Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3323) amends New Jersey's child custody jurisdiction law to protect families seeking gender-affirming health care for children. It adds that a child's presence in New Jersey for gender-affirming care (as defined in pending legislation) satisfies the legal requirement for a court to have jurisdiction over custody matters. This means parents or guardians can seek custody decisions in New Jersey if a child is receiving necessary care here, without needing to prove other connections to the state. The bill does not change health care standards but addresses jurisdictional barriers for families traveling for treatment. The bill was introduced on January 13, 2026, and referred to the Assembly Health Committee.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 1941) requires most health insurance plans sold in the state to cover hearing aids. It directly affects health insurers and policyholders by mandating coverage for one hearing aid per ear every 48 months (4 years) when prescribed by a licensed audiologist or hearing aid dispenser. The policy limits out-of-pocket costs to no more than 15% of the hearing aid's price, including copays or deductibles. This applies to hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health service corporations, group and individual health insurance policies, HMOs, and health benefits plans. The bill does not cover hearing aids for cosmetic purposes, only medically necessary ones.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill amends penalties for driving while using a wireless phone or electronic device. It reduces the look-back period for prior offenses from 10 to 3 years when determining repeat offense status (e.g., a second offense within 3 years counts as a second violation, not a first). It also allows drivers who commit a first offense to have it removed from their record after completing an approved defensive driving course. The changes apply specifically to violations under P.L.2003, c.310 (C.39:4-97.3), affecting drivers with prior distracted driving convictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits health clubs from including contract terms that limit their liability for injuries caused by the health club's negligence (e.g., carelessness in maintaining equipment or facilities). It applies directly to all health club service contracts in New Jersey, requiring written agreements to clearly state this prohibition in conspicuous language. Key provisions include mandating that contracts include a prominent notice about the 3-day cancellation right (allowing full refunds), setting limits on fees retained during cancellations (max 10% of total price), and requiring automatic renewal options to be easily accessible online. The bill aims to strengthen consumer protections by ensuring health clubs remain accountable for preventable injuries under their control.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $10 million competitive grant program to fund municipal recreational sports and STEM programs for children. Local governments (municipalities) can apply for matching funds - receiving dollar-for-dollar support - to develop free or low-cost programs like robotics workshops or sports leagues in public spaces such as libraries or recreation centers. To qualify, municipalities must submit detailed plans showing program locations, participant numbers, and how they'll cover matching costs through local funding. The program requires participating municipalities to report annually on program usage and impact, with the state compiling results to share best practices. The bill directly affects New Jersey municipalities and children participating in these community programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $250,000 from the General Fund to the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS) for pediatric clinical services at the Tourette Syndrome Clinic of Rutgers University. The funds directly support diagnostic assessments, counseling, and therapy for children with Tourette Syndrome and tic disorders, particularly those from families with financial need. The clinic provides these services to children aged 5-14, aligning with CDC data showing 1 in 50 children in this age group experience persistent tic disorders.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state and county correctional facilities to help inmates prepare for Medicaid coverage before release. Specifically, it mandates a peer-led session at least 60 days prior to release explaining Medicaid benefits and application options, followed by a dedicated enrollment session within five days to assist with completing applications. Facilities must also ensure inmates receive Medicaid eligibility notifications and physical Medicaid cards at the time of release if approved. The policy does not change Medicaid eligibility standards but aims to streamline access to healthcare for returning individuals by addressing enrollment barriers.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $2 million grant program within New Jersey's Department of Education to help schools provide internet and device access for economically disadvantaged students. It requires schools receiving grants to maintain one "online instruction equipment" unit (a connected device like a laptop plus a Wi-Fi hotspot or mobile broadband service) for every 12 students enrolled. Schools with the highest number of students lacking internet access will receive priority for funding. The program applies to public school districts, charter schools, and renaissance schools, with funds covering equipment costs to support remote learning.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Education to create a new credential focused on culturally responsive teaching practices. The credential will introduce teachers to methods that acknowledge students' cultural backgrounds and connect learning to their experiences, aiming to improve equitable access to education. Developed in partnership with the Diverse and Learner-Ready Teachers Initiative, the credential must be available to all teachers starting the first full school year after the bill's enactment. The bill defines culturally responsive teaching as incorporating students' cultural references and using research-based strategies that link school learning to students' cultures, languages, and experiences.

Maddy summaryACR 67 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase New Jersey's property tax deductions for three groups: veterans, senior citizens (age 65+), and individuals with permanent disabilities. Starting in 2024, the annual deduction for all three groups will rise from $250 to $500 per year, while maintaining the existing income limit of $10,000 annually. The amendment applies to taxes on real property, including residential units in co-ops, and requires recipients to meet income thresholds excluding certain federal benefits. This change would directly affect eligible veterans, seniors, and disabled residents who currently qualify for the property tax deduction under New Jersey law.