Asm. Pam Lampitt

Maddy summaryBill A3077 allows EMTs certified in other states to obtain New Jersey certification if their state's standards are equivalent or better and they pass a background check. It requires all EMT applicants and renewing EMTs to undergo a criminal history background check, with follow-up checks every three years for recertification. The bill disqualifies applicants with certain criminal convictions, including violent crimes and Megan's Law sex offenses (which automatically disqualify), and may require applicants to pay for the background check.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey homeowners' insurance companies from increasing premiums or assigning higher risk ratings to policyholders who appeal an insurer's claim denial or settlement decision. It directly affects homeowners who dispute insurance payouts for property damage, ensuring they cannot be penalized financially for exercising their right to appeal. The key provision bans insurers from raising rates "on the basis of an insured's appeal of a claim determination" under any rating plan. The law applies immediately to all new or renewed insurance contracts delivered in New Jersey after its effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill would enter New Jersey into the Counseling Compact, an agreement allowing licensed professional counselors from New Jersey to practice in other member states without obtaining multiple licenses. The compact establishes a national commission to manage the agreement, share disciplinary information between states, and ensure counselors follow the laws of the state where their client is located. It would particularly benefit military personnel and their spouses who relocate frequently between states, as well as improve access to counseling services across state lines. Currently, 16 states have joined this compact, and New Jersey's participation would allow its licensed counselors to provide services in those states through a single license.

Maddy summaryThis bill permits New Jersey municipalities to enact ordinances prohibiting certain registered sex offenders from residing within 500 feet of schools, playgrounds, or child care centers. It specifically targets individuals convicted of sex offenses against minors under 18 (excluding those with low re-offense risk) and prohibits school bus stops within 250 feet of high-risk sex offenders' residences unless relocation would create a more dangerous condition for children. Municipalities must create maps showing prohibited zones, and existing residents cannot be forced to move. Exceptions include those living in correctional facilities, psychiatric facilities, or when parole boards or courts grant special accommodations.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's high school graduation assessment requirements by eliminating the specific requirement that the graduation proficiency test be administered to 11th grade students. Instead, it requires a Statewide assessment or assessments in reading, writing, and computational skills for all high school students, with opportunities for retesting for those who don't initially demonstrate proficiency. The bill includes a grandfather provision allowing students graduating in 2024 and 2025 to meet requirements under previous regulations. For students graduating in 2026 and later, the Commissioner of Education must develop or designate a new assessment within 60 days of enactment, engaging stakeholders in the process.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A1644 requires the Commissioner of Health to create a public awareness campaign targeting pregnant women, new parents, and breastfeeding mothers. The campaign must inform these groups about the risks of "casual milk sharing" (informal, unsanctioned milk donations outside milk banks), including disease transmission, contamination, and the FDA's warning against using milk from unknown sources. It also provides details on regulated human milk banks and their safety procedures. Materials will be developed in English, Spanish, and other major languages for distribution through health clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, and online platforms, with a report to the Governor and Legislature due within 18 months.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (AJR 49) is a symbolic gesture by the New Jersey legislature recognizing the 75th anniversary of Israel's establishment, observed on April 25, 2023. It commends Israel's achievements in building a democratic society and reaffirms New Jersey's longstanding partnership with Israel, including economic, educational, and cultural ties. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply expresses legislative support through words. It does not directly affect any individuals or create new obligations. The resolution took effect immediately upon introduction.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2958) would require New Jersey's Commissioner of Human Services to request federal authorization allowing SNAP (food stamp) benefits to cover delivery fees for online grocery orders. Currently, SNAP funds cannot pay for delivery charges, even though New Jersey participates in a USDA pilot program enabling online grocery purchases through retailers like Amazon and 17 participating stores. The bill directly affects SNAP recipients who use online grocery delivery services, as it seeks to expand their benefit usage to include delivery fees. The request would be made to the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, which administers the federal SNAP program.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1613) amends New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination (P.L.1945, c.169) to prohibit discrimination based on "familial status." Familial status is defined to include being a parent (biological or adoptive), having custody or guardianship of a child, or being pregnant. The bill makes it unlawful for employers, housing providers, and public accommodations to discriminate against individuals because of their familial status. This expands existing protections under New Jersey's anti-discrimination law to cover parents and pregnant individuals in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Education (DOE) to annually collect data from all school districts on school employees who were disciplined, separated, or resigned due to pending or resolved allegations of child abuse, sexual misconduct, or harassment. The DOE must then submit two annual reports to the legislature: one summarizing the collected data broken down by school district and statewide, and another tracking implementation of a related 2018 law requiring background checks for school employees. The bill also prohibits unauthorized release of confidential information related to these reports. It directly affects school districts, the DOE, and the legislature, with no changes to employee employment standards.