Asm. Anthony Verrelli

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) program to include part-time undergraduate students attending eligible public and private colleges in the state. Currently, only full-time students qualify for TAG funding. Under the bill, part-time students would receive prorated grants (reduced proportionally based on course load) compared to full-time awards, with separate funding allocations to prevent cuts to existing full-time grants. The change directly affects part-time students who work or have family responsibilities while pursuing degrees, making financial aid more accessible to this group.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for in-person partial care and intensive outpatient behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment services for adults aged 21 and older. It raises provider payments by 35% for these services and sets a minimum $10 reimbursement per one-way trip for transportation to or from treatment. The changes apply to both Medicaid fee-for-service and managed care systems, affecting clinics, treatment centers, and adult Medicaid beneficiaries. These rate adjustments aim to improve access to community-based care by ensuring providers are adequately compensated.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates an exception in New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act that previously allowed smoking in casinos and simulcasting facilities. It would require these venues to become smoke-free, meaning no smoking would be permitted inside for employees, patrons, or visitors. The change directly affects casino operators, staff, and customers at all New Jersey casinos and simulcasting facilities (such as those with slot machines, table games, or dedicated seating for betting). This policy shift extends the existing indoor smoking ban to these locations, removing a long-standing exemption.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution urges New Jersey's U.S. Congressional delegation to join the existing Congressional Brain Injury Task Force. The task force works to raise awareness about brain injuries, support research for rehabilitation and potential cures, and address impacts on families, education, and the workforce. The resolution asks current and future New Jersey representatives to join the task force to better represent constituents affected by traumatic or acquired brain injuries. It does not create new policy but encourages congressional engagement with this existing advocacy group.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A925 would allow voters to register and vote on election day at polling places or during early voting by completing an affirmation statement and providing identification. Currently, voters must register at least 21 days before an election, but this bill would enable those who missed the deadline to register and cast a provisional ballot. Voters registering on election day would have 48 hours after the election to verify their identity through the Motor Vehicle Commission database or by providing acceptable identification, ensuring their ballot is counted if valid. This change would directly affect voters who meet eligibility requirements but missed the standard registration deadline.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a temporary 23-member "Planning for an Aging Population Task Force" to study New Jersey's growing senior population and develop a state plan to address related challenges. The task force, including state agency representatives and public members (like senior citizens and caregivers), will analyze demographic data, inventory existing services, evaluate healthcare capacity, and gather input from seniors and providers. Within 18 months, it must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature, covering senior population trends, service adequacy, financial impacts, and proposed solutions. The task force will dissolve 30 days after submitting its report.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey auto insurers from using an applicant's education level, occupation, or credit score to determine insurance rates or eligibility. It also bans insurers from asking about these factors during the application process. The law amends existing insurance regulations to explicitly forbid these rating practices and requires insurers to file their underwriting rules with the state commissioner. This directly affects all New Jersey drivers applying for or renewing auto insurance policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill would prohibit surgical declawing (onychectomy) or flexor tendonectomy procedures on cats or other animals, except when a licensed veterinarian determines it's medically necessary for the animal's health. The law specifically bans declawing for cosmetic reasons or convenience, allowing exceptions only for conditions like infections, injuries, or diseases affecting the animal's claws. Veterinarians must document such procedures with the Department of Health and provide a copy to the pet owner, with failure to comply resulting in disciplinary action. Violations would be punishable by civil penalties of $500-$2,000 or criminal charges including fines up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A1143 establishes an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for mental health, substance use treatment, and developmental disability service programs. The COLA, based on the previous year's Consumer Price Index (CPI) from October 1 to September 30 (as published by the U.S. Department of Labor), must be included in state contracts for these programs starting on the bill's effective date. This applies to all state-funded programs - whether fully or partially Medicaid-funded - that are licensed or approved by New Jersey's Department of Human Services. The Department must announce the annual COLA rate each October 1, ensuring service providers receive regular inflation-based funding increases.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Juvenile Justice Commission to establish a five-year pilot program providing arts education to juvenile offenders in detention and correction facilities. The Commission must select three organizations through a competitive process to develop model arts programs - partnering with arts groups, community agencies, and private entities - each required to secure its own five-year funding. These programs will be evaluated annually for four years to measure improvements in critical thinking, self-esteem, cultural understanding, and educational outcomes, with the Commission then recommending to the Governor and Legislature whether to expand the program statewide.