Asm. Tennille McCoy

Maddy summaryThis bill A4266 requires that only structural engineers or employees of certified fire escape inspection companies can install, service, repair, inspect, and maintain fire escapes and exterior stairways. It amends existing law to specify that compliance inspections for fire escapes must be conducted by these qualified professionals, and adds fire escapes to the definition of "fire protection equipment." The bill creates a new "Fire Escape Contractor" certification classification for contractors working on fire escapes, with specific requirements for certification. This requirement applies to both contractors performing fire escape work and construction officials responsible for enforcing fire code related to fire escapes.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits real estate appraisers from considering protected characteristics like race, religion, or sexual orientation in appraisals and establishes penalties for violations. Appraisers found discriminating face escalating consequences: first violations require restitution, an anti-bias seminar, and fines up to $10,000; second violations lead to license suspension (minimum 30 days) and higher fines; third violations result in license revocation and fines up to $50,000. Real estate brokers and mortgage professionals must provide free, written information to property owners and prospective buyers within three days of key interactions (e.g., mortgage applications), explaining how to report suspected discrimination to the Division on Civil Rights. The Division on Civil Rights must collect voluntary demographic data from complainants and report aggregated findings to the Governor and Legislature by July 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) to provide current non-retired members and those applying for retirement after the bill's effective date with the same benefits as members enrolled before July 1, 2007. It eliminates tiered membership by moving all current TPAF members to Tier 1, requires public employers to enroll eligible employees (earning above minimum salary but not meeting hour requirements) in TPAF, and allows Defined Contribution Retirement Program participants to transfer service credit to TPAF without transferring contributions. Participants in the Defined Contribution Retirement Program have six months to opt out of the transfer after receiving notice. These changes apply only to retirement applications processed after the bill becomes law.

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 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.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey financial institutions (including banks, credit unions, and mortgage servicers) to allow mortgage borrowers to choose biweekly payments (every two weeks), bimonthly payments (twice monthly), and extra payments toward their mortgage principal without penalties. It directly affects homeowners with mortgages secured by residential properties (1-6 units) in New Jersey. The key provision mandates that any overpayment in biweekly plans must reduce the principal balance, while bimonthly payments must equal half the monthly amount. The law applies to all new mortgage agreements signed six months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "Equitable Outcomes in Child Support Collection Act," stops New Jersey from collecting past child support arrears for children in the care of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP). It voids all current and past court judgments, liens, and warrants related to unpaid child support obligations for maintenance costs incurred while a child was in DCPP custody. The law aligns with a 2022 federal policy change that discourages states from pursuing such collections due to high costs, low collection rates, and negative impacts on families. This directly affects legally responsible parents (typically parents) who previously faced penalties for unpaid child support in DCPP cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 4148, now P.L.2024, c.103) requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Education (DOE) to create and distribute informational materials about type 1 diabetes to parents and guardians of public school students. The materials must explain type 1 diabetes, its warning signs, screening recommendations, treatment planning, and school care protocols, as specified in the law. School districts must make these resources available to families through the DOE website. The law took effect immediately upon approval and directly affects all parents/guardians of students in New Jersey public schools.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 12 each year as "Jump4Jerry Day" in New Jersey to honor Jeremiah "Jerry" Grant, a young community leader and champion Double Dutch jumper who died tragically at age 8 in 2017. It commemorates the nonprofit Jump4Jerry, which helps youth develop life skills, confidence, and leadership through Double Dutch. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to encourage community observance of the day. As a ceremonial designation, it has no regulatory or funding impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to provide walk-in service at all agency locations at least two full days each week. It mandates that the MVC accommodate all walk-in customers on a first-come, first-served basis for all services, including those typically handled online. The policy directly affects MVC customers, particularly individuals without email or computer access needed for online transactions. The law takes effect three months after enactment, aiming to improve accessibility for all residents seeking in-person vehicle-related services.