Asm. Nancy Muñoz

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all health insurance plans in New Jersey to cover annual mental health screenings under the same terms as other medical services. It applies to individual and group health insurance policies, health maintenance organizations, and state health benefit programs. Insurers must provide this coverage without applying more restrictive limitations than those for other medical services. The law mandates coverage for mental health conditions as defined by current medical standards. The bill will take effect 90 days after enactment for all plans issued or renewed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the duration of certain emergency orders, rules, or regulations issued by New Jersey's Governor under the Civil Defense Act to a maximum of 14 days. It requires the Legislature to approve any extension beyond this 14-day period through a concurrent resolution. The Governor cannot issue identical or substantially similar orders for the same emergency after one expires under this rule. Exceptions include orders rescinding prior emergency measures, federal compliance requirements, internal state government operations, military orders, or orders issued under other laws with longer terms.

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers authority over human resource management for employees of the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (NJSDA) to the state Civil Service Commission. It directly affects NJSDA staff by placing hiring, termination, training, counseling, and performance appraisals under the Commission's oversight. The bill amends existing law to require the Commission to adopt regulations for these HR functions, aligning NJSDA's employee management with standard civil service practices. This change applies specifically to NJSDA employees and does not alter the Authority's other operational powers.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits how long continuing care retirement communities can hold refundable entrance fees after a resident moves out. It requires facilities to refund these fees within one year of vacating the unit, whichever comes first - instead of waiting for the sequential refund number system to process payments based on available funds. The change directly affects residents who paid entrance fees and are leaving the facility, ensuring refunds are issued faster. Key provisions include setting a clear one-year deadline for refunds while still allowing deductions for unpaid fees or charges. The bill does not alter the requirement for facilities to assign refund numbers or deduct outstanding balances.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A983 prohibits service repair contractors from charging consumers hourly fees for travel time to or from a customer's location. This law directly affects consumers who pay for home or property repair services (e.g., appliance, HVAC, or plumbing repairs) and contractors who previously billed for travel. The bill amends the Consumer Fraud Act to make such travel charges an unlawful practice, punishable by fines up to $10,000 for first offenses. Violations can also trigger penalties like cease-and-desist orders, punitive damages, and treble damages for affected consumers. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1008) allows visiting advanced practice nurses (APRNs) from other states - who are not certified by New Jersey endorsement - to temporarily prescribe certain medications and medical devices. It applies specifically to out-of-state APRNs who hold appropriate educational qualifications but lack New Jersey certification. The provision permits this limited prescribing authority during temporary practice in New Jersey, without requiring full state endorsement. This change aims to expand access to care for patients in need of APRN services while maintaining oversight through educational requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires police officers to obtain breath or blood tests from drivers involved in accidents with pedestrians. It expands New Jersey's implied consent law to include blood tests in these specific situations, meaning drivers automatically consent to these tests when a pedestrian is involved in a vehicle accident. The bill establishes the same penalties for refusing a test in a pedestrian accident as for refusing a test after being arrested for drunk driving, including license suspension and the requirement to install an ignition interlock device. This applies to all drivers involved in accidents with pedestrians, with penalties varying based on whether it's a first, second, or subsequent offense.

Maddy summaryAJR 55 designates March 16 each year as "Paws Healing Heroes Day" in New Jersey to recognize service dogs that assist veterans with conditions like PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, and seizure disorders. The resolution directly affects veterans, service dog organizations (such as Paws Healing Heroes in Glassboro), and the public by raising awareness of these animals' role in veteran support. Its key mechanism is an annual designation requiring the Governor to issue a proclamation encouraging public observance. This is a ceremonial resolution, not a law with funding or regulatory changes, and it takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryAJR 65 designates the date of the second new moon following the winter solstice (or the third if a leap month is needed) as "Lunar New Year" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing this date and encourages schools and cultural institutions to observe it with appropriate activities. It directly acknowledges the cultural significance of Lunar New Year for New Jersey's Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, which make up approximately 10% of the state's population. This symbolic gesture does not create a legal holiday but formally recognizes traditions celebrated by many residents.

Maddy summaryMatthew's Law Limiting the Use of Restraints (A1012) restricts physical and mechanical restraints on people with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries to emergency situations only, prohibiting their use as planned interventions in behavior modification plans. The bill requires medical orders within 15 minutes of restraint application, limits restraint duration to one hour, mandates physician examinations within one working day, and requires facilities to report all restraint use as "unusual incidents" to parents/guardians and state agencies. It also prohibits aversive techniques and mandates staff training in positive behavior approaches. The legislation is named after a teenager with autism who was improperly restrained at a State-licensed facility in Haddonfield.