Asm. Cody Miller

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey state agencies - including departments, commissions, public authorities, and other government entities - to make their websites fully accessible to people with disabilities and compatible with mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. It mandates compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA standard (or newer versions) for all agency websites. State agencies must obtain certification from the Chief Technology Officer within two years of the bill's effective date, with recertification required every two years thereafter. The law applies to all existing and new government websites, ensuring they can be navigated, viewed, and accessed by people with disabilities across all devices.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public school staff in New Jersey to complete training on caring for students with epilepsy or seizure disorders every two years. It directly affects school staff (including teachers, coaches, and support personnel) and students with these conditions. The training, provided through Department of Health-approved courses by nonprofit organizations, covers recognizing seizures, emergency response, and daily care. This update builds on existing law (P.L.2019, c.290) that already requires schools to develop individualized health plans for affected students but adds the mandatory biennial staff training requirement. The law applies to all school-sponsored activities, including those outside regular school hours.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Education (DOE) to create a statewide policy for student cell phone and social media use during school hours, on school buses, or at school events. The policy must include age-appropriate rules (like banning non-academic use during class), allow emergency phone access, accommodate students with disabilities, and cover devices like smartwatches. School districts must adopt a local policy consistent with this DOE policy by the start of the next full school year, though districts may apply for an exemption. The policy also outlines storage options (e.g., lockers) and network restrictions for social media access.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the list of environmental infrastructure projects approved for long-term funding under New Jersey's FY2026 environmental infrastructure program. It directly affects which projects receive state funding through the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), updating the approved project list for the program. The change is procedural, modifying the specific projects included in the funding list without altering the program's funding mechanisms or eligibility criteria. This update ensures the DEP's FY2026 funding allocations align with current project approvals.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $34 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues to fund farmland preservation. It provides counties with base grants ($500,000-$1 million) and eligibility for competitive grants (up to $7.5 million per county) to cover up to 80% of costs for acquiring development easements - conservation agreements that permanently protect farmland from development. The funds target specific counties and municipalities approved for farmland preservation projects under existing state law. The bill redirects existing constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues (approved by voters in 2014) to the Preserve New Jersey Farmland Preservation Fund, with no new tax revenue required.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to create an automated online platform (the "State Smart Solar Permitting Platform") to speed up approval of residential solar energy system installations. It directly affects homeowners, solar installers, and local governments by replacing slow manual permitting with instant digital reviews. The platform must automatically check code compliance, issue permits within minutes, allow 24/7 applications, and support electronic signatures - handling 75% of standard residential systems. Local agencies must adopt the platform or an equivalent alternative within 18 months, with penalties for non-compliance to fund low-income energy assistance.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A276 establishes a 17-member "Student Mental Health Task Force" to address student mental health needs in public schools. The task force, including state agency leaders and appointed representatives from schools, mental health organizations, and communities, will survey existing mental health resources across all counties and regions, consult with parents and school staff, and develop recommendations to improve access to mental health services. It must produce a final report within one year to the Governor, Legislature, and all school districts, focusing on identifying student mental health challenges, evaluating counseling programs, funding needs, and successful models from other states. The bill directly affects public school students, families, and school districts by aiming to strengthen mental health support systems within New Jersey's education system.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1941) requires the New Jersey Commission on Human Trafficking to expand public awareness signage about human trafficking to 12 new types of establishments, including gas stations, staffing agencies, law enforcement offices, nail salons, and Motor Vehicle Commission offices. The signage must display the national 24-hour human trafficking hotline number and meet specific size (8.5" x 11") and language (English/Spanish) requirements. Businesses failing to comply face civil penalties of $300 for a first offense and $1,000 for subsequent violations. The bill directly affects all covered establishments by mandating visible signage to educate the public on trafficking resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a central registry managed by New Jersey's Department of Law and Public Safety to streamline background checks for employees and volunteers working with youth. It applies to organizations providing recreational, educational, or social activities for people under 18 (excluding schools), requiring them to register and pay a fee to participate. The registry mandates biennial background checks for all staff/volunteers - requiring written consent and capping check fees at actual cost - and automatically updates disqualification records for offenses like violent crimes, child-related offenses, theft, or certain drug violations. Organizations can check employee/volunteer status via a secure website or phone, ensuring consistent disqualification standards across all participating groups.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts using AI-powered video surveillance systems to create and implement a written policy. The policy must detail the system's benefits and challenges, specify what data is collected, explain how data will be used, outline access plans for the data, and mandate clear signage in monitored areas. School boards must also distribute this policy to all parents and guardians of students. The policy requirements take effect for the first full school year after the bill becomes law.