Asm. Erik Simonsen

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill increases penalties for manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing Schedule I or II controlled dangerous substances. It reclassifies offenses: for example, distributing one ounce or more of such drugs becomes a first-degree crime (previously second degree), and distributing half an ounce to one ounce becomes a second-degree crime (previously third degree). The bill also raises maximum fines for first-degree offenses to $500,000 and for third-degree offenses to $75,000. These changes apply to most Schedule I and II drugs, excluding specific substances already covered under stricter penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new offense for people who wear masks or disguises while committing another crime, specifically when the intent is to instill fear, hinder prosecution, or avoid arrest. It only applies if the person is already charged with the underlying crime (like theft or assault) and was wearing the mask/disguise during that crime. The bill explicitly excludes mask-wearing for medical, religious, or expressive reasons, such as during protests or for health conditions. Violating this law is punishable by up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a secure database managed by New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to store digital copies of veteran separation documents, such as DD-214 or NGB-22 forms. Veterans or their family members can voluntarily submit these documents (or posthumously for deceased veterans), with originals returned promptly at no cost to the submitter. The database is accessible only to public agencies for verifying eligibility for veteran benefits and is exempt from public records laws, preventing unauthorized access. This aims to prevent document loss during benefit applications while ensuring privacy and security.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires health insurance plans to cover additional orthotic and prosthetic appliances when a physician determines they're necessary for physical and recreational activities like running, biking, swimming, and sports. It expands current coverage requirements, which already mandate coverage for basic orthotic and prosthetic appliances that are medically necessary, to include additional devices needed for recreational activities. The bill applies to all health insurance contracts in New Jersey, including hospital, medical, and health service corporations, and requires reimbursement at the same rate as federal Medicare. It would take effect 90 days after enactment for policies issued or renewed after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to ensure annual prescribed burns on minimum acreage in the Pinelands area and statewide, starting within one year of enactment. The acreage targets increase annually: beginning at 25,000 acres in the Pinelands plus 10,000 statewide, rising to 50,000 acres in the Pinelands and 20,000 statewide by year six. Prescribed burns must occur between November and March, prior to wildfire season, and may be conducted by the state, federal government, or approved landowners under existing law. All relevant state agencies must integrate these requirements into environmental and land management plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill would amend New Jersey law to allow active duty members of the United States military and National Guard to carry firearms at all times within the state, rather than only while on duty or traveling between duty locations. Currently, military personnel can carry authorized weapons while on duty or traveling between duty locations, but this bill would extend that right to all times. The bill specifies that military members would only be permitted to carry firearms authorized for civilian use in New Jersey. The sponsor cites concerns about threats against military personnel, referencing incidents like the 2009 Fort Hood shooting and other attacks on military installations.

Maddy summaryBill A4163 requires health insurers in New Jersey to cover biomarker testing for diagnosis, treatment, management, or ongoing monitoring of diseases when supported by medical evidence such as FDA approvals, drug labels, or clinical guidelines. The bill applies to all health insurance plans including individual, group, Medicaid, and health maintenance organization contracts. Insurers must provide coverage without causing unnecessary disruption (like multiple biopsies) and must make prior authorization decisions within 24 hours for urgent requests or 72 hours for non-urgent requests. This ensures patients can access precision medical testing that's clinically supported without excessive administrative barriers.

Maddy summaryThe "Road to Tax Relief Act" provides tax credits to small businesses (with 50 or fewer full-time employees) and their workers in areas affected by highway construction projects, such as the Interstate 80 repair project in Morris County. Businesses can claim credits against sales tax and income tax based on revenue losses calculated by comparing current sales to average sales from the previous four years. Employees can claim credits against income tax for lost wages resulting from reduced work schedules due to the construction. The credits are refundable and can be transferred to other entities, with the state appropriating funds to cover the costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to create written policies allowing students to use sunscreen and wear sun-protective clothing (like hats and sunglasses) outdoors during school and school events. It prohibits schools from demanding doctor’s notes for students to use these items and allows districts to require only parental permission for students to carry sunscreen. The policy must not mandate school staff to help students apply sunscreen. The law took effect in the first full school year after its passage in March 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to create written policies allowing students to use sunscreen and sun-protective clothing (like hats and sunglasses) during outdoor school activities and school events. It specifically prohibits schools from demanding medical documentation from students or parents to authorize sunscreen or protective clothing use. The policy must apply to all students equally without requiring physician notes. The law takes effect in the first full school year after it is signed into law.