Asm. Joe Danielsen

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3404) amends New Jersey's "Earn Your Way Out Act" to expand who is ineligible for administrative parole release - without a hearing - when first eligible. It specifically blocks inmates with prior convictions for any serious offense (indictable offense) and those currently serving sentences for certain crimes, including vehicular homicide, human trafficking, sexual extortion, and stalking. The bill broadens existing exclusions beyond current law (which already blocked some offenses under NERA and Megan's Law) by adding new categories of crimes to the list. This proposed change would affect inmates who meet these criteria, preventing them from automatic parole under the current process. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Public Safety Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3512) sets new reimbursement rules for pharmacies serving Medicaid patients in New Jersey. It requires pharmacies to be paid at least the national average drug cost plus a $10.92 dispensing fee, regardless of whether services are delivered through traditional Medicaid or managed care plans. The bill also mandates that Medicaid managed care plans must allow patients to choose any participating pharmacy and prohibits plans from unfairly blocking pharmacies from joining their networks. Additionally, it requires an audit to track pharmacy pricing and potential state savings from these changes. The law directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries, pharmacies, and Medicaid managed care organizations in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey voters to apply for mail-in ballots electronically through the Secretary of State's website up to seven days before an election, using an electronic signature in the Statewide Voter Registration System. The electronic application requires the same information as a paper form, including voter address and contact details (which will not be publicly disclosed or considered government records). Voters must still apply at least seven days before an election, and the bill maintains existing in-person application options until 3 p.m. the day before the election. This change provides a new, accessible method for requesting mail-in ballots without altering current deadlines or requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $5 million grant program to help New Jersey municipalities improve disaster relief services for residents. Municipalities can apply for grants of up to $30,000 to fund staff training, stockpiles of supplies, and technology for processing disaster relief applications and related paperwork. The Office of Emergency Management will prioritize funding based on each municipality's risk assessment, and grantees must report after one year on how funds improved emergency preparedness. The program is funded through a state appropriation and administered by the Division of Disaster Recovery and Mitigation.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts New Jersey's school district tax levy cap to allow for costs associated with opening a new school facility during the budget year. It directly affects school districts building new facilities by permitting an increase in their tax levy to cover specific costs like new teaching staff, materials, equipment, and maintenance. The adjustment is calculated as part of the standard tax levy growth formula, which otherwise limits increases to 2% plus adjustments for enrollment, health care, and pension costs. This change ensures districts aren't forced to absorb significant one-time facility expenses within the standard 2% tax levy cap. The provision applies to the next school budget year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's charter school laws to change how charter schools are established, governed, and operated. It requires charter school boards to include at least two local school board members and two community members chosen by the school board (Section 1). The bill also sets enrollment limits (max 500 students or 25% of the district's student body, whichever is smaller) for new charters and requires 51% support from both teachers and parents to convert existing public schools into charters (Section 4e). These changes directly affect charter school applicants, school districts, and families seeking enrollment in charter schools. The bill does not address funding or curriculum standards, focusing instead on governance, admission processes, and operational rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's definition of qualifying newspapers to include online publications for government notices. It requires digital newspapers seeking to publish official notices (like bids or public announcements) to meet three specific criteria: demonstrate audience service in the relevant area, provide email newsletters containing notices, and offer notices in Spanish plus one other prominent regional language. The bill directly affects online news outlets that want to replace print publications for government advertising, while keeping existing print newspaper requirements unchanged. These changes apply to all state and local government agencies publishing legal notices.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey school districts to include environmental sustainability goals in their existing long-range facilities plans. Districts must update these plans every five years to incorporate sustainability measures, such as energy efficiency or waste reduction, alongside other planning elements like enrollment projections and safety standards. The requirement applies to all school districts, including those designated as "Abbott districts" under previous law. This amendment modifies an existing 2000 law (P.L.2000, c.72) by adding environmental sustainability as a mandatory component of the planning process, without specifying exact sustainability metrics.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs to develop a mobile application that provides veterans and their families with information on state and federal resources. The app would cover topics including legal rights, benefits, medical and insurance issues, education, housing, and support for transitioning from military to civilian life. It aims to improve access to these resources through a mobile platform designed to be faster and more user-friendly than traditional websites. The bill was introduced in 2026 but withdrawn after being enacted in prior legislation (P.L.2025, c.292).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires first responders who administer opioid antidotes during overdose responses to request infectious disease testing (for HIV, hepatitis, etc.) for the person if they had contact with their bodily fluids. If the person refuses voluntary testing within 24 hours, the public health officer can seek a court order for testing based on a risk assessment. Court-ordered testing must be performed promptly, with results shared only with the tested person and the responding first responder, maintaining strict confidentiality. The person receiving the antidote may also be required to cover the testing costs.