Asm. Mitchelle Drulis

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's Traumatic Brain Injury Fund to cover transportation costs for eligible individuals attending support group meetings. It directly affects residents of New Jersey with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) who need transportation to access these meetings - defined as gatherings where individuals share information and support each other's well-being. The fund, currently financed by a $0.50 motor vehicle registration surcharge, will now include this transportation as a covered expense alongside existing medical and treatment-related travel. This change builds on the fund's existing role of providing financial assistance for post-acute care when other resources are unavailable.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) to expand the existing Statewide Student Support Services program to include eating disorder awareness, prevention, and counseling services for students in grades K-12. Regional hubs administering the program must assess community needs for these services and develop policies to provide them through the program's three-tiered system: universal workshops (Tier 1), small-group programs (Tier 2), and clinical interventions (Tier 3). The law directly affects all K-12 students in New Jersey by adding eating disorder support to existing mental health services. Note: This bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was approved as P.L.2025, c.366.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates electrical linemen and utility workers as "first responder" personnel during weather-related emergencies declared by the Governor or President. It creates special decals for their vehicles to identify them while restoring power or water service, requiring decals to be displayed only during emergencies and removed afterward. The bill also provides civil liability protection for these workers acting in good faith during emergencies, excluding cases of willful or gross negligence. These provisions apply directly to utility workers and require public safety centers to dispatch them during declared weather emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets minimum staffing requirements for school library media specialists in New Jersey public schools based on student enrollment. Schools with under 300 students must employ at least a half-time specialist, those with 300-1,499 students must have one full-time specialist, and schools with 1,500+ students must have two full-time specialists. It also requires schools with 500+ students to employ library clerks (one full-time clerk plus one additional clerk per 500 students). The bill includes limited waivers for schools unable to hire certified staff, allowing up to two waivers within five years. These requirements apply starting the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies New Jersey's process for filling vacancies in the U.S. House of Representatives. It requires the Governor to use the next general election date for vacancies occurring after July 1 but before 70 days prior to the general election, eliminating the need for a special election. For vacancies before July 1 or after the 70-day window with over a year remaining, it mandates a special election 70-80 days after the writ is issued, with no primary election. The changes directly affect New Jersey's U.S. House seat and streamline the timeline for filling vacancies based on when they occur during the election cycle.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes programs to support neurodiverse students at New Jersey's county colleges, appropriating $1.475 million. It creates a two-year pilot program to fund accessibility coordinators at three county colleges (one per region), who will provide academic advising, resource navigation, and career connections for neurodiverse students. The bill also mandates professional development for college staff on supporting neurodiverse students and creates a grant program for STEM facility modifications, such as sensory-friendly rooms and assistive technology. These provisions directly affect neurodiverse students enrolled in county colleges across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a permanent New Jersey-India Commission to strengthen economic, cultural, and educational ties between New Jersey and India. It continues a commission initially created by Governor Murphy's 2024 executive order, requiring the Governor to appoint 35-45 members (including recommendations from legislative leaders for eight seats) to promote trade, investment, and cultural exchanges. The commission must submit biennial reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing its activities and recommendations. The commission directly affects New Jersey's 400,000+ Indian-American community and businesses seeking to expand partnerships with India, aiming to support job growth and economic development.

Maddy summaryThis bill codifies current regulations allowing more healthcare providers (including nurse practitioners and physician assistants) to perform abortions in New Jersey, which has been permitted since 2021. It removes medically unnecessary facility requirements that increase costs and create barriers to care, such as excessive licensing rules. The bill amends licensing statutes to clarify that abortion facilities must meet basic safety standards but eliminates non-essential mandates that don't improve patient health. This change directly affects abortion providers and patients seeking timely, affordable reproductive care across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows high school students in grades 10-12 who participate in school sports to substitute study hall for physical education during their sport's athletic season, provided they meet specific academic criteria. Eligible students must either be enrolled in advanced courses (like AP or dual enrollment) or need academic support due to low performance, as determined by the school. The substitution requires written approval from parents, coach certification of sport participation, and counselor approval confirming eligibility. Students retain full physical education graduation credit for their athletic participation, but the change only applies during the sport's season and does not affect PE requirements for non-athletes or younger grades.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 3585) makes it a crime to knowingly share manipulated videos or audio that falsely depict a candidate or election issue within 90 days of an election, with penalties including up to a fourth-degree offense (or third-degree for repeat violations). It directly affects voters (by aiming to prevent deception), candidates (who can seek legal relief for false depictions), and content creators (who face criminal or civil liability). Key provisions require clear disclaimers for minor edits or news/satire content, and exempt social media platforms, traditional media, and news outlets under federal law. The law does not apply to accidental edits, news reporting, or content with prominent disclaimers identifying manipulation.