Rep. Mitchelle Drulis

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill mandates that health insurance plans and Medicaid cover medically necessary tests and FDA-approved treatments designed to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. The law applies to hospital service, medical service, and health service corporation contracts, as well as individual and group health insurance policies issued or renewed in the state. A key provision ensures that these specific Alzheimer's treatments are not subject to step therapy requirements, meaning patients can access them without needing to try other medications first. Additionally, the coverage must be provided at the same level as benefits for other medical conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill introduces New Jersey into the Athletic Trainer Compact, a national agreement designed to allow licensed athletic trainers to practice across multiple member states without needing separate licenses in each location. The legislation establishes a commission to oversee the program and creates a streamlined process where qualified professionals can work in other states while still adhering to the specific rules and scope of practice of the state where the patient is located. Key provisions include mutual recognition of licenses, support for military families relocating, and the use of telehealth to expand access to care. By adopting this compact, New Jersey aims to increase workforce mobility and public access to athletic training services while maintaining state authority over public health and safety.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill exempts small, portable solar generators from standard utility rules like interconnection agreements and net metering programs. It specifically affects homeowners who want to use these devices, which are defined as having a maximum output of 1,200 watts and plugging into standard 120-volt outlets. Under the new law, utility companies cannot require approval, fees, or extra equipment for these devices, and they are also shielded from liability for any damage caused by their use. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Community Affairs update building codes to provide clear guidelines for safely wiring homes to accommodate these portable power systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill codifies protections for patients and providers accessing or offering legally permitted reproductive and gender-affirming health care in New Jersey. It prohibits obstructing or intimidating individuals at facilities providing these services - including blocking entrances, causing reasonable fear of harm, or threatening violence. The law defines "legally protected health care activity" to cover all such services lawful in New Jersey, regardless of a patient’s location, and applies to both in-state residents and out-of-state patients seeking care here. It expands existing safeguards by explicitly banning physical obstructions and threats at facilities offering these services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) to create a web-based tool and mobile app to help residents meet new work requirements for NJ FamilyCare and SNAP programs. It directs DHS to partner with the Governor's Office of Volunteerism to build a searchable database of approved volunteer opportunities that count toward the 80-hour monthly community service requirement for NJ FamilyCare (affecting 1.8 million recipients) and expanded SNAP work rules (affecting 425,000 households). The system will allow beneficiaries to find, register for, and document volunteer hours online, with annual audits to verify compliance. The law aims to prevent beneficiaries from losing coverage due to administrative hurdles under federal changes to these safety-net programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to issue special license plates for veterans certified by the VA as having service-connected disabilities. The plates, displaying "Disabled Veteran" and a wheelchair symbol, allow these veterans to park in disability-reserved spaces without needing additional permits or placards. The plates are free, non-transferable, and must be displayed on the vehicle while parked. Misuse of the plates can result in revocation and forfeiture of the plate. The bill directly affects disabled veterans who meet federal VA certification criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded internship program allowing New Jersey legislators to hire students as interns. It requires the program to be open to undergraduate and graduate students (excluding law and PhD candidates) from accredited colleges, with priority for New Jersey residents or students attending New Jersey institutions. Interns must complete a work period at a legislator's district office, set by the legislator, and may extend their internship with mutual agreement. The program will seek federal grants (such as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act's "On-the-Job Training" program) and state funding to support these internships.

Maddy summaryThis bill would create a standardized "pollinator-friendly" label for plants sold in New Jersey, requiring the Environmental Protection Commissioner (with Agriculture Secretary) to establish specific standards. These standards must prohibit or limit pesticides harmful to pollinators and define "pollinator-friendly" plants as native, non-invasive species. Retailers and distributors could only use the label on plants meeting these standards, which cover bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. The bill does not ban pesticides but sets requirements for labeling to help consumers identify pollinator-safe plants. (Note: The bill is currently pending in committee and has not yet been enacted.)

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in New Jersey to continue covering adult children with disabilities who are 26 or older, provided they cannot work due to a physical or intellectual disability and are financially dependent on their parent. It amends existing law to extend coverage beyond the standard age limit of 26 for this specific group, ensuring they maintain health insurance through their parent's plan. The bill prohibits denial of coverage based on factors like marriage, having a child, or school status, which commonly affected young adults with disabilities. This change directly impacts young adults with disabilities in New Jersey who would otherwise lose coverage at age 26 but meet the eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors working on New Jersey public works projects to verify that all craftworkers meet minimum qualifications. Specifically, it mandates that contractors register electronically and provide proof that each journeyperson has either completed a registered apprenticeship program meeting federal standards or has four years of documented work experience (with union members under certain collective bargaining agreements exempt). The law also requires contractors to confirm they participate in approved apprenticeship programs for any craftworkers they employ. These requirements apply directly to contractors bidding on or performing state-funded construction projects.