Sen. Angela McKnight

Maddy summaryThis bill designates November each year as "Hospice and Palliative Care Awareness Month" in New Jersey to increase public understanding of end-of-life care options. The resolution requests that the Governor issue an annual proclamation on November 1 to encourage state residents and officials to participate in awareness activities and programs. It does not change laws or funding but serves as a symbolic measure to educate the public about supportive care for people with life-limiting illnesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Criminal Sentencing and Disposition Commission in New Jersey by increasing its membership from 13 to 17 members, adding four public appointees and a representative from a police organization. The commission will conduct a broader review of the state's criminal sentencing laws to recommend changes that improve fairness, public safety, and resource efficiency while addressing disparities in the justice system. Key provisions include requiring the commission to examine racial and ethnic disparities, evaluate judicial discretion and mandatory minimums, and assess whether sentencing options need expansion. The bill also broadens the commission's reporting duties, mandating that it submit detailed recommendations to the Governor and Legislature on specific sentencing issues.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to allow eligible NJCLASS loan borrowers to pause their loan payments for 12 weeks after becoming a parent. To qualify, students must submit proof of their child's birth or adoption within 120 days of the event, and the deferment period begins once the authority receives this documentation. During the 12-week pause, borrowers do not need to make payments on the loan principal, and interest will not accumulate on the debt. The measure directly affects current NJCLASS loan holders in New Jersey who have recently had a child through birth or adoption.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey prosecutors to complete mandatory biennial training on handling sexual assault cases, focusing on restorative justice, cultural competency, emotional intelligence, and trauma-informed care. The training must be developed or approved by the Division of Criminal Justice, reviewed every five years with input from national experts and local advocates, and include both online learning and in-person components. Additionally, the bill establishes a new sexual assault unit within the Division of Criminal Justice that includes investigators, forensic nurse examiners, and rape care advocates to oversee county programs and provide ongoing training to law enforcement and prosecutors. The Attorney General is tasked with ensuring compliance through audits and a system to address noncompliance, with new prosecutors required to complete the training within 60 days of appointment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new special license plate option in New Jersey to support Autism Awareness, available to any vehicle owner or lessee who registers a car in the state. The plates will feature slogans or designs related to autism awareness, with the specific design and colors chosen by the Motor Vehicle Commission in consultation with the Governor's Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism. To obtain these plates, applicants must pay a $50 one-time fee plus an annual $10 renewal fee, which are deposited into a dedicated fund. The collected money will be used to reimburse the Motor Vehicle Commission for administrative costs and will be annually appropriated to the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey for medical research and treatment related to autism, subject to oversight by the Joint Budget Oversight Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 11 of each year as "Black Doula Day" in New Jersey to honor the work of Black doulas, who are trained professionals providing physical, emotional, and informational support to birthing mothers. The resolution requests that the Governor issue an annual proclamation recognizing this day and takes effect immediately. While the bill does not change laws or funding, it aims to raise awareness about the importance of doula care in improving maternal health outcomes, particularly for Black mothers who face higher risks of complications and mortality.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program to help New Jersey municipalities build new community centers. The program is managed by the Department of Community Affairs and will provide funding specifically for construction projects. Municipalities can apply for grants, with priority given to those that currently lack community centers or have too few facilities for their population. The bill requires the state to request at least $10 million annually for these grants and allows the department to seek additional funding from federal, local, and private sources.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates October 1 of each year as "All Hair is Good Hair Day" throughout New Jersey. It directly affects state residents by creating an annual observance to celebrate hair diversity and promote acceptance of all hair types. The resolution requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the day with appropriate programs and activities. The measure takes effect immediately and serves as a symbolic recognition of hair's role in cultural identity and self-expression.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an optional special needs training program for cosmetology and hairstyling professionals and business owners in New Jersey. It requires the State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling to maintain records of licensees and shops that have completed or are certified in providing services to individuals with special needs. The legislation allows the board to approve school curricula that include this specialized training and to issue certifications for shops that meet the special needs service standards. The program is voluntary, meaning participation is not mandatory for existing licensees or schools.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts that offer virtual or remote instruction programs to primarily deliver lessons through live, interactive video sessions rather than pre-recorded materials. It applies to all public school districts, charter schools, and vocational districts receiving state aid, ensuring students receive real-time instruction from teachers. The legislation also mandates that districts provide equal educational opportunities to students with disabilities through virtual platforms and requires the state education commissioner to establish guidelines for technology access, class duration, and assessment scheduling. Additionally, the bill clarifies that virtual instruction days count toward the 180-day school attendance requirement during emergencies and gives superintendents authority to implement remote learning plans when schools close due to health emergencies.