Asm. Sterley Stanley

Maddy summaryThis bill allows certain Rutgers University employees to hold dual employment with nonprofit contracting entities that have affiliation agreements with the university. Specifically, staff members who oversee or manage medical education, research, or clinical care programs related to these partnerships can receive compensation from both organizations. The legislation clarifies that this dual employment is exempt from standard state conflict of interest laws that normally restrict public employees from accepting outside pay. By creating this exception, the bill aims to support integrated academic health systems without violating ethical guidelines regarding public trust.

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 summaryNew Jersey's A-2159 requires parties in civil lawsuits to disclose third-party litigation funding agreements to the court and all parties at the time of filing or when the agreement is made. It defines "litigation funders" (excluding family, attorneys, banks, and nonprofits) and imposes fiduciary duties on them, banning funders from influencing case decisions or charging fees exceeding 25% of settlement/judgment amounts. The bill also prohibits funders from offering legal advice, securing waived damages, or assigning funding agreements, and makes violations unenforceable. This applies to all civil actions (excluding workers' compensation) and aims to increase transparency in funding arrangements for lawsuits. The bill is pending before the Assembly Financial Institutions Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and electric utilities to establish a program developing 500 megawatts of distributed battery storage capacity statewide by 2030. It mandates the BPU to set minimum program requirements, including specific storage targets per utility, size standards, and enhanced incentives for projects in overburdened communities and redevelopment areas. Electric utilities must submit implementation plans to the BPU for approval, with annual reporting to ensure compliance and cost savings for ratepayers. The program aims to improve grid stability, reduce interconnection times, and lower system costs by leveraging federal funding and avoiding distribution upgrades.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3381) updates definitions in New Jersey's occupational therapy licensure law by adding specific terms and clarifying existing ones. It defines key terms like "Continuing competence and professional development" (requiring evidence of ongoing education for license renewal) and "LGBTQIA+" for inclusivity. The changes directly affect licensed occupational therapists, assistants, and the Occupational Therapy Advisory Council in New Jersey. The bill primarily refines terminology and scope within the existing licensure framework without introducing new requirements or altering practice standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits health insurance carriers from denying coverage for nonopioid pain medications in favor of opioids or requiring patients to try opioids first. It requires insurers to treat FDA-approved nonopioid drugs equally to opioids in formularies, meaning coverage restrictions, prior authorization, and cost-sharing tiers must be no more restrictive for nonopioid drugs. The law applies to state health benefit plans, school employee health programs, and Medicaid for acute pain treatment. It takes effect January 1, 2026, directly affecting insurers and patients covered by these plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires private contractors performing construction work in New Jersey (excluding public projects or home improvements) to register with the Department of Labor. To register, contractors must submit business details, proof of required licenses, worker's compensation insurance, and disclose compliance with state and federal labor laws (like wage laws and safety regulations). Contractors must also disclose past labor law violations or criminal offenses related to their work. Exemptions apply to contractors already registered under New Jersey’s public works registration system.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes certified medication aides to administer medications to residents in New Jersey nursing homes, expanding their current scope of practice. It directly affects nursing homes struggling with staffing shortages and certified medication aides who would now be permitted to perform this role in nursing home settings (currently allowed in 38 states and other care facilities like assisted living residences). The key mechanism is amending existing law to explicitly include nursing homes under the certification framework for medication aides, addressing legislative findings that staffing challenges are severe in nursing homes post-pandemic. This change aims to alleviate staffing pressures by allowing medication aides to support resident care needs within existing certification standards.