Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires health insurance plans to cover additional orthotic and prosthetic appliances when a physician determines they're necessary for physical and recreational activities like running, biking, swimming, and sports. It expands current coverage requirements, which already mandate coverage for basic orthotic and prosthetic appliances that are medically necessary, to include additional devices needed for recreational activities. The bill applies to all health insurance contracts in New Jersey, including hospital, medical, and health service corporations, and requires reimbursement at the same rate as federal Medicare. It would take effect 90 days after enactment for policies issued or renewed after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey pharmacies to display a notice and provide a pamphlet about insulin manufacturer assistance programs at checkout. Pharmacies must give these materials to anyone purchasing insulin or requesting them, with the Department of Banking and Insurance creating the content. The information helps insulin users access manufacturer programs that may reduce their out-of-pocket costs. It directly affects pharmacies (by requiring new disclosures) and insulin patients (by improving access to cost-saving resources).

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3363) creates a centralized online directory for affordable housing and senior citizen housing units across New Jersey. It requires each county to submit monthly data to the Department of Community Affairs, including building addresses, management contacts, application status, and online application links for all qualifying housing units. The information must be published on the websites of the Department of Community Affairs, New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, and New Jersey Housing Resource Center. This system aims to make it easier for residents to find available housing options by consolidating location-specific details in one public online resource.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A5263) requires public and charter schools to offer parents a no-fee option for paying for school meals, field trips, activity fees, and other school-related expenses. It mandates that schools provide clear information about all fees charged by third-party online payment systems and disclose the availability of the no-fee alternative. Schools must also include this fee transparency in all payment requests sent to parents. The bill applies immediately to all school districts and charter schools, ensuring families can access fee-free payment methods without hidden costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits how school districts and charter schools can use or disclose student waiver forms related to financial aid applications. It requires waiver forms to collect only basic information (name, contact details, date, and signature) and prohibits schools from sharing waiver content or personal details without student or parent consent, in line with federal privacy laws like FERPA. The bill mandates that all waiver forms include clear, prominent language about these privacy restrictions. This applies to both new waivers and those submitted before the bill's effective date, directly affecting students, parents, and schools handling these records.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A5322 limits how consumer contracts can be used by prohibiting companies from including terms that govern unrelated purchases. The bill requires service contracts (for personal, family, or household use) to apply only to the specific service bought, not controlling how consumers purchase other products or services from the company or its affiliates. It explicitly excludes securities and commodities transactions from this rule. The law takes effect 180 days after enactment and applies to new or renewed contracts entered after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to purchase tourniquets and provide annual training for school employees (including nurses, resource officers, and teachers) on their use. It appropriates up to $500,000 from the state General Fund to distribute funds to county superintendents, who must then allocate the money to each public school district. Tourniquets must be placed in unlocked, clearly marked locations accessible during school hours and school events where students are present. Schools must annually train staff on tourniquet use and bleeding control, with training potentially involving local emergency services or nationally recognized organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's electric and gas public utilities to implement or maintain warranty programs covering the full repair or replacement cost for common household appliances like furnaces, water heaters, HVAC systems, refrigerators, and stoves. Utilities must notify customers about the program via bill inserts every billing cycle for one year, explaining coverage details and how to switch from existing programs. The bill also prohibits utilities from passing these program costs to customers through rate increases, as the state's Board of Public Utilities cannot approve such rate changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey electricity and gas suppliers to charge residential customers rates no higher than the state's established "basic" service rates for electricity and gas. It directly affects residential utility customers by preventing suppliers from charging more than the basic rate during future rate adjustments. The law prohibits suppliers from exceeding these basic rates for electric generation and gas supply services, as defined under existing state law. The bill takes effect three months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a 10% surtax on electric utilities in New Jersey with annual profits exceeding $10 million, calculated using the same definition of "allocated taxable net income" as the state's corporate business tax. The tax applies in addition to existing corporate taxes and generates revenue that must fund state utility assistance programs, such as the Winter Termination Program and Low Income Home Energy Assistance. Utilities cannot pass this tax cost to customers through rate increases, and no tax credits apply except for specific payment-related adjustments. All revenue collected (excluding constitutionally dedicated funds) is directed annually to support programs helping low-income residents with energy costs.