Sen. Renee Burgess

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A4976 creates two new firearm offenses: a third-degree crime for accidentally firing a gun within 100 yards of occupied buildings or schools/child care facilities (even if unoccupied), and a fourth-degree crime for other reckless discharges. This directly affects anyone who unintentionally discharges a firearm near schools, homes, or businesses. The bill specifies that convictions for these offenses won’t merge with other charges, requiring separate sentences, and mandates consecutive prison terms if multiple offenses occur. Third-degree violations carry up to 5 years in prison or $15,000 fines, while fourth-degree violations carry up to 18 months or $10,000 fines.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year "New Economy Opportunity Skills System Pilot Program" to improve collaboration between local workforce development boards and community colleges in New Jersey. The pilot will operate in three areas, focusing on jointly developing workforce training programs with industry credentials, coordinating marketing efforts, and integrating funding resources to better serve job seekers. It designates community colleges as the preferred providers for state workforce training and adult literacy programs, replacing previous arrangements. The State Employment and Training Commission will manage the pilot, develop a statewide expansion strategy, and submit annual reports on outcomes like employment rates and credential attainment. Funding will come from state and federal sources, prioritizing federal funds where available.

Maddy summaryS 2961 requires contractors working on New Jersey public works projects (funded by public money) to certify that each employee meets one of three minimum qualifications: a high school diploma or GED, enrollment in an equivalent apprenticeship program, or four years of documented trade work experience verified by tax filings. Contractors must submit this certification as part of their registration with the state, alongside other required documentation like business details and insurance proof. Non-compliance could lead to denial, suspension, or revocation of the contractor’s public works registration. The bill directly affects contractors bidding on public projects and the workers they employ on those projects.

Maddy summaryS 4018 requires health insurance plans and Medicaid to cover screening, prevention, and treatment services for behavioral health issues in children under 18. It mandates that providers can bill for these services using an "at-risk diagnosis" (which considers factors like family circumstances without requiring a formal mental health diagnosis) and alternative codes like Social Determinants of Health Z-codes. The coverage must be provided at the same level as other medical services for all covered children. This applies to all health insurance carriers, the State Health Benefits Program, the School Employees' Health Benefits Program, and New Jersey's Medicaid program (NJ FamilyCare).

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey food service businesses from automatically providing single-use plastic utensils and condiments to customers. Instead, businesses must only provide these items upon explicit customer request. Restaurants and similar establishments with 50 or more on-site seats must offer reusable, washable utensils for dine-in customers, who must return them after use. Businesses that exclusively use eco-friendly alternatives are exempt, and violations could result in fines up to $5,000 per offense, with penalty funds going to litter prevention programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows school counselors, psychologists, and other mental health professionals in New Jersey public schools to refer students to private licensed mental health providers (such as psychologists or social workers) for assessments and services. It prohibits referrals to a provider if the school staff or their immediate family has a significant financial interest in that provider. Parents or guardians must consent for students who cannot legally consent themselves, and neither the school district nor the referring staff bears the cost of these private services. The bill does not restrict schools from providing mental health services directly to students. It aims to expand access to mental health care through school-based referrals while maintaining safeguards.

Maddy summaryThis bill, "Max's Law," requires New Jersey public school districts to include age-appropriate instruction about fentanyl and xylazine dangers in health classes for students in grades 6 through 12. The curriculum must cover prevention, symptoms of poisoning, emergency response, and relevant laws protecting those seeking help. School districts must use resources from federal agencies like the CDC and NIH, and the state education department will provide materials and post online resources for staff, students, and parents. The law takes effect immediately, applying to the first full school year after enactment, with annual reports evaluating its impact on youth drug use and poisoning.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's child abuse and neglect laws to include individuals aged 18-21 in certain settings under the definition of "child" for protection purposes. Specifically, it revises the definition of "child" to mean any person under 21 years old who is alleged to have been abused, neglected, or exploited by a teacher, employee, contractor, or volunteer of an institution regulated by the Department of Children and Families. The bill extends protections to individuals in institutions (including day schools) who are between 18 and 21 years old, currently falling under separate jurisdiction for individuals with developmental disabilities. This change transfers full investigative responsibility for these cases from the Department of Human Services to the Department of Children and Families for the population served in regulated facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new sentencing consideration for defendants who were victims of domestic violence or abuse when they committed a crime, and that abuse was a contributing factor to their offense. It allows courts to reduce sentences for qualifying defendants: up to 18 months for third-degree crimes, 3-5 years for second-degree, and 5-10 years for first-degree offenses. The bill also creates a resentencing process for defendants convicted before the law took effect who meet the criteria, requiring courts to consider evidence like domestic violence reports, social services records, and professional testimony. To qualify, defendants must have been victims of abuse that contributed to their crime, be incarcerated with no pending appeals, and not have previously sought this relief. The bill requires correctional facilities to notify eligible inmates about this resentencing opportunity and mandates judicial training on implementing the new provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4871) creates a new expungement process for people convicted of certain crimes who were victims of domestic violence or substantial physical, sexual, or psychological abuse, provided the conviction was substantially related to that abuse. It applies to most non-violent offenses (excluding murder or sex offenses requiring Megan’s Law registration). Eligible individuals can petition the Superior Court to have convictions, findings of guilt, or juvenile adjudications erased after completing their sentence, with courts required to review evidence like court records, abuse reports, and professional testimony. The process allows applicants to include prior convictions in a single petition, regardless of where they occurred. This policy change directly helps victims of abuse who were convicted due to trauma from their situation, clearing legal barriers to employment and housing.