Asm. Anthony Verrelli

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-run insulin assistance program under New Jersey's Department of Human Services. It provides free insulin and related supplies to uninsured individuals who prove financial inability to pay for prescribed insulin, through participating pharmacies that are fully reimbursed by the state. To qualify, individuals must apply to DHS, lack health insurance, and demonstrate financial need; approved participants receive coverage for 90-day periods with the option to reapply. The program operates only if funds are available and requires pharmacies to register with the state to participate.

Maddy summaryAJR 61 designates every November as "Arts and Health Month" in New Jersey to promote arts and health programming, particularly for underserved communities. The resolution cites research showing arts engagement reduces anxiety and depression symptoms by 73% and addresses disparities in arts access, such as Black and Hispanic students earning 25-30% fewer arts credits than white peers. It requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to host free or low-cost arts and health activities during November. The bill directly affects communities with limited arts access, aiming to improve mental health outcomes through creative expression. This is a symbolic designation with no new funding or regulations, focusing on raising awareness and community programming.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires landlords of properties used for child care services (like daycares caring for 6+ children under 13) to install and maintain NSF/ANSI-certified water filters at all fixtures used for drinking, food, or baby formula if they refuse to allow public water systems to replace lead service lines. Landlords must certify annual filter compliance to the Department of Environmental Protection and face civil penalties of up to $500 per day for violations. The requirement applies until lead lines are replaced and for six months afterward, with tenants able to seek court-ordered rent escrow if landlords fail to act. The bill targets lead exposure risks in child care settings where landlords block infrastructure upgrades.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey schools and districts to add data on graduates' post-education pathways to their annual performance reports (called "report cards"). Specifically, it mandates reporting the number and percentage of students achieving "positive placement" after graduation, including apprenticeships. The requirement applies to all public schools and districts, building on existing report card elements like graduation rates and college enrollment. The change aims to provide transparency about workforce readiness options beyond traditional college pathways.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1817) changes penalties for underage gambling in New Jersey from criminal charges to civil fines. It affects minors who gamble (under 21), casino employees who allow it, and adults responsible for minors who gamble. Instead of facing criminal penalties (like a "disorderly persons offense"), offenders now face civil fines: up to $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and $2,000 for third or subsequent offenses. All collected fines will be deposited into Atlantic City’s public safety services trust fund, to be used solely for public safety services. The change moves the issue from criminal to civil enforcement while directing funds to local public safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's Community College Opportunity Grant Program to cover career and technical education programs at county vocational schools, directly benefiting adult students pursuing industry-recognized certifications or licenses. It allows eligible students enrolled in approved career training programs (minimum four months) at county vocational school districts to receive grants covering tuition and approved fees not covered by other aid, with income eligibility capped at $65,000 annually. The program now includes vocational schools alongside county colleges, defining "approved fees" to include career program costs like nursing or culinary coursework. Grants are administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, with eligibility requiring residency, enrollment minimums, and completion of federal aid applications.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1787) extends the duration of wage replacement payments for specific public safety workers injured during official duties from six to 12 months. It directly affects correctional officers, parole officers, human services police, campus police, medical security officers, and civilian employees working with inmates, who suffer serious bodily injury from assaults by those under their supervision or custody. The bill requires employers to provide supplemental payments so injured workers receive their full net wage (combined with workers' compensation) for up to 12 months, while protecting existing fringe benefits. It amends existing law (P.L.2017, c.93) to update the timeframe and ensure continued income support during recovery.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners or operators of public community water systems in New Jersey to regularly test drinking water for Legionella bacteria. Specifically, they must test a random sample of at least 0.1% of service lines every three months and a random sample of at least 1% of water system facilities (like storage tanks and treatment plants) each month. If Legionella levels exceed the standard set by the Department of Environmental Protection, the system must immediately notify affected customers and complete remediation within six months. All testing must follow DEP-approved best practices and be conducted by accredited labs, with results reported to the department.

Maddy summaryThis bill codifies current regulations allowing more healthcare providers (including nurse practitioners and physician assistants) to perform abortions in New Jersey, which has been permitted since 2021. It removes medically unnecessary facility requirements that increase costs and create barriers to care, such as excessive licensing rules. The bill amends licensing statutes to clarify that abortion facilities must meet basic safety standards but eliminates non-essential mandates that don't improve patient health. This change directly affects abortion providers and patients seeking timely, affordable reproductive care across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1312) requires New Jersey paid and part-paid fire departments to create and annually update a written policy addressing job-related needs of pregnant firefighters within 180 days of the bill's effective date. The policy must cover disclosure of pregnancy, medical certifications for duty limitations, availability of light-duty assignments, information on unsafe tasks, pregnancy leave use, and continued benefits. Departments must follow standards from the National Fire Protection Association or similar professional organizations when developing the policy. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was superseded by another enacted bill (P.L.2025, c.192) that already addressed these requirements.