Sen. Britnee Timberlake

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A4175 requires the Attorney General to review and update the statewide use of force policy for law enforcement officers at least every two years. The policy must prioritize de-escalation, limit force to objectively necessary and proportional levels (with deadly force only as a last resort), and mandate duties like intervening, providing medical aid, and reporting incidents. This affects all county and municipal police departments, prosecutors, and the State Police, who must receive revised policies. The bill establishes a structured process for policy updates without altering current enforcement standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to offer multiple application options for state-administered housing, shelter, and rental assistance programs - such as Section 8 housing assistance and the State rental assistance program - instead of limiting applicants to online submissions alone. It mandates that applicants must be able to apply via mail, email, in-person delivery, or fax, where federal law permits. The bill directly affects individuals seeking housing aid through DCA programs, removing a potential barrier for those without reliable internet access. Key provisions ensure accessibility by requiring DCA to implement these alternative application methods, with implementation beginning three months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to issue special license plates honoring Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. It requires a $50 one-time application fee and $10 annual renewal fee for these plates, with all collected fees (after covering program costs) deposited into a dedicated fund. The fund's proceeds must be annually appropriated to support both organizations' missions, while the organizations must cover initial implementation costs (up to $25,000) and provide 500 applications before the program launches. The program remains inactive until these conditions are met, with an expiration if requirements aren't satisfied within 12 months.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) to expand the existing NJ Statewide Student Support Services program to include eating disorder awareness, prevention, and counseling services for students in grades K-12. It directs the 15 regional service hubs contracted with DCF to first assess community needs for these services and then develop policies to provide them through a three-tiered system: universal workshops for all students (Tier 1), targeted group programs (Tier 2), and individual clinical support for those in need (Tier 3). The program would integrate these services into current school-based mental health support structures without creating new entities. The bill applies directly to K-12 students and their families across New Jersey through existing school support networks.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to teach cursive handwriting to students in grades K-5. It mandates that school districts incorporate cursive instruction into the curriculum, including activities to help students read and write cursive legibly by the end of third grade. The law applies to all public school students in these grades and takes effect immediately for the next full school year after enactment. The bill does not specify funding or assessment methods, focusing solely on the curriculum requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires midwives and physicians in New Jersey to provide pregnant patients with written, evidence-based information about all available birthing options (including hospital births, home births, C-sections, and associated health risks) before labor begins. It mandates this information be provided in English and at least seven common non-English languages spoken by limited-English-proficiency residents, based on census data, during the initial consultation and annually thereafter. The content must cover all options, medication risks (like epidurals), and insurance coverage details. The law applies directly to pregnant patients receiving care from certified midwives or physicians in New Jersey. The Department of Health must create rules to implement these requirements within 180 days of enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to create special license plates featuring Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, available to vehicle owners who pay a $50 application fee and a $10 annual renewal fee. After covering administrative costs, the collected fees are deposited into a dedicated fund that annually provides funding to support both organizations' missions and programs. The program requires Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta to cover initial costs (up to $25,000) through private donations and submit 500 applications before implementation. If the average cost per plate exceeds $50 for two consecutive years, the license plate program may be discontinued, and it expires if required conditions aren't met within 12 months.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5435) requires New Jersey's Division of Housing and Community Resources (DCA) to create a single, user-friendly online application form for all state and nonprofit residential utility assistance programs. It directs the DCA to partner with state agencies and designated nonprofits to integrate all existing and temporary programs - such as those helping households pay utility bills or improve energy efficiency - into one centralized website. The consolidated application aims to simplify access for residents struggling with utility costs by replacing multiple separate forms. The DCA must adopt necessary rules to implement this system, which would directly affect low-income households seeking utility bill assistance and the agencies administering these programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies (including the Department of Community Affairs, Department of Human Services, and the Board of Public Utilities) to review and potentially increase income thresholds for residential customers to qualify for utility bill assistance and energy efficiency programs. It directly affects low- and moderate-income households by expanding eligibility if agencies determine an increase is appropriate. Key mechanisms include mandating public input during reviews, aligning income thresholds across programs, and ensuring households aren't eligible for both low- and moderate-income energy efficiency programs. The review must be completed within one year of the bill's effective date, with agencies considering factors like State median income and program costs. The bill does not change current program rules but sets a process for future eligibility adjustments.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to create a water safety fact sheet for schools. The fact sheet must cover reducing drowning risks, the importance of swim lessons, proper flotation device use, and monitoring water conditions. Public school districts must annually distribute this fact sheet to parents, while nonpublic schools are encouraged but not required to do so. Additionally, school districts must maintain and update an online list of local swim lesson locations, including free or low-cost options. The bill directly affects public schools, parents, and guardians by providing standardized water safety information and resources.