Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the U.S. Congress to advance the creation of a National Museum of the American Latino at the Smithsonian on the National Mall. It specifically calls for reinstating the 2008 commission to develop the museum, noting that no national museum currently represents Latino contributions despite Latinos being the largest U.S. ethnic minority (60 million people, projected to be 25% of the population by 2060). The resolution does not create new laws but formally requests Congress take action, with copies sent to all New Jersey congressional members and leadership. It highlights the absence of a dedicated Latino museum compared to existing African American and Native American national museums. The resolution takes immediate effect upon passage.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4034) expands eligibility for soil and water conservation grants from New Jersey's State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) to include potable water well construction projects on preserved farmland. It directly affects landowners enrolled in state farmland preservation programs or holding development easements on their agricultural land. The key change adds "potable water well construction" to the existing list of eligible projects (like irrigation systems and erosion controls) under Section 17 of the Farmland Preservation Act. To qualify, projects must be part of a conservation plan approved by local soil conservation districts and maintained for at least three years.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 4031 requires school meal service providers to give purchasing preference to foods produced by in-state farmers and food producers within 100 miles of schools when receiving federal or state funding for local food procurement. The bill applies to school food authorities, food service management companies, and third-party vendors contracted to provide school meals. It mandates that contracts include geographic preference requirements, prioritizing foods produced within 100 miles with preference for in-state producers within that radius. Providers must maintain documentation to demonstrate compliance with these requirements for review by the Department of Agriculture.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors in housing for seasonal farm workers staying up to three months. It defines "short-term farm labor housing" as facilities for workers under existing farm labor camp rules (P.L.1945, c.71). Meeting these fire safety standards automatically makes the housing compliant with New Jersey's State Uniform Construction Code. The bill directly affects farm labor camps providing temporary housing to seasonal agricultural workers.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Mental and Behavioral Health for Hispanics and Latinos Act" to address mental health disparities in New Jersey. It requires the Commissioner of Health, working with community organizations, to create a culturally and linguistically appropriate outreach strategy focused on reducing stigma, increasing awareness of common mental health symptoms, and providing information on evidence-based treatments tailored to Hispanic and Latino communities. The strategy must address pandemic impacts, involve community members in development, and promote a holistic health approach. The bill appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to fund this initiative and mandates annual reports to the Governor and Legislature on progress in improving mental health outcomes for these populations.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Medicaid to cover substance use disorder treatment services provided by community-based organizations that are licensed by the Department of Health. It establishes standards for these organizations' licensure and creates a training program to help them meet requirements. The bill also allows opioid treatment programs to create medication units (which can be mobile) to provide medication-assisted treatment like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Additionally, it prohibits denying treatment based on a patient's refusal of counseling and limits required drug screenings to eight per year, aiming to increase access to substance use disorder treatment.
Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $3 million from the General Fund to provide one-time bonus awards to specific state workers. It directly affects members of Local 195 of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFTPE) who worked frontline, essential roles during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will be distributed by the Division of Budget and Accounting in consultation with the union president to eligible employees across state agencies. The appropriation is supplemental to the 2025 budget and requires no new policy changes, focusing solely on compensating pandemic-era frontline staff.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "New Jersey Target Zero Commission" within the Department of Transportation, consisting of 13 state agency representatives (including Transportation, Health, and Public Safety officials). The commission’s primary duty is to develop a statewide action plan by 2040 aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries through engineering, education, and enforcement strategies focused on equitable road safety for all users. Key mechanisms include creating a public data portal for crash statistics, requiring annual public hearings and reports to the Governor and Legislature, and advising on policy changes to support safer transportation infrastructure. The commission must adopt its action plan within 12 months of the bill’s effective date and host public feedback sessions before finalizing it. This is a procedural bill creating a study body, not a direct policy change.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends the "economic recovery term" under New Jersey's Municipal Rehabilitation and Economic Recovery Act (MRERA) from 15 to 20 years for qualified municipalities. The economic recovery term is the period following the chief operating officer's term during which special governance procedures and economic benefits remain in place. This extension directly affects municipalities that have been under financial distress, such as the City of Camden, which is specifically cited as needing additional time to achieve fiscal stability. The bill maintains the special oversight measures and economic incentives established under MRERA during this extended period to support municipal financial rehabilitation.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends New Jersey's existing telemedicine pay parity law, requiring health insurance plans to pay providers the same rate for telehealth services as in-person visits for covered services. It applies to all health benefits plans in New Jersey (including Medicaid and private insurers) and affects providers delivering telehealth care. The extension, now ending December 31, 2025 (previously 2024), maintains the requirement that telehealth reimbursement equals in-person rates for covered services, excluding audio-only visits (which receive 50% of in-person rates) and behavioral health services (which receive full in-person rates). This is a procedural extension of an existing policy, not a new mandate.