Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A2116) requires all health insurance plans sold in the state - covering hospital, medical, and group policies - to include coverage for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia screening for people aged 65 or older. It mandates that this coverage be provided "to the same extent as for any other condition" under the plan, meaning no extra costs or restrictions beyond standard medical coverage. The law applies to all insurance types (including HMOs and health benefits plans) delivered, issued, or renewed in New Jersey after the bill's effective date. It defines "Alzheimer's disease and related disorders" as dementia causing significant impairment in daily functioning. The bill does not create new costs for insurers but ensures existing coverage must include these screenings for seniors.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's child care subsidy program to cover families with annual incomes up to 300% of the federal poverty level (currently $83,250 for a family of four), directly affecting working parents of children under age 13. It establishes four income tiers for eligibility and sliding-scale payments to licensed child care providers, ensuring subsidies don't drop below pandemic-era rates. The bill appropriates state funds for implementation and requires the state to seek federal matching funds. It replaces the previous 200% income cap, significantly broadening access to subsidized care for middle-income families.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the minimum age to obtain a firearms purchaser identification card in New Jersey from 18 to 21 years. It directly affects individuals under 21 who wish to purchase rifles or shotguns (excluding antique models), as they would no longer be eligible for the required card. The key provision amends New Jersey Statute 2C:58-3(c)(4) to increase the age threshold for this specific permit. The change applies only to rifles and shotguns, not handguns (which already require a 21+ age for permits). The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3287) clarifies that Medicaid in New Jersey will cover hearing aids and other assistive devices for hearing impairment as part of existing prosthetic device coverage. It directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries with hearing impairments who require these devices. The key mechanism is amending the state's Medicaid statute to explicitly include hearing aids under the "prosthetic devices" category listed in coverage provisions, aligning with federal Medicaid requirements. This change ensures that such devices are covered without requiring separate approval, streamlining access for eligible individuals. The bill is pending review by the Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts certain military compensation from New Jersey's state income tax for residents who serve outside the state. Specifically, it excludes pay received by New Jersey-domiciled service members deployed or stationed out-of-state for at least six months during a tax year, including housing allowances, subsistence payments, and mustering-out benefits. The policy directly affects New Jersey residents serving in the U.S. Armed Forces who are not stationed within New Jersey for a significant portion of the year. The bill amends New Jersey tax code section 54A:6-7 and would take effect immediately upon enactment. (Note: The bill is pending, introduced January 13, 2026, and not yet enacted.)

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a public database managed by New Jersey's Business Action Center (within the Department of State) listing vacant commercial properties available for small businesses to lease or purchase. The database must include specific details like square footage, included equipment, and building systems (e.g., HVAC, security). Commercial property owners are required to report vacancies or occupancy changes to the center, which will update the database monthly using input from owners, realtors, and municipalities. The database will be accessible online and promoted to business associations and local chambers to help small businesses find suitable space more efficiently.

Maddy summaryThis law makes it a crime to sell or possess parts designed to convert standard firearms into machine guns (known as "machine gun conversion devices"). It directly affects sellers and owners of these specific firearm components. The bill establishes criminal penalties for violating this prohibition, adding to existing firearm regulations. The law was enacted after being approved in P.L.2025, c.363, and is now part of New Jersey state law.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 619) creates a new criminal offense for "doxxing," defined as knowingly sharing someone's personal details (like address or phone number) online without consent to cause fear of harm, violence, or stalking. It specifically targets disclosures that create a serious risk of bodily injury, stalking, or severe emotional distress (mental anguish) to the person or their close relations - such as family, household members, or close associates. Exceptions apply for good-faith disclosures to the public about suspected unlawful conduct, to law enforcement, or during official investigations. Violations are a fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months in jail or $10,000 fine), escalating to a third-degree crime if serious harm occurs.

Maddy summaryThis bill would create a two-year pilot program in New Jersey to integrate 24-hour behavioral health services into hospital urgent care facilities. It requires managed care organizations to contract with six hospitals (two per region) to provide integrated care, including staffing with behavioral health clinicians, telehealth partnerships, and smooth care transitions like "warm hand-offs" for patients experiencing mental health crises. The program would be funded through Medicaid using a payment system tied to outcomes, aiming to reduce unnecessary emergency department visits and inpatient admissions for behavioral health issues. The pilot directly affects hospitals participating in the program, Medicaid beneficiaries seeking urgent behavioral health care, and the providers delivering these integrated services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) agencies - nonprofit organizations managing homelessness services in New Jersey - to remain open during public health emergencies. It mandates the Department of Community Affairs to fund one agency per "populous county" (county with 350,000+ residents) to manage homelessness prevention services in those areas. If federal pandemic funding is insufficient, the agency head may request state funds from the General Fund to cover gaps. The law directly affects agencies in populous counties and the residents they serve, ensuring continuous access to homelessness prevention during emergencies.