Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Health Care Cost Containment Commission within New Jersey's Department of Health to address rising health care costs. The commission, composed of 15 members representing diverse stakeholders (including hospitals, insurers, consumer advocates, and government), will analyze health care spending trends, set annual cost growth benchmarks for providers, and identify facilities exceeding these benchmarks. It requires the commission to submit annual reports with data, benchmarks, and recommendations to lower costs, with the goal of reducing per capita health spending growth and lowering consumer premiums and out-of-pocket costs. The state appropriates $5 million from the General Fund to fund the commission's operations. This directly affects health care facilities, insurers, and New Jersey residents through potential pricing adjustments and policy changes.

Maddy summaryAJR 190 designates May 7 of each year as "Cystinosis Awareness Day" in New Jersey. This symbolic resolution aims to raise public awareness about cystinosis, a rare genetic disorder causing cystine crystal buildup that damages organs like kidneys and eyes. It specifically requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging state agencies, organizations, and citizens to participate in awareness activities. The bill directly supports individuals affected by cystinosis - approximately 500-600 Americans, including children in New Jersey - and advances efforts to improve early detection and access to treatment for this condition.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's law prohibiting feeding black bears by replacing the previous "unintentional feeding" exemption with specific, allowed activities. It permits certain actions without penalty, including agricultural operations (with food stored properly), bird feeders maintained under strict conditions (e.g., 10-foot height, nightly emptying), animal shelters feeding pets (with uneaten food removed nightly), and government wildlife management. The law also changes where civil penalties for violations go, directing collected fines to the local municipality instead of the Division of Fish and Wildlife. It directly affects residents, farmers, and pet owners in bear-prone areas by clarifying permitted feeding practices.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 150) formally recognizes Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey, as one of only two surviving Negro League stadiums in the U.S. and highlights its historical significance as a landmark honoring African American athletes. It specifically acknowledges the annual football rivalry game between Montclair State University and William Paterson University held at the stadium, calling it a cultural event that preserves the site's legacy. The resolution has no legal effect but serves to publicly affirm the stadium's importance through formal recognition. It directs copies to university leaders, the Governor, relevant legislators, and the New Jersey Historical Society. The resolution does not alter any laws or funding but aims to promote awareness of the stadium's role in sports history.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies parental rights for children born to unwed parents in New Jersey. It states that if a father's name appears on the birth certificate and paternity is established (e.g., through voluntary acknowledgment, court order, or genetic testing), both parents become natural guardians with equal rights and responsibilities. If paternity is not established, the mother is the sole natural guardian. The law also allows any parent listed on the birth certificate to formally request child support or a custody plan through the court. These changes apply immediately to all unwed parents and ensure birth certificate status directly affects legal parental rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits real estate appraisers in New Jersey from considering protected characteristics - including race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or national origin - when valuing properties. It directly affects licensed and certified real estate appraisers by banning these discriminatory factors from appraisal analysis. The key mechanism requires appraisers to complete a mandatory fair housing and appraisal bias training course (approved by the Appraisal Qualifications Board) as part of their continuing education for license renewal. The law codifies existing anti-discrimination protections and aligns with national standards for appraisal practice.

Maddy summaryS 1017 (now P.L.2024, c.59) requires New Jersey law enforcement agencies to notify sexual assault victims about key developments in their criminal cases, specifically regarding DNA evidence. Victims have the right to be informed whether DNA from the assault was collected, entered into forensic databases, or matched to a suspect’s DNA (with exceptions if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation). Victims can request written or email updates about evidence processing status, and agencies must provide this information in a timely manner upon request. This law directly affects sexual assault victims in New Jersey by ensuring they receive specific, actionable updates about their case evidence under the state’s crime victim rights framework.

Maddy summaryS 2822 increases the maximum contingency attorney fee cap in New Jersey workers' compensation cases from 20% to 25% of the settlement or award amount. This directly affects attorneys representing injured workers who typically work on a contingency basis (paid only if they win the case). The bill amends R.S. 34:15-64 to adjust this fee limit, which has not been updated since its original establishment. The change applies to all pending and future workers' compensation claims after enactment.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's "Design Professional Self-Certification Act" (A4360, now law as P.L.2024, c.58) creates a program allowing licensed architects and professional engineers to self-certify that certain construction projects comply with building codes. It directly affects qualified design professionals who can now submit construction permit applications with self-certification forms for eligible projects (like renovations under specific size limits for residential or commercial buildings), bypassing full code reviews by local agencies. Local building departments must then conduct a simple "supervisory check" to confirm all required documents are present and issue permits - same as before - within 1-5 days. This applies only to projects not excluded (e.g., structural alterations requiring special inspections, new kitchens, or electrical upgrades over 400 amps), with the Department of Community Affairs setting qualification rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to provide reading intervention programs for kindergarten through third-grade students who show reading deficiencies, as identified by approved assessments. The programs must use a data-driven, multi-tiered system of supports to deliver explicit instruction in phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension while monitoring student progress throughout the year. School districts must adopt scientifically based instructional materials, and the Department of Education must provide age-appropriate resources and develop an evaluation process for the program. The law takes effect immediately for the first full school year after enactment.