March Legislative Update

This month, A5076 passed the Assembly, unanimously. This bill reinstates a previously abolished policy to ensure that female troopers receive adequate recovery leave, allowing them to fully heal and safely return to their critical roles within the New Jersey State Police. By restoring this policy, it safeguards a woman’s right to start a family while reaffirming the State’s commitment to supporting law enforcement officers during significant life events, such as childbirth.

This month A4979 advanced the Assembly Judiciary Committee. A4979 would require law enforcement officers to complete training regarding identification of machine gun conversion devices. 

This bill is part of the Assembly’s commitment to public safety and ensuring that our law enforcement are equipped with the tools necessary to keep us safe.

I am proud to announce that this month I introduced a series of bills that address teacher shortage, gaming and gambling, affordable housing land development, and school security threat protocols.

A5347/S3284 (Bagolie/McKeon): Requires the use of warning labels for sportsbook advertisement and applications

A5348/S3063 (Bagolie/McKeon): Permits civil liability against casinos and simulcast facilities for reckless indifference or intentional misconduct toward persons self-excluded from gaming activities.

A5349 (Bagolie/McKeon): Increases tax on Internet casino gaming and Internet sports wagering to 30 percent.

A5390 (Bagolie/Quijano/Morales): Requires school districts to alert school employees of credible threats to school community.

A5350 (Bagolie/Quijano): Prohibits development of affordable housing on certain contaminated land.

A5351 (Bagolie): Establishes interstate reciprocity for certain teachers with out-of-State teaching certificates.

A5352 (Bagolie): Establishes “Teacher Certification Reform Act of 2025.”

A5391 (Bagolie/Quijano/Carter): Requires certain candidates for teaching certifications to complete youth mental health education course or online module.

This month, Governor Murphy delivered his final budget address, emphasizing affordability, education, and economic growth while maintaining fiscal responsibility. I was especially pleased to see funding allocated for school districts transitioning to cell phone-free environments.  

Later that week, the Assembly convened for a voting session, celebrating Black History and Heritage. The Legislative Black Caucus honored outstanding community members, and I was particularly moved by Brianna Polite’s powerful rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing.

As the first and only Dominican woman in the Assembly, it was a privilege to recognize Dominican Independence Day and the contributions of Dominicans in business, education, and the arts, both in New Jersey and beyond. I am honored to represent them.

I was also proud to support legislation on business development, increasing public health  protections, and ensuring public safety throughout our State.

This month I also had the opportunity to sit down with Ken Rosato from ON NJ Mornings with Ken Rosato. We discussed my recent visit to Woodbury Junior-High School and the impact of using Yondr pouches to restrict cell phone use during classroom instruction. We discussed A4882 and my vision to get back to the business of teaching.

I also joined Assembly Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Ellen Park, my colleagues, and representatives of Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action, and Brady United Against Gun Violence for a press conference to discuss a package of public safety bills, including A4979, that was considered by the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

This month, my office launched our constituent services programming with two Utility Day events and a tax filing assistance event.

We partnered with the NJ Board of Public Utilities, the Department of Community Affairs, NJ Shares, and PSE&G to connect residents with energy assistance programs like LIHEAP, PAGE, community solar, and winter termination protections.

Held at the West Orange Public Library and Clifton’s Senior Center, these events ensured lower-income households and seniors received vital support. We also partnered with United Way of Greater Newark’s VITA program to offer tax preparation assistance for seniors at Federation Plaza in West Orange. Special thanks to CEO Harold Colton-Max and property manager Kerry DeChamps for welcoming us.

During my visit to the complex last year, I saw firsthand how engaged the residents are. I’m proud we could support them and remain committed to advocating for our seniors and community.

We are committed to partnering with state agencies, local organizations, and nonprofits throughout the year to provide essential information on state programs and bring our community together.

Check out the video of our tour of the Federation Plaza complex this past year.

I was honored to cut the ribbon at Livingston Chinese Culture Day, ushering in the 2025 Year of the Snake! A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers, organizers, and sponsors who made this incredible celebration possible. Your dedication and hard work brought the community together to enjoy cultural exhibitions, performances, and delicious food. Wishing everyone a prosperous and joyful Lunar New Year!

A special thank you to the Morris County Jewish Caucus for inviting me as the guest speaker at your kickoff event! It was an honor to be part of such a meaningful gathering, engaging in important discussions and connecting with community leaders. I look forward to working together to strengthen our shared values and initiatives.

I had a fantastic time at the Walk to Washington Chamber of Commerce event! The train ride was a great opportunity to connect, collaborate, and discuss the future of business and policy in New Jersey.

I would like to extend a special congratulations to new Mr. and Mrs. Almeida! It was honor to officiate Cassandra and Fabio’s beautiful Valentine’s Day wedding ceremony in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. It was a true celebration of love, culture, and unity! I wish them lifetime of happiness and joy.

I also had an amazing time at the Rana Samaj USA Valentine Party!  It was an opportunity to celebrate love and friendship in our communities. Thank you for having me.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and supported my campaign fundraiser this month. Special appreciation to our incredible Host Committee—Wayne Blanchard (President, STFA), Peter Andreyev (President, State PBA), Edwin Donnelly (President, FMBA), Matthew Caliente (President, State PFANJ), Anthony Abrantes (EASRC Carpenters), Roshan White (BMFST, Plumbers #24), Larry Stempler (Unity Club), and IBEW (Various Locals)—your leadership and commitment mean the world to me. Thank you to all the electeds, county committee members, friends and supporters for believing in me and helping through this journey!

I am excited to announce that our office has been working collaboratively with nonprofit organizations, and state and local agencies to bring the residents of LD27 a series of constituent events on various state programs, community service driven, and general assistance. Register here to receive reminders of important events. 

During the month of March, our office will be hosting the following:

• 3/12 – Don’t Get Scammed! A Consumer Fraud Presentation
• 3/19 – 3/20 – Mobile MVC Unit Coming to Livingston! *All appointments have been booked.