Sen. Angela McKnight

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that individuals receiving benefits from the Work First New Jersey program and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program receive written instructions on how to lock and unlock their replacement benefit cards. The law aims to help recipients safeguard their accounts against unauthorized use by ensuring they understand the security protocols for their electronic cards at the time of issuance. Currently, while replacement cards are issued, there is no mandate to provide these specific security instructions to the cardholders. This change applies to all adult recipients in New Jersey who are issued new benefit cards under the state's electronic benefit distribution system.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires public school districts to create specific procedures for reporting harassment, intimidation, and bullying online. It mandates that each district provide an electronic reporting form on its official website, allowing individuals to submit complaints anonymously, though formal discipline cannot be based solely on anonymous tips. The law also updates existing rules to ensure all incidents are reported to school principals within two school days and that written records are maintained on standardized department forms. While the bill preserves local control over policy details, it sets minimum requirements for definitions, consequences, and the inclusion of online reporting options in district anti-bullying policies.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill creates the Firefighter Critical Mental Health Assistance Grant Program to provide confidential mental health support to firefighters and their immediate family members who are experiencing a crisis or suicidal thoughts. The program will award grants to licensed mental health providers, with a $1 million appropriation from the General Fund to cover these costs. Selection criteria for grants will prioritize providers located within an hour's travel time of the patients they serve, and a list of approved providers will be published online. The legislation aims to address barriers to care, such as fear of job loss, by ensuring accessible and confidential treatment options.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new program within the Department of Children and Families to screen children and young adults aged five to 21 for brain injuries and to educate various professionals and families about these conditions. The initiative requires the use of validated screening tools and structured interviews to identify at-risk youth, while also providing training for educators, judges, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and government employees to better recognize and support those affected. Additionally, the program will launch outreach efforts through schools, community organizations, and online platforms to raise awareness about available treatment and rehabilitation services. To ensure accountability, the Department of Children and Families must adopt specific rules to implement the program and submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature on its progress and effectiveness.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 2996, eliminates physician collaboration requirements for advanced practice nurses (APNs) in New Jersey, allowing them to practice independently without supervision or joint protocols. It directly affects APNs - registered nurses with specialized training in primary and specialty care - and aims to improve healthcare access, particularly in underserved communities and for populations facing barriers like low income or transportation challenges. The key provision removes statutory restrictions that previously limited APNs' scope of practice, aligning New Jersey with 24 states that grant full practice authority. The bill cites pandemic-era waivers (Executive Order No. 112) that allowed similar independent practice without adverse incidents, and notes APNs could reduce healthcare access disparities by over 38% if restrictions are lifted.

Maddy summaryThis bill codifies New Jersey's Attorney General's "Strengthening Trust Between Law Enforcement and Immigrant Communities" directive into law. It directly affects all New Jersey state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies and officers by prohibiting them from: (1) stopping or detaining people based solely on immigration status, (2) asking about immigration status except during specific criminal investigations, and (3) sharing personal information with federal immigration authorities for immigration enforcement purposes. The law clarifies that officers' primary duty is enforcing state criminal laws, not federal immigration law, and emphasizes that this does not prevent enforcing state criminal laws. The goal is to build trust in immigrant communities and ensure law enforcement resources focus on public safety rather than immigration enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill establishes the "Privacy Protection Act" to limit how government agencies and healthcare facilities collect and share certain personal information. It prohibits them from requesting details like immigration status, citizenship, social security numbers, or tax IDs unless necessary for specific public services, benefits, or healthcare delivery (with healthcare exceptions for patient safety). The bill requires written consent in the person's preferred language for sharing any collected data, detailing exactly what will be shared, why, and confirming consent is voluntary without retaliation. It also bans selling or sharing vehicle license plate data except under court orders, subpoenas, or with explicit written consent, and mandates government entities to update privacy policies within one year.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3114, the "Law Enforcement Officer Protection Act," requires police officers and other law enforcement personnel to reveal their faces and show official identification before detaining or arresting someone during public interactions. Officers must wear non-concealing uniforms, display a photo ID card, show a numbered badge, or verbally state their name and agency. Exceptions include undercover work, medical masks (with physician approval), smoke protection during emergencies, or when safety or an investigation is at risk. The law applies to all state, county, and municipal officers and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities procures and incentivizes large-scale energy storage systems, primarily affecting developers and utilities seeking to build transmission-scale storage facilities. It establishes a two-phase program requiring projects to meet specific readiness milestones, such as completing interconnection studies with PJM or securing capacity rights, while setting a goal of awarding incentives for at least 1,000 MW of storage capacity by December 2026. The legislation also outlines application requirements, including proof of site control, permit acquisition plans, financial capability, and safety assurances, with a requirement that at least 350 MW be approved in the first phase by December 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to approve incentive awards for transmission-scale energy storage projects from June 30, 2026, to December 31, 2026. It also broadens eligibility requirements for the second tranche of the program, allowing more projects to qualify for financial support. These changes aim to give the board more time to review applications and potentially include a larger pool of applicants without altering the size or duration of the existing 15-year incentive payments. The legislation primarily affects the Board of Public Utilities and energy storage project developers seeking state funding.