Asm. Cody Miller

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey county colleges to apply for approval to offer four-year nursing degree programs. It requires colleges to submit detailed proposals covering program design, resources, costs, curriculum, and enrollment plans to the New Jersey Presidents’ Council. The council reviews proposals, provides feedback, and forwards recommendations to the Secretary of Higher Education for final approval within 60 days. Approval depends on the program receiving accreditation from the New Jersey Board of Nursing, aiming to expand nursing education capacity and address workforce shortages.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans the farming (aquaculture) of any octopus species for human consumption in New Jersey, exempting wild-caught octopus. It prohibits businesses from selling, possessing, or transporting octopus products resulting from aquaculture. Violations carry civil penalties up to $1,000 per day, with each day of violation treated as a separate offense. The law takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism as an educational resource for New Jersey state agencies, schools, and law enforcement. It defines antisemitism as hatred toward Jews, including specific examples like Holocaust denial, harmful stereotypes (e.g., conspiracy theories about Jewish control), and double standards applied to Israel. The definition is explicitly non-binding and must be used while protecting constitutional rights like free speech. New Jersey lawmakers cite the state's high rate of antisemitic incidents - including ranking third nationally in 2023 - as the basis for this measure.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires veterinarians to provide clear, written disclosures to pet owners before rabies testing on dead companion animals. It mandates that veterinarians give owners a standard notification form detailing testing reasons, body handling protocols, and disposal rules (including that heads may not be returned after testing), along with a pamphlet explaining rabies vaccines and testing procedures. The pamphlet must be provided to owners when a rabies vaccine is administered, and veterinarians must display a related poster in their offices. The law applies to pet owners and veterinarians, with penalties for non-compliance, while also establishing optional mental health training for veterinary staff.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Health Equity Access and Leadership (HEAL) Fund within New Jersey's existing Health Care Subsidy Fund to support underserved communities. It appropriates $25 million from the state General Fund and requires annual allocations of at least 0.1% of projected Health Care Subsidy Fund revenues to the HEAL Fund. The fund will provide competitive grants to community-based health care organizations serving populations facing barriers to care (including those based on race, immigration status, or lack of insurance) that have not received federal funding in the past year. These grants aim to maintain essential health services for vulnerable groups, with the Department of Health required to report annually on fund usage and outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A2317) prohibits force-feeding geese, ducks, or other poultry via tube insertion to produce foie gras, except when done for the bird's health. It also bans selling or distributing foie gras unless the product comes from a state or jurisdiction that similarly bans force-feeding. Violations carry a written warning for first offenses and $100 civil penalties for repeat or ongoing violations, with each day of violation treated as a separate offense. The bill would take effect 60 days after enactment and applies to producers, sellers, and importers of foie gras within New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a "transfer on death deed" system in New Jersey, allowing property owners aged 18 or older with sound mind to automatically transfer real estate to named beneficiaries upon their death. It establishes that such deeds must be recorded before the owner's death, are revocable at any time, and bypass probate. The law ensures the current owner retains full control during their lifetime (including the right to sell or mortgage the property), and beneficiaries gain no ownership rights until after the owner dies. Crucially, it protects the owner's eligibility for public assistance and prevents creditors from claiming the property before the owner's death.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 17-member "Student Mental Health Task Force" in New Jersey to address mental health support for public school students. The task force, composed of education and health officials plus appointed community experts, will study existing mental health resources in schools and communities across all counties and regions. It must develop recommendations on improving access to services, identifying student mental health needs, expanding counseling programs, and funding requirements, while examining successful models from other states. The task force must submit a final report to the Governor and Legislature within one year of its formation, with copies sent to all school districts.

Maddy summaryACR 57 proposes a constitutional amendment to exempt the primary residence of a surviving spouse from property taxes if the spouse's partner was a first responder (law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical personnel) who died while performing duties. The exemption applies only if the property was the first responder's primary residence at the time of death, the surviving spouse cohabited under conditions that wouldn't have led to divorce, and the death wasn't due to the first responder's willful negligence. The exemption lasts as long as the surviving spouse owns and occupies the home as their primary residence and remains unmarried. It does not cover cases where the spouse remarries or if the first responder's death resulted from their own negligence.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides tuition assistance to retired New Jersey law enforcement officers who retired due to disability. Eligible officers can attend public colleges or approved private institutions tuition-free for up to 16 credits per semester, provided they apply for all available federal and state student aid first. The program covers undergraduate and graduate studies at qualifying institutions, mirroring a similar existing benefit for National Guard members. It applies only to officers who retired in good standing after meeting minimum service requirements (four+ years) and meeting disability retirement criteria under specific statutes. The state will reimburse institutions for tuition not covered by other aid.