Sen. Britnee Timberlake

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 53) urges Congress to propose a constitutional amendment to remove the Thirteenth Amendment's exception allowing slavery or indentured servitude as punishment for convicted individuals. It highlights that incarcerated people currently earn as little as 93 cents per hour for labor that rarely develops marketable skills, with some states paying nothing. The resolution cites examples like California prisons profiting $58 million from inmate labor while workers earn $2 per day. It seeks to amend the Constitution to prohibit such forced labor practices entirely, addressing a gap in the Thirteenth Amendment's original text.

Maddy summaryS 1983 would eliminate the requirement for advanced practice nurses (APNs) in New Jersey to practice under physician collaboration or supervision, allowing them to provide care independently. This directly affects APNs - over 75% of whom specialize in primary care - and aims to improve healthcare access in underserved communities, including areas with physician shortages and among racial/ethnic minorities, low-income populations, and those facing transportation barriers. The bill cites that 24 states and the District of Columbia already permit full practice authority for APNs, and during pandemic waivers (Executive Order 112), no adverse incidents occurred while APNs practiced without restrictions. It states removing these barriers could reduce healthcare access disparities by over 38 percent, aligning New Jersey with other states to address chronic shortages in primary care services.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's school bus safety laws to authorize using school bus monitoring systems for enforcement. It changes penalties for drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses: violations captured by these systems will result in only a $250 civil penalty (instead of potential fines or jail time), with funds directed to municipalities and school districts for safety programs. The law applies to buses transporting children or individuals with developmental disabilities when stopped to load/unload. It does not create new monitoring systems but specifies how existing systems can be used to enforce stop laws through civil penalties.

Maddy summaryS 304 would expand Medicare coverage to all New Jersey residents, regardless of age, health, or disability, by requiring the state to seek a federal waiver to replace current health programs like Medicaid with a unified New Jersey Medicare program. The bill mandates that the state apply to CMS for necessary waivers, with CMS adjusting costs and premiums based on existing Medicare and Medicaid payments. It also prohibits private insurers from offering duplicate coverage for services already provided by Medicare to ensure full participation in the new system. This would provide comprehensive health coverage to all New Jersey residents meeting the 30-day domicile requirement, including those currently uninsured or facing restrictive private insurance plans.

Maddy summarySJR 38 designates October of each year as "Bullying Prevention Month" in New Jersey. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging schools, communities, and residents to observe the month with awareness activities. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or obligations but formally recognizes October for promoting bullying prevention efforts across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey domestic violence protection orders (TROs) and related victim notices to be available in multiple languages, not just English. Specifically, it mandates that court notices and temporary restraining order templates be prepared in English, Spanish, and up to 10 additional high-demand languages spoken in the state. The Administrative Office of the Courts must create these multilingual materials to ensure victims with limited English proficiency can understand their rights and legal options. This directly affects domestic violence victims who speak languages other than English, improving access to critical legal protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) certified in other U.S. states, territories, or Puerto Rico to work in New Jersey without retaking certification exams, provided their home state's standards meet or exceed New Jersey's. It requires all applicants to undergo a criminal history background check through state and federal databases, with disqualification for convictions involving violence, arson, drug offenses, or other specified crimes. Existing EMTs must also complete this background check during their next recertification. The law mandates biennial background checks for all certified EMTs as part of renewal.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Bill A1181 requires public high school and charter school students (starting with the 2023-2024 grade 11 class) to complete and submit a financial aid application as a graduation prerequisite, unless they qualify for a waiver. Students or their parents/guardians may request exemption via a signed waiver form, or school counselors may authorize exemptions for under-18 students when parental consent cannot be obtained. Schools must provide resources (like webinars and guides) to help students and families complete the application, and must annually notify families of this requirement. The bill ensures no student faces academic penalties for using an approved exemption.