Asm. Andrea Katz

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to make three versions of their budgets publicly accessible: the proposed budget submitted to the Commissioner, the commissioner-approved version (posted 48 hours before public hearings), and the final adopted budget. All versions must be available online (if a district has a website) and in print in "user-friendly" plain language, with additional copies provided upon request. The bill expands current transparency requirements by adding the commissioner-approved budget to the public inspection process and mandates plain-language summaries. It directly affects all New Jersey school districts preparing budgets for the 2026-2027 school year or later.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school meal providers to prioritize purchasing foods from local sources when using federal or state funds for school meal programs. It mandates that school food authorities and contracted vendors give geographic preference to foods produced within 100 miles of the school, with specific preference given to in-state farmers within that 100-mile radius. The policy applies to procurement under the Local Food for Schools program and similar initiatives, requiring contracts to include compliance provisions and documentation to verify adherence to these sourcing requirements. The bill aims to support local agriculture while ensuring school meal programs follow specific geographic sourcing guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows pharmacists in New Jersey to transfer Schedule II prescription medications for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) between pharmacies, rather than requiring patients to obtain a new prescription from their doctor. Currently, Schedule II prescriptions (like ADHD medications) cannot be transferred between pharmacies, forcing patients to seek new prescriptions when their preferred pharmacy is out of stock. The bill specifically permits these transfers for ADHD prescriptions only, while requiring compliance with federal regulations. This change aims to provide greater convenience for patients who need ADHD medication but cannot fill their prescription at their usual pharmacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows commercial farms on preserved farmland (that produce at least $10,000 annually in agricultural products) to host special occasion events like weddings and parties on their land. It specifically permits the use of permanent structures built within the last five years for these events, provided the total revenue from such events doesn't exceed 10% of the farm's annual revenue. Farms must obtain approval from the entity holding the farmland preservation deed, and events are limited to 26 per year with restrictions on size (max 10 acres or 10% of land) and guest numbers (max 250 for six events). Temporary structures like tents are allowed year-round with certain restrictions, while permanent structures built more than five years ago can always be used.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires mental health services in New Jersey to be provided in a culturally affirming and linguistically appropriate manner for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. It mandates that services be delivered in the client's primary method of communication, as determined by the client's preference or a communication assessment, and that mental health professionals be certified as fluent in that method. The bill establishes a deaf services coordinator position within the Department of Human Services to oversee implementation, develop certification standards for professionals, and ensure access to services statewide, including through telemedicine in underserved areas. It also requires the development of a statewide system of care with specific standards for communication accessibility and cultural competence in mental health services.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A5344) requires public utilities (like electricity and gas companies) to provide clear notifications to customers before rate increases take effect. Specifically, utilities must send affected customers a plain-language summary of their rate petition filing, including the reason for the increase and its impact, either via bill insert or local newspaper notice. After the Board of Public Utilities makes a final decision on the rate change, the utility must mail a summary of the board's order to customers 30 days before the new rates take effect (if approved) or within 14 days (if denied). The bill also mandates that the Board respond in writing to public questions asked during hearings about rate applications within 14 days of the final hearing.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 5304) increases penalties for prostitution offenses and creates two new crimes: "leader of a prostitution network" and "participant in a prostitution network." It directly affects individuals who organize or manage prostitution operations (leaders) or actively take part in them (participants), not clients or sex workers themselves. Key provisions include mandatory minimum prison terms of 5 years or one-third to one-half of the sentence for these new offenses, while upgrading penalties for child prostitution and adding 6-month driving suspensions for repeat offenders using vehicles in prostitution. The law amends existing statutes to clarify definitions and strengthen criminal consequences for network-related activities.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 166) urges the Miss America Organization to return the annual pageant to Atlantic City for 2025 and future years. It cites the pageant’s historical origins in Atlantic City since 1921, its 10-year hosting there from 2013 to 2024, and its role in awarding over $150 million in scholarships since 1945. The resolution specifically requests the organization host the event in Atlantic City, noting its long-standing ties to the city. It does not impose legal requirements but expresses the legislature’s preference based on the pageant’s historical significance to Atlantic City.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $49.5 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues to fund land acquisition for recreation and conservation purposes across New Jersey. The funding supports specific projects including Blue Acres projects (which protect lands from flood and storm damage) and the Green Acres Program. The bill allocates $23.7 million for land acquisition in 14 designated project areas across multiple counties, with $23.7 million specifically for Blue Acres projects and $2.05 million for program administrative costs. This funding comes from a constitutional fund approved by voters in 2014 that's dedicated to open space and conservation initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to conduct a statewide assessment of packaging recycling, composting, and reuse systems by hiring a consultant and establishing a temporary advisory council. It appropriates $500,000 to fund the assessment, which must examine current recycling rates, infrastructure needs, environmental justice considerations, and strategies to achieve optimal recycling rates by 2035 for materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metal. The DEP will select a consultant by January 2026, with the consultant submitting a draft assessment to the advisory council by December 2026. The advisory council, representing diverse stakeholders including haulers, local governments, and environmental organizations, will provide input before the final assessment is submitted to the Governor and Legislature by May 2027. The final report will include recommendations for improving New Jersey's packaging recycling system.