Asm. Linda Carter

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "Emergency Services Part" within New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) to provide enhanced retirement and death benefits for specific emergency workers. It directly affects emergency medical technicians, paramedics, 911 dispatchers, fire inspectors, and other certified emergency services employees who are currently in PERS or will be hired after the bill's effective date. Key provisions require current PERS members in these roles to be enrolled in the new part within 120 days (unless they waive it), and new hires must be enrolled as a condition of employment. The bill ensures service credit earned in standard PERS for these roles will count toward benefits in the new part, aligning with existing retirement structure while offering improved benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey state officials and employees from accepting virtual currency (like Bitcoin) or non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as gifts. It amends existing ethics laws to explicitly define "gift" as including these digital assets, covering all state officers and employees as defined in the statute. The key change adds virtual currency and NFTs to the list of items banned from being accepted as gifts to prevent potential conflicts of interest. This applies to all state agencies, departments, and elected officials, excluding members of the Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2364) requires New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs (DVA) to notify specific veteran organizations, county officers, and municipal registers when individuals are buried or cremated in state veteran cemeteries. It amends state law to mandate that the DVA provide these entities with the names of deceased veterans interred or cremated at state facilities. The key mechanism is a new notification requirement, ensuring these groups receive timely burial/cremation information. This affects veteran service organizations, local government officials, and municipal record-keepers who may need this data for community services or historical records. (Note: The bill was withdrawn as it was approved as P.L.2025, c.229.)

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Treasury to review and approve a blockchain-based digital payment platform designed for legal, licensed businesses without access to traditional banking services (often operating cash-only). The platform would enable cashless transactions with a 1:1 virtual currency-to-dollar exchange, managed through an immutable blockchain ledger that records all business transactions. Businesses must obtain state approval to use the platform, which would also handle sales tax payments to municipalities and support regulatory compliance and audits. The law aims to expand digital commerce access for underserved businesses while ensuring security and transparency.

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers most facilities and programs from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) to Rutgers, The State University, while requiring specific locations to remain in Newark and Middlesex County. It mandates that Rutgers maintain the public mission of UMDNJ, including existing contracts with the Department of Corrections (DOC) and Department of Children and Families (DCF) for services like University Behavioral Healthcare. After current contracts expire, DOC and DCF may award new medical/dental service contracts to vendors offering the most advantageous proposals to the state. The transfer requires accreditation approval but does not change current service delivery or public employee staffing.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires health insurance plans and providers to ensure their networks include enough mental health providers so that every covered person can access care. It mandates that 100% of policyholders must have access to either in-person mental health services within 15 miles and 30 days of requesting care, or telehealth services within 30 days if in-person options are unavailable. Insurance plans must cover telehealth mental health services with no higher deductibles, copays, or coinsurance than in-person visits, and reimburse providers at least the Medicaid rate. The law applies to all health insurance plans, including Medicaid managed care organizations, and self-funded plans may choose to comply.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires veterinarians to provide clear, written disclosures to pet owners before rabies testing on dead companion animals. It mandates that veterinarians give owners a standard notification form detailing testing reasons, body handling protocols, and disposal rules (including that heads may not be returned after testing), along with a pamphlet explaining rabies vaccines and testing procedures. The pamphlet must be provided to owners when a rabies vaccine is administered, and veterinarians must display a related poster in their offices. The law applies to pet owners and veterinarians, with penalties for non-compliance, while also establishing optional mental health training for veterinary staff.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school boards to directly employ certified professionals for most instructional and support roles, such as teachers and instructional staff, rather than contracting for these services. Boards may apply for Commissioner-approved exemptions to contract for specific personnel, including substitute teachers, staff for alternative education programs, and special education services, to address program needs. The bill also permits contracting for roles like those providing financial literacy instruction, individualized learning opportunities, or dual-enrollment courses without direct employment. These provisions aim to ensure certified staff directly serve students while allowing flexibility for essential program support.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Out-of-School Time Advisory Commission to review before-school, after-school, and summer programs statewide. The 22-member commission - including state agency heads, legislative appointees, and representatives from child care organizations, schools, and advocacy groups - will assess current programs, develop statewide standards, examine funding sources, and evaluate program quality across urban, suburban, and rural districts. It must issue an interim report within one year and a final report within two years of forming, including recommendations for improving accountability and quality. The commission expires 30 days after submitting its final report, with no immediate funding or program changes enacted by this bill.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A2317) prohibits force-feeding geese, ducks, or other poultry via tube insertion to produce foie gras, except when done for the bird's health. It also bans selling or distributing foie gras unless the product comes from a state or jurisdiction that similarly bans force-feeding. Violations carry a written warning for first offenses and $100 civil penalties for repeat or ongoing violations, with each day of violation treated as a separate offense. The bill would take effect 60 days after enactment and applies to producers, sellers, and importers of foie gras within New Jersey.