fund, with eligibility determined through a household certification process for minors. The law mandates an educational campaign to inform program participants about the new benefit and applies to anyone enrolled in these specific public assistance programs who menstruates. The $2 million appropriation is contingent solely on federal denial of the waiver request.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows parents or legal custodians separated from their children due to immigration matters (such as arrest, detention, incarceration, or removal) to appoint a standby guardian to care for their children. It amends New Jersey law to include "administrative separation" as a triggering event for standby guardianship, alongside death, incapacity, or debilitation. Parents can petition the court for appointment of a standby guardian or create a written designation naming a standby guardian without needing to provide documentation of impending immigration separation. The standby guardian must petition the court for confirmation within 60 days, providing a determination of administrative separation.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates an exception in New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act that previously allowed smoking in casinos and simulcasting facilities. It would require these venues to become smoke-free, meaning no smoking would be permitted inside for employees, patrons, or visitors. The change directly affects casino operators, staff, and customers at all New Jersey casinos and simulcasting facilities (such as those with slot machines, table games, or dedicated seating for betting). This policy shift extends the existing indoor smoking ban to these locations, removing a long-standing exemption.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a refundable tax credit for New Jersey residents who pay for care of qualifying elderly relatives. It allows eligible caregivers to claim 22.5% of up to $3,000 in qualified care expenses (such as home health services, adult day care, or home modifications) paid for a senior family member who is 60+ (or 50+ with Social Security Disability) and meets income requirements. To qualify, caregivers must have gross income under $100,000 (or $50,000 for certain filing statuses), and the credit is refundable - meaning it can be paid as cash if it exceeds tax liability. The credit applies to expenses not reimbursed by insurance or government programs and is in addition to any dependent deductions claimed.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A925 would allow voters to register and vote on election day at polling places or during early voting by completing an affirmation statement and providing identification. Currently, voters must register at least 21 days before an election, but this bill would enable those who missed the deadline to register and cast a provisional ballot. Voters registering on election day would have 48 hours after the election to verify their identity through the Motor Vehicle Commission database or by providing acceptable identification, ensuring their ballot is counted if valid. This change would directly affect voters who meet eligibility requirements but missed the standard registration deadline.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to create a website connecting eligible businesses and organizations in innovation industries with suppliers. Eligible entities include those operating in fields like biotechnology, information technology, renewable energy, and life sciences. The website will allow these entities to post needs for physical locations, equipment, labor, or supplies, and search for matching suppliers to arrange purchases or rentals. It must also list public and private funding sources, such as state/federal grants and investment opportunities, to support their projects.