Asm. Reginald Atkins

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A4848) requires doctors and nurses to screen pregnant patients for lead exposure if they identify risk factors - such as living in older housing - based on CDC and medical guidelines. It mandates one lead screening per pregnancy for at-risk patients, with providers notifying patients of elevated lead levels and ensuring children under six in the household are screened. Patients can refuse testing in writing, and labs must report results to health departments within five business days. The law applies to all pregnant individuals in New Jersey receiving care from covered healthcare providers, aiming to prevent lead poisoning during pregnancy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs to set a standard minimum of 180 days for tenants using federal housing choice voucher program (Section 8) assistance to find new housing when they must vacate due to a landlord selling the property. Currently, tenants have only 60 days to relocate, with extensions granted at the agency's discretion. The new standard applies to all public housing agencies in the state administering the federal program, ensuring consistent time for relocation. The department may also grant additional extensions as needed for affected households.

Maddy summaryThis bill would enter New Jersey into the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, creating a multistate licensing system for cosmetologists. Under the compact, cosmetologists licensed in New Jersey would be able to practice in other participating states without needing separate licenses, provided they meet uniform requirements. The compact establishes a Cosmetology Licensure Compact Commission to manage the system, share disciplinary information between states, and ensure public safety standards are maintained. This would reduce barriers for cosmetologists seeking work across state lines while maintaining regulatory oversight. The system requires member states to share information about licensees and disciplinary actions to protect public health and safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4193) requires licensed healthcare providers offering prenatal care in New Jersey to offer and provide, upon request, screening for postpartum depression to pregnant patients with a history of depression. It directly affects pregnant patients who have experienced depression and the healthcare professionals treating them. The key provision adds a new requirement to existing law, mandating that providers screen these specific patients during prenatal visits when requested. This expands current policies that already require education about postpartum depression and postnatal screenings for all new mothers. The law aims to improve early detection and support for at-risk patients.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new criminal offense called "fertility fraud" for health care practitioners who perform assisted reproduction treatments (like IVF or artificial insemination) without a patient's written consent, using either the practitioner's own reproductive material or another person's material. If convicted, the practitioner faces a third-degree crime penalty (up to five years in prison, a $15,000 fine, or both) and must have their medical license permanently revoked. The law also extends the statute of limitations to 20 years from the treatment date (or 10 years from when the victim discovers the fraud). It directly affects fertility clinics and health care providers in New Jersey who conduct reproductive treatments.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Governor's Survivor Leader Advisory Council within New Jersey's Department of Health to address human trafficking risks linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The council, composed of nine human trafficking survivors with relevant expertise, must evaluate existing anti-trafficking laws, review assistance programs, and develop public awareness campaigns - including hotlines and signage - before and during the event. It is required to submit a detailed report with specific recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 240 days, covering best practices, law changes, and coordination with law enforcement. The bill appropriates $1 million to fund the council’s operations and mandates the Attorney General to issue guidelines for responding to trafficking risks during the World Cup.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1067) requires the state's Department of Human Services to conduct a landscape analysis of mental health services accessible to deaf and hard of hearing residents. It mandates that mental health services be provided in a client's primary communication method (like sign language or speech), delivered by professionals certified in that method and trained in culturally appropriate care for the deaf community. The bill also requires the creation of a resource guide listing providers meeting these standards and defines key terms like "culturally affirmative mental health services." It directly affects deaf and hard of hearing individuals seeking mental health care across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows a request for guardianship to be filed up to six months before a minor turns 18, if the minor is expected to need a legal guardian at age 18. The guardianship arrangement would only become effective on the minor's 18th birthday, preventing gaps in legal protection during the transition to adulthood. It also requires that such requests cannot be withdrawn without proof the minor is deceased or has decision-making capacity, which can be shown through testimony rather than medical evidence. This change aims to streamline the process for minors who require ongoing guardianship support after turning 18.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets a minimum daily reimbursement rate of $1,100 for special care nursing facilities in New Jersey that operate approved units for neurologically impaired young adults. It applies specifically to facilities holding a Department of Health certificate of need as of July 1, 2023, and must meet all state and federal licensing, safety, and quality standards. Starting January 1, 2024, these facilities will receive reimbursement at the higher of their 2022 rate or $1,100 per day under the NJ FamilyCare program (New Jersey's Medicaid program). The policy directly affects these specialized nursing facilities by ensuring a baseline payment level for their care services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services to create a public awareness campaign about doulas. It mandates the campaign to explain doulas' role before, during, and after pregnancy; describe their services and benefits; and list free or low-cost resources for doula care. The campaign must develop materials in the top 10 languages spoken in New Jersey and distribute them online and through health clinics, WIC offices, Planned Parenthood, pharmacies, and community organizations. The bill directly affects residents seeking maternal care by improving access to information about doula services, without changing healthcare eligibility or funding.