Asm. Al Barlas

Maddy summaryAJR 52 designates May of each year as "Law Enforcement and Correctional Police Officer Appreciation Month" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor to issue a proclamation encouraging public officials and residents to observe the month with activities honoring these officers' service. It does not create new laws, funding, or programs but serves as a symbolic recognition of their roles and sacrifices.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public and nonpublic schools in New Jersey to keep at least one portable, FDA-approved anti-choking device in the cafeteria, school nurse's office, and other similar locations during school hours and events. Devices must be placed in unlocked, easily accessible spots with clear identifying signs. Schools must also train staff - including nurses and employees - in airway management and device use, and develop written policies for emergency response. The state will reimburse schools for the costs of purchasing and implementing these devices.

Maddy summaryAJR 91 is a New Jersey legislative resolution calling on Congress to provide funding for three state-operated veteran memorial homes. It specifically requests $15 million in federal funds to cover pandemic-related losses (including staffing costs, PPE, and lost revenue from halted admissions) and to fully rebuild the aging Paramus and Menlo Park facilities, which are decades old compared to Vineland’s 2005 rebuild. The resolution directly affects approximately 950 residents - veterans, spouses, and families of fallen service members - across these homes. The bill does not create new law but urges Congress to act on these financial and infrastructure needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2871) increases the annual property tax deduction for senior citizens (65+), persons with disabilities, and veterans in New Jersey from $250 to $500. It directly affects eligible homeowners in these categories by reducing their taxable property tax burden by an additional $250 per year. The change would take effect starting in 2024, but the bill requires voter approval of a constitutional amendment before implementation. The deduction amount remains capped at the actual tax bill amount if it falls below $500.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows certain drivers to renew their licenses online or by mail instead of in-person. It specifically applies to individuals with a valid commercial driver license who already hold a federal Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TSA) or a hazardous materials endorsement requiring TSA fingerprinting and background checks. These individuals have already met REAL-ID requirements through their existing federal credentials, so the bill removes the need for them to visit a Motor Vehicle Commission office to renew their licenses into REAL-ID compliant versions. This change aims to reduce wait times for in-person appointments while ensuring compliance with federal identification standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a process for New Jersey municipalities to be exempt from affordable housing obligations if designated as "extensively flood-prone." The Council on Affordable Housing would determine exemption eligibility based on flood insurance data, repetitive flood loss properties relative to municipality size, and other relevant information. Qualifying municipalities would be exempt from current and future affordable housing obligations, including past unfulfilled requirements under the Fair Housing Act. This change modifies the existing framework to account for flood risk as a factor in housing obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2848) allows New Jersey businesses to claim a tax credit against their corporation business tax or gross income tax for hiring employees with developmental disabilities. The credit equals 10% of the employee’s salary (capped at $3,000 per employee annually) and totals $60,000 per business per year. To qualify, the employee must have a developmental disability as defined by state law (N.J.S.A. 30:6D-25) and be declared eligible by the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Businesses cannot claim this credit for the same employee if they also claim the existing credit for hiring at a sheltered workshop or training center.

Maddy summaryThis bill, A300, requires New Jersey hospitals to allow patients with developmental disabilities to have a designated caregiver - such as a family member, guardian, or direct support professional - accompany them throughout their entire hospital stay, except during active surgery where safety concerns arise. Hospitals must provide patients or their guardians an opportunity to choose this caregiver at admission, document the choice (or refusal) in medical records, and permit the designated person to stay with the patient. It clarifies that the designated caregiver is not obligated to provide care during the stay or after discharge. The bill applies specifically to patients with developmental disabilities admitted to licensed general hospitals in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A321) streamlines EMT-Basic certification for veterans who served as Combat Army Medics or Navy Hospital Corpsmen (or equivalent roles). It allows these veterans to skip the standard certification exam if they hold current National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians certification, have served in those specific roles, and pass a background check. The state must also publish clear online instructions about this process on the Department of Health website. This directly affects honorably discharged veterans with qualifying military medical experience seeking EMT careers in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows candidates for New Jersey's Senate and General Assembly who represent the same legislative district and belong to the same political party to be listed together on a single nominating petition. Currently, candidates for these two offices must submit separate petitions, requiring distinct signature collections. The bill does not change the required number of signatures but simplifies the process by enabling combined petitions for candidates running in the same district and party. It directly affects Senate and Assembly candidates seeking nomination in overlapping districts from the same political party.