Asm. Linda Carter

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the treatment, discharge, disposal, application to roadways, or storage of wastewater, sludge, drill cuttings, or other byproducts from hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for natural gas exploration or production within New Jersey. It applies to all such materials regardless of where the fracking occurred, targeting contaminants like heavy metals, radioactive materials, and chemicals that risk contaminating water supplies and overwhelming wastewater treatment systems. The law bans these activities immediately upon enactment, aiming to prevent environmental harm and health risks associated with fracking waste. It directly affects natural gas companies and waste handlers operating in New Jersey who manage fracking byproducts.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases financial aid to New Jersey municipalities from the Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund over two years, restoring approximately $331 million in reduced aid payments that municipalities received during fiscal years 2009-2011. In fiscal year 2023, municipalities will receive 50% of the difference between their 2008 and 2012 aid distributions, with full restoration beginning in 2024. Municipalities must subtract any additional aid received from their property tax levy calculations and cannot anticipate this aid when creating annual budgets. The bill requires municipalities to amend their budgets to properly reflect the total aid amount, ensuring the aid directly reduces the amount they need to raise through property taxes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a central registry for newborns diagnosed with sickle cell trait in New Jersey, requiring laboratories to report positive screening results to the registry and notify the child's physician. Physicians must then provide parents with information about genetic counseling, including risks of passing the trait to future children and potential health complications. The registry will enable the Department of Health to send targeted follow-up notifications to parents during early adolescence (about athletic risks) and later adolescence (about reproductive implications), and to 18-year-olds about available resources. All registry data is kept confidential, with strict penalties for unauthorized disclosure, including fines or up to six months in jail per violation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2253) increases the annual amount credited to New Jersey's Shore Protection Fund from $25 million to $50 million. The fund receives the state portion of realty transfer fees collected when property deeds are recorded (calculated at $1.25 per $500 of property value). The change applies immediately to all future State fiscal years following enactment. This directly affects the Shore Protection Fund's annual funding level, doubling its baseline allocation from realty transfer fees.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey registrars to issue certified electronic copies of vital records - including birth, death, marriage, civil union, and domestic partnership certificates - alongside paper copies upon request. It requires the Commissioner of Health to establish security standards for electronic copies, including identity verification, data encryption, and privacy protections. The change applies to authorized requesters (such as individuals, family members, or government agencies) who already qualify for paper certified copies under current law. Electronic copies must be distinguishable from non-certified informational versions and maintain the same authentication requirements as paper records.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a new rule of evidence that would allow statements reporting sexual assault or employment discrimination to be admitted as evidence, even though they would normally be considered hearsay. The statement must have been made spontaneously within a reasonable time after the incident to someone the victim would typically turn to for support. This evidence would be admissible to assess the complainant's credibility, counter the idea that delay means the report was fabricated, and help explain the investigative process. It would apply to both criminal and civil cases involving these allegations.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax deduction for New Jersey educators and school aides. Full-time educators and paraprofessionals (school aides) receive a $500 deduction from gross income, while part-time workers get $350. Full-time status requires at least 25 hours per week of employment. The deduction applies to teachers in public schools, charter schools, and other approved educational settings, including nonpublic schools for students with disabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans and carriers in New Jersey to ensure adequate mental health care access for all covered individuals. It mandates that 100% of plan members must have access to either in-person mental health services within 15 miles of their home and 30 days of request, or telehealth services within 30 days if in-person options are unavailable. For telehealth services, the bill requires coverage and reimbursement rates to match in-person services - no higher copayments or deductibles - and sets minimum reimbursement rates at the Medicaid level. The law applies to all health benefits plans, including Medicaid, state employee programs, and private insurers, with penalties for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryAJR 31 designates August each year as "Black Business Month" in New Jersey to promote the success of Black-owned businesses. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation and encourages schools and cultural institutions to hold activities during this month. It directly affects Black business owners in New Jersey by raising awareness of their economic contributions and challenges, such as disproportionate pandemic closures. The bill does not create new laws or funding but focuses on recognition and community engagement.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1582) requires New Jersey public school students who sustain a concussion to obtain an evaluation and written clearance from a licensed health care professional before returning to school. It also prohibits students from participating in any physical activities (like recess or PE) until they receive this clearance. School districts must implement any restrictions or limitations recommended by the health professional, using their 504 team (per N.J.A.C. 6A:8-1.3), and notify all relevant staff. The law applies directly to public school students, school districts, and licensed health care providers who diagnose/treat concussions.