Asm. Andrea Katz

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $128.241 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues to the State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation. The funds will be used to acquire permanent protections on farmland (through easements or direct purchases) and provide grants to counties (up to 80% of acquisition costs) and qualified nonprofits (up to 50% of acquisition costs). It also allocates $12 million for administrative costs, $1 million for acquisition expenses, and $150,000 for legal costs related to enforcing preservation protections. If funds aren't fully spent within a year, the committee can increase its offers to landowners beyond standard rates, with public notice required.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Office of Farm Ombudsman within New Jersey's Department of Agriculture to directly assist farmers and prospective farmers. The ombudsman will provide support navigating state, local, and federal agricultural laws and regulations, help with permit processes, offer guidance on issues like plant diseases, land acquisition, climate challenges, and grant applications, and maintain confidentiality of farmer communications. The office must submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature detailing services provided and recommending policy improvements for farming operations. The bill appropriates $250,000 from the General Fund to fund this office.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "Type S School Bus Certificate" that would allow certain qualified drivers to operate specific school buses without needing a commercial driver's license, passenger endorsement, or school bus endorsement. To qualify, drivers must be at least 21 years old, have held a basic driver's license for three years, pass physical and eye exams, complete a knowledge exam, and finish special training for students with special needs. The certificate would apply to "Type S school buses," defined as vehicles designed for nine passengers or less (excluding driver) with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more, used for transporting students to and from school. This would streamline school bus operations for qualified drivers while maintaining safety standards for student transportation. The bill amends existing school bus regulations to include this new certification pathway.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to allow taxicabs, limousines, and transportation network companies (like Uber and Lyft) to provide paratransit services for a two-year period. Currently, paratransit services - transportation for people with disabilities that are not fixed-route bus services - are legally excluded from being provided by these companies, but the bill removes that exclusion. The change modifies the definition of "paratransit service" in state law to include these providers, expanding potential service options. This directly affects transportation companies and people with disabilities who rely on paratransit services, without altering the core requirements for such services.

Maddy summaryAJR 112 designates the calendar week beginning Sunday that includes September 10th each year as "Suicide Prevention Week" in New Jersey. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or services but encourages statewide awareness and community activities around suicide prevention. It requests the Governor annually issue a proclamation to recognize the week and promote existing resources like the NJ Suicide Hopeline. The bill directly affects all New Jersey residents by fostering community engagement with the state's ongoing suicide prevention efforts. It is procedural, focusing on recognition rather than policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (AR 164) recognizing Bruce Springsteen's 75th birthday. It formally celebrates his New Jersey roots, career achievements (including over 120 million albums sold and 20 Grammys), and philanthropy, with no policy changes or direct impact on constituents. The resolution directs the Assembly Clerk to send copies to Springsteen and his family. As a commemorative measure, it does not enact new law or affect any legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3887) requires healthcare providers during prenatal care to help pregnant women develop personalized postpartum care plans, including designating a medical home for follow-up care. It mandates hospitals and birthing facilities to provide standardized postpartum information before discharge, covering warning signs of complications like excessive bleeding, high blood pressure, infection, and depression. The law directly affects pregnant women receiving maternity care in New Jersey, healthcare professionals, and maternity care facilities. Key provisions include mandatory plan development during prenatal visits and uniform educational materials for facilities to ensure consistent patient education about postpartum health risks.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey employers with 10+ employees to publicly announce promotion opportunities to all current employees in the relevant department before making a promotion decision, unless based solely on experience or performance. It also mandates that employers include salary ranges and details of benefits/compensation for the first 12 months in all job postings for new positions, transfers, or promotions. Employers violating these requirements face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. Temporary staffing firms are exempt from posting pay details for general job listings but must provide this information at the time of interview or hire for specific roles.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4836) requires New Jersey school districts to annually send written notices to parents or guardians of students with disabilities about available advanced placement (AP) courses. The notice must include the course name, description, and prerequisite requirements. It also prohibits schools from excluding students with disabilities from AP courses solely based on their disability. The law applies directly to public school districts and students with disabilities in New Jersey. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all prescriptions for patients aged 18 or younger to include the patient's weight in kilograms. It directly affects pediatric patients and their healthcare providers, mandating that authorized prescribers (like doctors) list weight on every medication prescription for minors. The key provision is a simple addition to the prescription form, ensuring weight is documented in metric units (kilograms) rather than other measurements. The law takes effect 180 days after enactment.