Asm. John Azzariti

Maddy summaryThis bill requires an automatic recount in county or municipal elections decided by a vote margin of 10 votes or less, triggered by a candidate's request within 24 hours of election certification. The state covers all recount costs, and the recount must be completed within three days of certification. It establishes three geographic regions (Northern, Central, Southern) for Superior Court judges to handle election recounts and contests, with assignments based on population and historical case volume. The bill also mandates strict timelines: initial hearings within 36 hours of filing and appeals within 24 hours, ensuring cases are resolved before elected officials assume office.

Maddy summaryThis bill excludes environmentally sensitive and flood-prone land from being counted as "vacant" for affordable housing requirements under New Jersey's Fair Housing Act. It specifically applies to land regulated by agencies like the Highlands Water Protection Council (for Highlands Preservation/Planning Areas), the Flood Hazard Area Control Act, or the Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act. Municipalities must no longer count such land toward their affordable housing obligation, meaning they aren't required to use these areas for housing projects. The change clarifies that land under active state or federal environmental regulation - such as wetlands, flood zones, or conservation areas - is automatically excluded from housing calculations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4099) requires New Jersey's Medicaid program to cover validated home blood pressure monitors and cuffs, along with provider time for patient education, for pregnant Medicaid enrollees at risk for preeclampsia. Preeclampsia - a hypertensive disorder affecting 5-8% of pregnancies (approximately 5,000-8,000 people annually in New Jersey) - can lead to serious complications if undiagnosed, with Black and African American pregnant people disproportionately affected. The bill specifies that monitors must be listed in the U.S. Blood Pressure Validated Device Listing to ensure accuracy. This coverage aims to improve maternal health outcomes by enabling regular blood pressure monitoring at home, complementing in-office care. The policy directly affects pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries identified as preeclampsia risk by their healthcare provider.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey public school districts to hire safe schools resource officers or Class Three special law enforcement officers for security during school hours. The state will fund these positions for districts that choose to implement them after the bill takes effect. School districts must also create written agreements with local law enforcement (or the State Police if no local department exists) covering roles, training, firearm authority, and other operational details. The law directly affects school districts, security personnel, and local law enforcement agencies in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4068) requires New Jersey public school districts to improve emergency communication systems to enhance school security. Specifically, it mandates that school security personnel receive dedicated two-way radios for direct contact with emergency responders, establishes multi-channel notification systems (phone, text, email) for parents during emergencies, and requires monthly testing of all emergency communication systems. The Commissioner of Education must develop strategies to encourage districts to update safety plans, ensure staff can communicate with administration during school hours, and explore technologies like panic buttons or real-time camera feeds. These requirements apply directly to all New Jersey school districts and their staff.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires the Attorney General, working with the Department of Education, to provide annual training to all students and staff in public and nonpublic schools on their roles before, during, and after emergencies like lockdowns, bomb threats, and active shooter incidents. The training must be delivered both in person at regional locations and online, with the Department of Education issuing an annual calendar listing specific dates, times, and locations for schools to access. The bill also ensures substitute staff and non-school youth program supervisors receive relevant safety information, while requiring training to address the needs of students with disabilities. This policy directly affects all New Jersey school districts, receiving schools, and nonpublic schools, mandating concrete changes to emergency preparedness protocols.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Police Training Commission to create a mandatory training course on school emergency response, including active shooter scenarios and lockdown drills. All local police officers in New Jersey must complete this training: new officers before permanent appointment, and current officers within 36 months of the law's effective date (which is immediate). The training will be administered by police departments as part of regular in-service sessions. It directly affects every local law enforcement officer in the state, aiming to standardize emergency response protocols for school safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Education (DOE) to create an online system where school districts can share security resources like personnel and equipment during emergencies. The clearinghouse must be accessible only to authorized school staff, allow users to quickly find nearby available resources, and be operational within one year of the bill taking effect. The DOE must also publish a list of resources districts might need for different emergency scenarios. This directly affects all New Jersey school districts by providing a coordinated way to access security support during crises.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey school districts to submit their emergency communication policies and protocols to the Department of Education (DOE) for review by October 1 of the first full school year after the bill takes effect. School districts must update and resubmit these policies every five years or immediately following any school emergency incident. The DOE, in consultation with emergency management and law enforcement agencies, will review the policies for compliance with state laws and may provide recommendations for improvement. The DOE can also request additional information about a district's emergency communication systems at any time.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school districts to submit their current safety and security plans to the Commissioner of Education within six months of the law taking effect. The Commissioner must review each plan against specific criteria, including emergency notification procedures, staff emergency assignments, building access policies, bullying prevention measures, hazard analysis, active shooter protocols, and crisis communication plans. After review, the Commissioner must provide each district with a written report detailing weaknesses and recommended solutions. Within three years, the Commissioner must also submit a summary report to the Governor and Legislature detailing aggregate findings across all districts, without revealing individual school data.