Asm. Gerry Scharfenberger

Maddy summaryThis bill delays New Jersey's implementation of Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulations until January 1, 2027 - pushing back the current 2025 deadline. It directly affects vehicle manufacturers of medium- and heavy-duty trucks, requiring them to sell increasing percentages of zero-emission vehicles (capping at 40-75% of annual sales by 2035). The bill modifies New Jersey’s adoption of California’s 2021 ACT regulations, which mandate phased EV sales targets, by prohibiting the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from enforcing these rules before 2027. The delay gives manufacturers more time to adapt to the requirements while maintaining the state’s alignment with California’s emissions program.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow restaurants and licensed alcoholic beverage retailers (including bars, wineries, breweries, and distilleries) to operate in designated outdoor spaces adjacent to their business premises, including on public sidewalks. It creates a "premises expansion permit" process requiring applications to either the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (for licensed businesses) or municipal zoning officers (for restaurants without alcohol licenses), with requirements for security plans and property descriptions. Municipalities may regulate hours of operation but must allow outdoor service outside specific hours (10pm-11am on Sundays-Wednesdays, and 12am-11am on Thurs-Sat), and cannot prohibit outdoor service for businesses already operating under legal or disciplinary restrictions. The bill specifies that State-owned rights-of-way require separate approval from the New Jersey Department of Transportation, with setback requirements for roads intersecting state highways.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's process for health insurance carriers to credential physicians seeking to join their provider networks. It requires carriers to notify applicants within 30 days if an application is incomplete (or deem it complete if no notice is given) and to review complete applications within 30 days. The bill mandates carriers to use a standardized universal application form, post clear process details online - including required documents and timelines - and reimburse physicians for services provided during the credentialing wait period if approved. It also prohibits carriers from requiring physicians to resubmit applications solely due to changing employers within the state, and gives the Department of Banking and Insurance authority to enforce these rules and handle complaints.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to allow healthcare practitioners (like doctors) to refer patients to pharmacies where they or their immediate family have an existing financial stake - specifically, pharmacies that had approved permits before a prior law took effect. It requires practitioners to provide written disclosure to patients about this financial interest before making such referrals. The change aims to support continuity of care for medication management, such as refills and adherence, by enabling existing practitioner-pharmacy relationships. It does not apply to new pharmacy ownership but focuses on preserving established collaborations.

Maddy summaryAJR 25 designates the first full week of May each year as "Wounded Warrior Appreciation Week" in New Jersey. This symbolic resolution aims to raise public awareness about the challenges faced by military veterans with physical or mental injuries sustained in service, including those with combat-related stress, PTSD, or traumatic brain injuries. It requests the governor issue a proclamation encouraging New Jersey residents and officials to observe the week with activities honoring wounded warriors. The bill does not create new programs, allocate funding, or impose obligations on state agencies - it is purely a ceremonial designation.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows restaurants and licensed alcohol beverage retailers and manufacturers to expand their operations into designated outdoor spaces adjacent to their business locations, including public sidewalks. Businesses must apply for a "premises expansion permit" with their municipal zoning officer and the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control, providing detailed plans for outdoor space design, sanitation, and safety measures. Municipalities can set reasonable operating hour limits (generally allowing most hours except late-night on Sundays-Wednesdays and early morning on Thurs-Saturdays), but must follow state requirements for permit renewal. Restaurants without alcohol licenses must renew their outdoor permits annually, while those with alcohol licenses renew with their main business license. The bill specifies that municipal ordinances on sanitation, noise, and other matters still apply unless specifically modified by the municipality.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling to administer professional license examinations in English and the four most commonly spoken languages in the state (other than English), instead of only English with optional Spanish for practicing licensees. It directly affects cosmetology applicants and license holders seeking to take or renew their licenses. The key provision mandates the Division of Consumers Affairs to post these four languages on its website and verify them every five years. The bill does not change current requirements for Spanish or translator assistance but expands language options based on statewide demographics.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A3366 establishes a Women's Menstrual Health Program within the Department of Health to identify and support patients with symptoms of endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The program requires the Department to contract with healthcare providers for screenings, referrals, and follow-up care; provide education for medical staff and the public; and maintain an online resource hub with clinical guidelines and patient materials. It directly affects women experiencing symptoms like severe pelvic pain, irregular periods, infertility, or other menstrual disorder indicators linked to these conditions. The bill mandates standardized data collection for quality assurance while keeping patient information confidential, as required by law. This initiative aims to improve early identification and care for millions of women impacted by these common, long-term health conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases tuition credits for volunteers in fire and rescue services in New Jersey. It raises the annual tuition credit from $600 to $1,250 per year of service, with a new total maximum of $5,000 over a four-year commitment (up from $2,400). The program covers active volunteer members, their spouses, and dependent children who agree to serve four years in a volunteer fire company or rescue squad. Eligible individuals can use these credits at county colleges, vocational schools, or technical institutes for tuition-free enrollment, subject to space availability.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A2402 authorizes special license plates for active and honorably separated U.S. Coast Guard members, their spouses, parents, and business owners they control. Applicants pay a $50 one-time fee and $10 annual renewal fee, with proceeds funding a dedicated "Coast Guard License Plate Fund" that annually allocates money to the U.S. Coast Guard. The plates must display the Coast Guard seal and design approved by the Motor Vehicle Commission in consultation with the Coast Guard. Implementation requires 500 pre-paid applications and $25,000 in initial funding from the Coast Guard or private donors before plates can be issued.