Asm. Anthony Verrelli

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Emerging Technology Urban Grant Program through New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to attract technology businesses to four designated urban areas: Newark, Trenton, Camden, and New Brunswick. It provides grants covering cloud computing service costs (up to $125,000 per quarter for two years, capped at $1 million per business) to qualifying emerging tech companies that maintain headquarters in these zones for five years, employ ≤100 full-time workers, and show 20% annual growth in staff or revenue. The program is limited to $80 million total, with no more than $20 million allocated per city, and requires quarterly proof of continued eligibility. Businesses must use the funds solely for cloud-based technology services to support job creation and economic growth in targeted urban cores.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how New Jersey professional and occupational boards (like those for nurses, lawyers, or contractors) evaluate applicants with criminal records. It requires boards to disqualify applicants only if a crime *directly relates* to their profession - not just if it "adversely affects" it - considering factors like the crime's nature, time passed, rehabilitation evidence, and job relevance. Boards must now provide written notice, explain the connection to the profession, and allow applicants a hearing before denying a license. Additionally, applicants denied a license must receive written reasons, reapplication dates, and information on how rehabilitation evidence may be considered in future applications. The bill also mandates annual reporting on disqualification data by the Division of Consumer Affairs.

Maddy summaryThe "Ensuring Transparency in Prior Authorization Act" requires New Jersey health insurance companies and health plans to publicly disclose their prior authorization requirements, clinical criteria, and approval/denial statistics on their websites in plain language. It mandates that physicians - not administrative staff - make decisions on denied services (adverse determinations) and sets strict time limits for decisions (one business day for routine services, 24 hours for urgent care). The law prohibits prior authorization for emergency services, medications for opioid use disorder, and certain generic medications, while preventing insurers from revoking authorizations within 45 business days of care being provided. This bill directly affects insurers, healthcare providers, and patients by making the prior authorization process more transparent and patient-focused.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to establish an electronic system for salvage processors to submit applications for salvage certificates of title. Salvage processors, which are businesses that handle totaled vehicles on behalf of insurance companies, would be able to electronically submit applications, supporting documents, and fees through this system. The MVC would also need to allow these processors to print salvage certificates of title at their facilities. This change replaces the current paper-based process for obtaining salvage certificates of title. The bill aims to streamline the process for salvage processors while ensuring proper documentation.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A2125 exempts personal protective equipment (PPE) from the state's sales and use tax. The bill adds PPE - including masks, gloves, gowns, respirators, face shields, and coveralls - to the list of tax-exempt items under the "Sales and Use Tax Act." This change directly affects consumers and businesses purchasing or selling PPE for infection or illness prevention. The exemption applies to all PPE designed to protect wearers from spreading infection, as defined in the bill's text.

Maddy summaryThis bill would enter New Jersey into the Counseling Compact, an agreement allowing licensed professional counselors from New Jersey to practice in other member states without obtaining multiple licenses. The compact establishes a national commission to manage the agreement, share disciplinary information between states, and ensure counselors follow the laws of the state where their client is located. It would particularly benefit military personnel and their spouses who relocate frequently between states, as well as improve access to counseling services across state lines. Currently, 16 states have joined this compact, and New Jersey's participation would allow its licensed counselors to provide services in those states through a single license.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows cosigners on New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students (NJCLASS) loans to voluntarily make payments on those loans in addition to the borrower's payments. It also creates a new tax deduction for both cosigners and borrowers: taxpayers earning $80,000 or less can deduct 100% of eligible payments or interest, while those earning more can deduct 50%. The deduction applies to payments made under the NJCLASS program, which helps students and their cosigners manage loan costs. The bill updates existing tax treatment for NJCLASS borrowers and introduces this new benefit for cosigners.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Assembly Bill A2241 prohibits courts from making custody or visitation decisions based solely on a parent's disability, age, health status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. If a court considers any of these factors for an otherwise fit parent, it must provide detailed written findings explaining why the factor was relevant to the child's best interests. The bill does not prevent courts from considering these factors alongside other relevant issues but explicitly bars them from being the sole basis for rulings. This applies to all child custody cases in New Jersey courts, directly affecting parents and judicial decisions involving custody arrangements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to develop a State Water Infrastructure Investment Plan every five years, detailing funding needs and prioritization for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. It mandates the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to publish annual project reports and create a public website tracking project costs, progress, and funding sources. The bill appropriates $200,000 from the General Fund to support the website development and maintenance. Municipalities must review and consider the investment plan when updating their master plans, improving transparency and strategic planning for water infrastructure across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurers in New Jersey to provide coverage for counseling and behavioral therapies for anyone receiving medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders. It amends existing insurance laws to ensure coverage for mental health conditions and substance use disorders is provided under the same terms as other medical benefits. The bill specifically defines "medication-assisted treatment" as the use of medications combined with counseling and behavioral therapies. This requirement applies to all health insurance plans delivered, issued, executed, or renewed in New Jersey, including health maintenance organizations and state health benefit programs.