Asm. Al Barlas

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates an additional $75,000 to New Jersey's existing Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund, which is administered by the Attorney General. The funds will support direct services for human trafficking survivors, public awareness campaigns, and educational programs about human trafficking. The money is designated for ongoing use under existing law (P.L. 2013, c. 51) and will be allocated through the Division of Criminal Justice. This is a funding measure, not a new policy, to expand support for survivors and prevention efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to waive walk-in and bicycle entrance fees at all state parks and forests during three specific holiday periods: Memorial Day weekend, the week of the Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekend. It applies directly to visitors entering these public lands on those designated dates, eliminating the standard fee for walk-in and bicycle access. The policy change would take effect one year after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Second Chance Program within New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development to connect formerly incarcerated individuals with employment opportunities through labor organizations. The program requires labor unions to identify job pathways in their trades and develop plans for hiring returning citizens, directly benefiting individuals recently released from prison who face high barriers to employment. It aims to reduce recidivism by addressing a key factor cited in the bill: the lack of viable jobs for this population, which correlates with higher reoffending rates. The program operates under the State Employment and Training Commission and mandates consultation with labor organizations to create sustainable career opportunities. The bill takes immediate effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3887) requires healthcare providers during prenatal care to help pregnant women develop personalized postpartum care plans, including designating a medical home for follow-up care. It mandates hospitals and birthing facilities to provide standardized postpartum information before discharge, covering warning signs of complications like excessive bleeding, high blood pressure, infection, and depression. The law directly affects pregnant women receiving maternity care in New Jersey, healthcare professionals, and maternity care facilities. Key provisions include mandatory plan development during prenatal visits and uniform educational materials for facilities to ensure consistent patient education about postpartum health risks.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to create guidelines for placing bleeding control kits in state buildings and mandates that all public and nonpublic K-12 schools acquire these kits. Each kit must contain specific items approved by the DOH, including tourniquets, chest seals, bandages, and instructional materials, and must be replaced after use. Schools must place kits in unlocked, accessible locations near automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and within reasonable proximity to athletic areas, available during school hours and events. The DOH must issue placement guidelines within 180 days of the bill's effective date, while schools have until the next school year or 180 days after enactment to comply.

Maddy summaryThis bill would provide tax credits to New Jersey employers who hire individuals with disabilities meeting specific criteria. Employers could claim a credit equal to 15% of wages paid to qualifying employees (up to $2,000 per employee) against corporation business tax and gross income tax. To qualify, employees must have a disability recognized under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, work at least 35 hours per week, earn at least $15 per hour, and not be independent contractors. Employers must apply for certification from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, with specific timelines for review and approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a "sheltered market program" allowing New Jersey state agencies to reserve certain contracts for certified businesses including minority-owned, women-owned, disabled veterans' businesses, LGBTQ+-owned businesses, and other economically or socially disadvantaged enterprises. State agencies must seek approval from the Chief Diversity Officer to designate contracts for this program, using criteria like historical underutilization of certified businesses. The program requires agencies to publish designated contracts online, conduct outreach to eligible businesses, and submit annual reports tracking contract awards and performance. Contracts under the program cannot exceed three years, and prime contractors must make good-faith efforts to offer subcontracting opportunities to qualified businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to maintain nasal rescue medication (like diazepam or midazolam nasal spray) and portable oxygen devices in secure, accessible locations throughout all school buildings. It directly affects students with seizure conditions (who have a seizure action plan), school nurses, and designated school staff trained to administer these treatments during emergencies when the nurse isn't present. Key provisions mandate parental written consent, liability waivers, and standardized training protocols developed by the Department of Education and Health. The state will reimburse school districts for related costs, with training materials distributed annually to schools.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the monthly personal needs allowance (PNA) from $50 to $140 for low-income residents in nursing homes, state psychiatric hospitals, and state developmental centers. The allowance is intended for residents to spend on discretionary items like phone calls, meals out, clothing, or hobbies. The new amount includes an automatic annual increase tied to the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment starting the year after enactment. It also ensures SSI recipients in these facilities receive the same $140 monthly allowance as Medicaid recipients, with the state covering the difference if federal supplements remain unchanged.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4592) expands an existing exemption to include honorably discharged veterans. It allows veterans with a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC)-issued honorably discharged veteran placard to park without paying municipal meter fees when they are either driving or riding as a passenger in the vehicle. The exemption applies only for parking under 24 hours at a single location, consistent with current rules for disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients. It directly affects veterans who hold the MVC-issued placard and their vehicles when parked in municipal meter zones.