Asm. Pam Lampitt

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to screen all students in kindergarten through third grade three times annually using assessments that measure reading skills like phonological awareness and decoding to identify those not reading at grade level or at risk of falling behind. The New Jersey Department of Education must establish a working group on student literacy, contract with at least two approved assessment providers, and make these assessments available to schools. School districts must notify parents within 15 days of a reading concern, provide evidence-based interventions, and annually report screening data to the state.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 138) symbolically designates June 2024 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in New Jersey. It urges public officials and citizens to commemorate the month with appropriate activities, recognizing the contributions and struggles of LGBTQIA+ individuals (including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and non-binary people). The resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the community's achievements and ongoing advocacy. It follows similar designations by federal and state governments, emphasizing visibility and equality.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises eligibility for reimbursement from New Jersey's Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Training Fund. It allows training agencies (like private organizations or schools) to receive reimbursement for volunteer EMTs' certification costs regardless of whether the ambulance or rescue squad they serve charges for services. To maintain eligibility, volunteer EMTs must complete at least one service call per month during their initial three-year certification period. If they stop meeting this requirement, the squad can seek repayment from the EMT for fund costs related to their training. The bill prioritizes reimbursement for initial EMT certification and refresher courses.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes two new benefit programs under New Jersey's Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) cash assistance program. It provides eligible participants with a $14 monthly benefit for menstrual hygiene products (tampons, pads, or cups) for individuals aged 18-50, and a $30 monthly benefit per child under 36 months for diaper products. Benefits are added to participants' existing WFNJ electronic cards on the same schedule as regular benefits, with unspent funds carrying over monthly. The $2.5 million appropriation funds these programs, which directly affect low-income WFNJ recipients and their dependent children.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the requirement for teacher candidates in New Jersey to pass a basic skills test (such as the Praxis Core) to obtain certain teaching certificates. Specifically, it eliminates the need for candidates seeking a certificate of eligibility, certificate of eligibility with advanced standing, provisional certificate, or standard instructional certificate to complete a Commissioner-approved test of basic reading, writing, and math skills. The change directly affects individuals pursuing teaching certification in the state by streamlining the certification process. It repeals the existing law requiring these tests, making certification more accessible for educators meeting other standard qualifications. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates funds to New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide zero-interest loans or principal forgiveness for clean water and drinking water infrastructure projects. It authorizes funding for 156 specific clean water projects and 72 drinking water projects across the state, totaling approximately $2.6 billion in estimated loan amounts. The funding is intended to help municipalities and public water utilities finance infrastructure improvements that reduce pollution, improve water quality, and address environmental challenges. The bill includes specific provisions for varying levels of principal forgiveness based on project type and community need, with a focus on making these projects more affordable for local governments.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to provide reading intervention programs for students in kindergarten through third grade who show reading deficiencies, as identified by approved assessments. The program must use a data-driven support system to deliver explicit instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, while regularly monitoring student progress and adjusting support as needed. School districts must adopt high-quality instructional materials based on scientific reading research, and the state education department must provide age-appropriate materials and develop an evaluation process for the program. The law applies starting with the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows certain new permanent structures on preserved farmland to be used for special occasion events like weddings or parties, with specific conditions. It applies to commercial farms that produce at least $10,000 annually in agricultural or horticultural products. The structures must have a primary farm-related function (not just for events), be constructed or erected after February 3, 2023, and not interfere with agricultural production. Events are limited to two consecutive days, with maximum occupied areas of 10 acres or 10% of the farmland, and farms can host up to 26 events yearly with only six allowed to have 250+ guests.

Maddy summaryS 2082 creates a 12-member New Jersey Educator Evaluation Review Task Force to examine the state's current teacher and administrator evaluation system established under the 2012 TEACHNJ Act. The task force will specifically study the use of student growth objectives in evaluations, assess administrative burdens on educators, review current research on effective evaluation practices, and recommend potential updates to the law. It will hold public hearings and submit a final report to the Governor and Legislature by September 30, 2024. This bill does not change evaluation rules directly but sets up a process to review them; the current system affects all public school teachers, principals, and administrators in New Jersey. The task force includes representatives from teachers' unions, school administrators, and education associations.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows licensed professionals in barbering, beauty culture, manicuring, hair braiding, or skin care to teach in private cosmetology and hairstyling schools, provided they meet general teacher requirements (excluding the need for a cosmetology license) and demonstrate their training equals or exceeds that required for a cosmetology license. Currently, only individuals with a cosmetology and hairstyling license could teach in these schools. The bill also adds a requirement that teachers must only instruct in services within the scope of their professional license. This change directly affects private cosmetology schools and expands the pool of potential instructors.