Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

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 changes New Jersey's primary election ballot rules by making it optional for county clerks to label candidate positions with identifiers like "1A," instead of requiring it. Currently, county clerks must include such labels on primary ballots, but this bill would allow them to decide whether to use them. The change applies only to the labeling of ballot positions and does not affect other ballot design requirements, such as candidate arrangement or font rules. County clerks would gain more flexibility in ballot design while maintaining existing standards for consistency and clarity.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals New Jersey laws that allowed undocumented students who attended high school in the state for three or more years, graduated from a New Jersey high school, and met other specific conditions to qualify for in-state tuition rates and state financial aid at public colleges and universities. It eliminates eligibility for these students, meaning they will no longer receive in-state tuition benefits or state aid programs that were previously available under the repealed laws (P.L.2013, c.170 and P.L.2018, c.12). The bill does not affect current eligibility for students with T or U visas (victims of trafficking or domestic violence) or dependents of H-1B, O-1, or O-2 visa holders. The repeal takes effect immediately, removing the policy framework that previously supported these students' access to higher education benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the construction of new crematories within 1,000 feet of public or private schools, residentially zoned areas, or specific recreational spaces like parks, playgrounds, beaches, or conservation areas. It applies to all new crematory construction applications submitted after the bill's effective date, requiring the Cemetery Board to deny permits that violate these location limits. The restriction does not apply to crematories operated within funeral homes under existing law. This policy change directly affects developers and applicants seeking to build new crematories in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows members of New Jersey's State Police Retirement System (SPRS) to purchase retirement credit for time spent in military service academies (such as West Point or the Naval Academy), in the New Jersey State Police Academy, or as a class two special law enforcement officer before joining the police force. It amends existing law to permit purchasing credit for these specific service periods by paying into the retirement system's annuity savings fund, with options for installment payments over up to 10 years. The bill specifies that credit purchased for military academy enrollment, police academy training, or special law enforcement officer employment will be treated the same as actual police service for retirement benefit calculations. This applies to current and future SPRS members who want to count these pre-service periods toward their retirement eligibility and benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5558) tightens requirements for consumers to sue businesses under New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act (CFA). To win a lawsuit, plaintiffs must now prove: (1) they acted as a reasonable consumer would, (2) the alleged deceptive practice would mislead a reasonable person, and (3) they suffered actual, objectively measurable damages. It also limits attorney fee awards, requiring fees to be proportional to the monetary judgment amount (not automatically tripled) and based on time expended for non-monetary relief. The law applies retroactively to all pending or filed cases, directly affecting consumers filing CFA lawsuits and businesses defending against them.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 184) urges Congress to examine the gap in pollution levels between U.S. and foreign manufacturers, particularly highlighting that goods produced in China and Russia generate 300-400% more carbon emissions than equivalent U.S. goods. It specifically points to China’s role as the world’s largest polluter (over 30% of global CO2 emissions) and argues that current U.S. trade policies disadvantage American manufacturers that adhere to stricter environmental standards. The resolution does not create new laws but requests Congress support policies that hold foreign polluters accountable through trade measures. It emphasizes that rewarding U.S. environmental performance could boost domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on high-emission imports.

Maddy summaryThis bill lowers the minimum age from 15 to 14 at which New Jersey family courts may waive jurisdiction over juvenile delinquency cases to adult courts. It applies specifically to juveniles aged 14 or older accused of serious offenses like violent crimes (e.g., aggravated assault, kidnapping), certain drug-related crimes, or firearm offenses. Prosecutors must file a motion with written justification, and courts must review factors including the juvenile's age, maturity, prior offenses, and the nature of the crime before waiving jurisdiction. The change directly affects 14-year-olds charged with qualifying serious offenses, shifting their cases to adult court without their consent if the court approves the waiver.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 10% price preference for qualified service-disabled veteran-owned businesses when bidding on state contracts paid with public funds. State agencies must award contracts to the lowest qualified bidder after applying the preference, if that business meets all solicitation requirements. To qualify, a business must be independently owned, based in New Jersey, have 51% ownership by service-disabled veterans (certified by the VA), and be managed by disabled veterans or their spouses if the veteran has a severe disability. The preference also allows surviving spouses to maintain eligibility if a veteran owner dies during bidding or contract execution.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $5,000 state income tax deduction for New Jersey taxpayers who pay tolls commuting by car to work within New Jersey or a neighboring state. It specifically covers toll payments for daily commutes but excludes fines, administrative fees, employer reimbursements, and expenses already deductible under other tax rules. The deduction applies in addition to existing state tax exemptions, such as the $1,000 personal exemption. It would take effect for tax years starting after the bill's enactment date.