Asm. Linda Carter

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts how criminal records that have been expunged can be shared or used in New Jersey. It makes it a crime for any individual or organization to reveal the existence of an expunged arrest or conviction and holds record-keeping businesses responsible for immediately removing such data from their systems. The law also requires these businesses to provide a free way for people to correct their records and imposes fines of up to $5,000 for those who knowingly distribute expunged information. Additionally, the bill clarifies that agencies are not liable if they fail to remove records due to errors by law enforcement, while also protecting the privacy of license applicants by limiting the public disclosure of their home addresses.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires most health insurance plans to cover the cost of diapers when a doctor deems them medically necessary for a patient. The law applies to a wide range of insurance types, including hospital and medical service contracts, individual policies, group plans, and small employer benefits. To ensure quick access to care, the bill mandates that insurers must pay for these medically necessary diapers without requiring prior approval or other administrative hurdles.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week containing September 10th of each year as "Suicide Prevention Week" throughout New Jersey. The primary mechanism is a formal resolution that requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and residents to observe the week with awareness activities and programs. By establishing this official observance, the legislation aims to raise community awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding suicide without creating new funding or operational requirements.

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 New Jersey bill establishes legal protections to pause property recovery proceedings when there is evidence of deed theft or fraud. It requires courts to issue temporary stays on evictions and title disputes if a government agency is investigating the matter or if a criminal complaint has been filed against a party involved in the property transaction. Additionally, the law creates a rebuttable presumption that a genuine dispute over ownership exists if the person challenging the title owned or had an interest in the property within the last three years. These measures aim to prevent the loss of residential homes while investigations into title fraud or financing schemes are ongoing, without limiting a party's ability to seek relief in other courts.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's existing requirement for health insurance plans to cover prostate cancer screenings without any out-of-pocket costs. It specifically requires coverage for annual screenings - including digital rectal exams and PSA tests - for men aged 50 and older (asymptomatic) and men aged 40 and older with a family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors. The law applies to most health insurance plans, including high-deductible plans where permitted by federal law, and mandates coverage "to the same extent as for any other medical condition." It does not alter existing coverage for other preventive services but ensures no cost-sharing (like deductibles or copays) applies to these specific screenings.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the "Jack Reid Law: Protect All Students Act," aims to stop harassment and bullying in nonpublic schools by requiring these institutions to create and share clear anti-bullying policies. It defines bullying to include cyberbullying and covers incidents that happen on school grounds, during school events, or online if they threaten a student's safety or well-being. Under the new rules, schools must investigate any reported incidents within five days, document their findings, and take immediate steps to protect victims, while staff members are required to report witnessed or heard bullying promptly. The legislation also ensures that anyone who reports bullying in good faith is kept safe and clarifies that these protections do not limit rights to free speech or religious expression.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill authorizes school districts to issue an alternate high school diploma to students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who participate in the state's Alternate Assessment Program. Starting in the 2027-2028 school year, these diplomas will be standards-based and require students to complete specific curriculum units in subjects like English, mathematics, and science using alternate academic achievement standards. The legislation ensures that receiving an alternate diploma does not end a student's right to special education services until they turn 21 and allows these students to be included in state graduation rate calculations. Additionally, the bill permits students to attempt to meet the requirements for a standard State-endorsed diploma and clarifies that participation in the alternate program does not determine their educational placement under federal law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new trust fund to provide health benefits, including medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision coverage, to eligible public school employees and their dependents in New Jersey. It defines who qualifies as an employee and dependent, specifying that full-time workers must work at least 25 hours per week and that dependents include spouses, domestic partners, and unmarried children up to age 31. The legislation creates a board of trustees to manage the fund and ensure its assets are used solely for the benefit of the covered individuals. Additionally, the bill includes an appropriation to fund the initial operations of this new trust.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public high school students observing Ramadan to substitute required physical education classes with an instructional course or study hall during the marking period containing Ramadan. Students must provide written notice to their principal before schedule creation, and the substitute must award the same graduation credits as physical education. It also permits student-athletes to be excused from sports, intramural, or cheerleading programs during Ramadan by submitting written notice to their coach, with coaches prohibited from penalizing such absences. The bill takes effect immediately for the first full academic year after enactment.