Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A3418 would join the Women's Reproductive Health Care Compact, a multi-state agreement to protect access to reproductive health services. The bill requires New Jersey to work with other member states to prevent legal actions against patients or providers (like extradition or license penalties), block disclosure of medical records related to care, and prohibit collecting data on patient locations or travel barriers (such as transportation costs). It directly affects residents seeking reproductive health services - especially those traveling from states with abortion restrictions - and healthcare providers in New Jersey. The compact would be enforced by state attorneys general, with residents able to sue if enforcement fails, while still respecting federal privacy laws like HIPAA.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to create a shared decision-making tool for maternity care hospitals and birthing centers. The tool, which facilities may use voluntarily, includes patient questionnaires, educational fact sheets on topics like labor support and procedure risks, and multimedia resources to help patients understand care options and create birth plans. A three-year pilot program will test the tool at selected facilities (with at least one per state region), collecting data on outcomes like induction rates, C-section procedures, and birth plan usage. Participating facilities must submit evaluation reports to the DOH, Governor, and Legislature within a year after the pilot ends, including recommendations for potential statewide use. The bill directly affects maternity care providers and patients receiving inpatient maternity services in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThe Healthy Smiles Act (A5471) increases NJ FamilyCare's fee-for-service reimbursement rates for pediatric dental services by 20% starting July 1, 2025, and requires managed care organizations to pay providers at least the same rate for identical services. It mandates annual adjustments to these rates based on the Northeast region's Consumer Price Index, beginning one year after implementation. The bill directly affects dental care providers serving NJ FamilyCare children under 21 and aims to improve access to dental care for low-income children, addressing historically low reimbursement rates that have been unchanged since 2007. Non-compliant managed care organizations face daily civil penalties of up to $10,000 for paying below the required rate.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all health insurers, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and the State Health Benefits Program in New Jersey to cover medically necessary ovarian cancer screening for women with symptoms or at higher risk. Specifically, it mandates coverage for annual pelvic exams, ultrasounds, and blood tests (like CA-125 markers) as part of routine screening. The law applies to all individual, group, small employer, and state-purchased health plans issued or renewed after its effective date. This ensures consistent access to these diagnostic services without additional cost to patients who qualify under the specified criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill would provide property tax rebates to New Jersey veterans with service-connected disabilities. Eligible veterans would receive a rebate equal to their disability percentage of the property taxes paid on their primary residence, with the rebate capped at $5,000 annually. The program is limited to veterans with gross income under $200,000 and does not apply to veterans already exempt from property taxes due to 100% disability ratings. Veterans would need to apply annually for the rebate, and funding would depend on annual legislative appropriations. The bill specifically targets veterans with less than 100% service-connected disability ratings who currently pay property taxes on their primary residence.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the requirement that health care sharing ministries (HCSMs) must have been continuously operating since December 31, 1999, allowing new HCSMs to be created without this historical barrier. It exempts HCSM members from New Jersey's minimum essential coverage mandate, meaning they no longer need health insurance or pay a tax for coverage. The bill establishes new transparency rules requiring HCSMs operating in New Jersey to post detailed annual reports on their websites, including participant numbers, financial data, and operational information. Non-compliance may result in penalties or legal action from the state's Consumer Affairs Director.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2423, now P.L.2025, c.35) formally renames New Jersey's "Juvenile Justice Commission" to "Youth Justice Commission" throughout state law. It updates all statutory references, definitions, and provisions (such as in Sections 1, 3, and 1 of related laws) to replace "Juvenile" with "Youth" while preserving all existing legal procedures and policies unchanged. The bill has no policy impact - it solely adjusts terminology to reflect the commission's focus on youth services rather than juvenile justice. The name change is now law, effective March 17, 2025.

Maddy summaryAJR 159 designates November 14 of each year as "Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging schools and communities to observe the day with educational activities. It commemorates Ruby Bridges' 1960 integration of William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, highlighting her courage during school desegregation. The bill has no binding requirements beyond the annual proclamation request.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Children's System of Care (DCSOC) to change how family support and respite care services are provided to individuals under 21 with developmental disabilities. It establishes a 12-month authorization period for services (replacing the current 90-day renewal), ensures families receive a dedicated "bank" of respite care hours separate from other support hours, and replaces annual reapplications with an annual reevaluation of service needs. The bill specifically covers three respite care types: agency-hired (worker employed by contracted agency), agency-weekend (weekend services outside home), and self-hired (family hires and pays for care). It prohibits reducing existing respite care hours during the 12-month period.

Maddy summaryACR 157 is a symbolic resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry, directly affirming support for Hindu Americans in New Jersey. It formally declares the state's stance against prejudice toward Hinduism ("Sanatana Dharma") and Hindus, citing documented hate crimes and Hindu contributions to U.S. society. The resolution requires transmission to the Governor, New Jersey’s congressional delegation, and the Hindu American Foundation in Washington, DC. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create legal obligations but serves as a public statement of the state’s position. It recognizes Hinduism’s global significance and the community’s economic and cultural contributions to New Jersey and the U.S.