Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts with a chronic absenteeism rate of 10% or higher (district-wide) or 15% or higher at a specific school to form an attendance review team. These teams, made up of school staff and community partners, must meet monthly to review cases of chronically absent students and recommend interventions for families. It also mandates the New Jersey Department of Education to create and post online a prevention plan explaining chronic absenteeism, its academic impacts, and strategies for school-family-community partnerships. The plan must include data-tracking methods to monitor attendance by student groups (like race, grade, or language background) and may offer optional mentorship programs or incentives for schools that improve attendance.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires landlords of multi-unit residential buildings to provide operational air conditioning that maintains temperatures at or below 80°F in all habitable living spaces between May 16 and September 30 each year. It specifically applies to units occupied by or intended for seniors (62+) or people with disabilities, excluding healthcare facilities and seasonal rentals (where the owner must prove the unit qualifies). The Department of Community Affairs must develop regulations to implement these standards. The requirement does not apply to seasonal rentals unless the owner verifies the unit's seasonal status.
Maddy summaryS 4084 would end New Jersey's biannual time changes by permanently observing Eastern Standard Time year-round, affecting all residents and businesses statewide. The bill amends state law to remove the current provision requiring clocks to shift forward in spring and back in fall for daylight saving time. It cites studies showing these time changes cause economic losses, health risks (including heart issues and sleep disruption), and increased accident rates, while promoting permanent standard time as aligning better with human circadian rhythms. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine supports this approach, recommending the elimination of seasonal time changes nationwide.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases the percentage of cigarette and tobacco tax revenue dedicated to anti-smoking initiatives from 1% to 3%. The funds will be directed to the New Jersey Department of Health to support evidence-based tobacco control programs, including preventing youth smoking, reducing secondhand smoke exposure, and promoting cessation. Priority is given to programs targeting the Medicaid population and youth. The change aligns with CDC guidelines and would significantly increase annual funding - projected to rise from approximately $5 million to $15 million for these initiatives.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a certification process for shampoo technicians in New Jersey, who provide basic hair washing services (like shampooing and conditioning) in licensed salons but do not pursue a full cosmetology license. To become certified, individuals must complete a 40-hour training program approved by the State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling (either through a licensed school or a licensed shop) and pass a practical exam. The State Board issues a biennial certification requiring reasonable fees for initial certification, renewal, and reactivation after expiration (with reactivation after 10+ years requiring retaking the exam). The bill also prohibits examiners affiliated with a school from grading students from that same school and sets standards for training providers and examiners.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to appoint a State Dementia Services Coordinator within the Department of Human Services. The coordinator will develop a master plan to improve dementia care, coordinate existing state programs (like the Alzheimer's Advisory Commission), prevent service duplication, identify gaps in care, and increase access to quality dementia treatment. The bill appropriates $150,000 from the General Fund to fund this position and its activities. It directly affects people with Alzheimer's and dementia, their families, and state agencies providing related services by mandating better coordination and communication across the system.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of the Treasury to conduct a comprehensive stress test analysis every three years, assessing the state's ability to maintain essential services during economic shifts like recessions. The analysis must project funding sources (taxes, federal aid), compare them to historical trends, evaluate spending changes, account for state reserves (including the Surplus Revenue Fund), and identify recession response options. The results must be published online and included in the Governor's annual budget proposal. This applies directly to state government operations and indirectly affects all New Jersey residents by ensuring fiscal transparency and preparedness for economic challenges.
Maddy summaryS 2099 allows counties, municipalities, and economic development groups to form regional partnerships for joint economic planning and development. These partnerships can attract new businesses, support existing ones, redevelop areas, and share project costs. They may access loans, issue bonds (following local bond laws), and use state economic development resources, with all agreements requiring approval from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority or Local Finance Board. The bill directly affects local governments and businesses collaborating on regional economic strategies.
Maddy summarySJR 93 designates the first full week of May each year as "Teacher Appreciation Week" in New Jersey, recognizing the contributions of all public school teachers statewide. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to encourage public observance of this week, aligning with the nationally recognized "National Teacher Appreciation Week" established in 1985. This is a symbolic gesture - no new funding or policy changes are created - and directly affects New Jersey's educators by formally honoring their work each May. The resolution cites teachers' efforts during the pandemic as context for the designation.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes criminal penalties for creating or sharing deepfakes (fake audio or video content that falsely depicts someone doing something they didn't do) intended for illegal purposes like harassment, theft, or invasion of privacy. It also requires clear labeling of such content and allows victims to sue for at least $1,000 per violation, plus additional damages. News media are exempt from penalties unless they knowingly share unmarked deepfakes. The law directly affects individuals whose likeness is misused in deepfakes and those producing or distributing deceptive media for unlawful purposes.