Asm. Andrea Katz

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to make three versions of their budgets publicly accessible: the initial proposed budget submitted to the Commissioner of Education, the commissioner-approved version, and the final adopted budget. All versions must be posted on school district websites (if available), provided in print using plain language, and made available upon public request. The commissioner-approved budget must be posted no later than 48 hours before the public hearing on the budget. These changes apply to school budgets for the second full school year following the bill's enactment, directly affecting all New Jersey school districts.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A2564 requires all teaching certification candidates - both new graduates from approved educator programs and out-of-state teachers - to complete youth mental health education training by the 2027-2028 school year. This includes either a course or a state-developed online module covering youth mental health risks, creating safe classroom environments, and cultural competence. Approved educator programs must update their curricula to include this requirement and submit revisions to the Department of Education. Candidates with comparable training completed within the past five years may apply for an exemption. The bill applies directly to educators seeking or holding teaching certifications in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits pet shops in New Jersey from selling cats, dogs, or rabbits, directly affecting pet shops, breeders, brokers, and animal shelters/rescues. It requires pet shops to collaborate with shelters for adoption showcases (without payment), bans shelters from paying breeders for animals, and fines violators $1,000 per violation - with license revocation for three or more offenses. The law aims to disrupt the "puppy-mill-to-pet-store pipeline" by prioritizing adoption over commercial breeding sales. It does not affect pet shop sales of other animals or pet supplies.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A-2730) authorizes New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) conservation officers and park police to use drones (unmanned aircraft systems) during enforcement activities. It expands their existing authority to arrest individuals violating state laws when those violations are observed via drone, including for wildlife protection, trespassing, and park disturbances. The bill amends two existing statutes to formally permit drone use as a tool for observing and documenting law violations during enforcement, while requiring DEP to establish training programs for officers using this technology. The change specifically broadens current drone use beyond wildlife enforcement to cover additional duties under DEP jurisdiction.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey State colleges to close on Election Day for general elections, meaning no academic classes may be held on that date. It directly affects State colleges (such as Rutgers, NJIT, and others) and their students, faculty, and staff who would otherwise have classes scheduled. The key provision mandates that election days be treated as official academic holidays on college calendars, with no classes permitted. The law would take effect in the first full academic year following its enactment. This is a procedural bill focused solely on scheduling changes, not on voter access or election administration.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 2774) prohibits data center developers from using non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to hide development details or prevent public review with municipalities, property sellers, or government agencies. It requires applicants to attest that no such NDAs were used in the real estate transaction and mandates that municipalities deny approval for data center projects violating these rules. The law specifically applies to data centers under the Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL), not other construction projects. It deems prohibited agreements "against public policy and unenforceable" while aligning with existing open government laws like the Senator Byron M. Baer Open Public Meetings Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to install and maintain continuous high-definition video surveillance at all locations where license plates are returned. Cameras must cover each drop box fully, with footage stored securely for 30 days and used only for security or investigating crimes related to the drop boxes. The MVC must also place clear signage informing the public about the surveillance. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to implement evidence-based early reading instruction for students in preschool through grade three. It mandates the Commissioner of Education to develop a literacy plan within one year that emphasizes phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension - while explicitly prohibiting the use of balanced literacy theory and the three-cueing model ("MSV"). School districts must adopt this instruction starting two years after enactment, and teachers must complete new certification requirements, including six academic credits in evidence-based methods. The bill directly affects all public school districts, teachers, and educator preparation programs in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a program to reward employees who report tax law violations by employers in New Jersey's construction industry. Whistleblowers who provide specific, credible information leading to an administrative or judicial action against an employer can receive 15% to 30% of recovered taxes, penalties, and interest, or up to 10% if the tip came from media or government sources. It excludes employees who obtained information through their official duties or planned the violations themselves, and includes protections against retaliation under New Jersey's Conscientious Employee Protection Act. The program applies specifically to employers engaged in building, construction, repair, or maintenance work as defined in the bill.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows students receiving Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) grants to use a portion of their award for summer courses that count toward graduation or their major. Students must notify the Higher Education Secretary before the academic year starts, which reduces their regular academic year disbursement by a specific amount. The Secretary must annually report how many students used the summer option and their graduation rates within standard timeframes. It directly affects EOF grant recipients at participating New Jersey institutions, implementing a 2016 commission recommendation to improve college affordability.