Sen. Britnee Timberlake

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Education to create and maintain a free, public online registry of tutors and organizations offering free supplemental tutoring to students. It allows certified teachers, retired teachers, college students, industry professionals, and relevant organizations to register, providing details like contact information and subject expertise. All registrants must undergo criminal background checks (except certified teachers with prior checks), and the registry explicitly states it does not endorse or verify the quality of services offered. The registry will be accessible to all New Jersey residents via the DOE website.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4374) makes two specific violations of New Jersey's Prevailing Wage Act criminal offenses. It targets employers who knowingly falsify payroll records for public construction projects or submit false information on contractor registration forms. Currently, these violations result in fines up to $25,000 and disqualification from public work; the bill upgrades them to a fourth-degree crime punishable by up to $10,000 in fines, 18 months in jail, or both. The law applies directly to employers working on state or local public construction projects requiring prevailing wage compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school staff (including those in after-school programs) to complete epilepsy and seizure disorder care training every five years. It directly affects school boards, administrators, and all school personnel who interact with students. The key provision mandates that training must be provided through a Department of Health-approved course from a nonprofit epilepsy support organization. This ensures staff can recognize seizures, provide appropriate care, and know when to seek help, as outlined in individualized health plans developed with parent input and physician guidance. The law applies to all schools in the state and takes effect at the start of the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study how advanced transmission technologies (ATT) could improve the state's electrical grid. ATT includes tools like software for optimizing power flow or specialized conductors that boost existing infrastructure's capacity without building new lines. The study must evaluate ATT's potential to reduce grid congestion, lower costs for utilities, and speed up project timelines compared to traditional transmission upgrades. The BPU must submit findings within one year, including public input, to help determine if ATT should be adopted to support growing energy demand from data centers, manufacturing, and population growth.

Maddy summaryS 3187 makes it a fourth-degree crime for employers to knowingly falsify payroll records required under New Jersey's Prevailing Wage Act or to make false statements on public works contractor registration forms. Currently, such violations carry civil penalties like fines ($2,500-$25,000) and disqualification from public work, but this bill adds criminal penalties including up to 18 months in jail and fines up to $10,000 - applied in addition to existing penalties. The bill also requires county prosecutors or the Labor Commissioner to notify the Attorney General about violations, allowing the Attorney General to decide whether to prosecute directly or refer the case to local authorities. It directly affects employers working on public construction projects in New Jersey who must comply with prevailing wage requirements.

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 summaryThis bill, S 2373 (the "New Jersey First Responders PTSD Protection Act"), protects paid first responders (including police, firefighters, EMTs, and 911 dispatchers) who are diagnosed with work-related PTSD. It prohibits public employers from firing, harassing, or discriminating against these employees for taking leave related to a PTSD diagnosis verified by a licensed medical professional. Employers must reinstate employees to their prior roles after medical clearance and face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation if they retaliate. The law applies only when PTSD arises from trauma directly tied to job duties, such as witnessing incidents or experiencing vicarious trauma while performing official responsibilities.

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.