Asm. Mike Inganamort

Maddy summaryBill A4163 requires health insurers in New Jersey to cover biomarker testing for diagnosis, treatment, management, or ongoing monitoring of diseases when supported by medical evidence such as FDA approvals, drug labels, or clinical guidelines. The bill applies to all health insurance plans including individual, group, Medicaid, and health maintenance organization contracts. Insurers must provide coverage without causing unnecessary disruption (like multiple biopsies) and must make prior authorization decisions within 24 hours for urgent requests or 72 hours for non-urgent requests. This ensures patients can access precision medical testing that's clinically supported without excessive administrative barriers.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $22,431,294 from the 2003 Dam, Lake and Stream Project Revolving Loan Fund and $6,239,630 from the 1992 Dam Restoration and Clean Water Trust Fund - totaling $28,670,924 - to provide loans for dam restoration and inland waters projects. The funds, drawn from unused monies due to project cancellations and repayments, directly support 17 specific projects, including repairs for private dams (like High Crest Lake Dam and Mountain Creek Lake Dam) and lake associations, as well as local government-owned dams. These loans finance restoration costs for dam owners, private lake associations, or local governments working together. The bill specifies that unexpended funds will return to the respective bond funds for future projects.

Maddy summaryThe "Road to Relief Act" creates a $1 million grant program administered by New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to reimburse certain commuters, full-time retail business employees, and retail businesses for increased transportation costs caused by public highway projects. It applies to individuals or businesses operating within "impacted construction zones" where highway projects block traffic or restrict access, covering the period from project start to completion. Applicants must document their regular pre-project transportation costs and the increased costs during the project, with grants covering the difference for an equal number of days. The program requires applicants to prove their eligibility and submit detailed expense records, with the Transportation Commissioner notifying the EDA about ongoing highway projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) from accepting certain U.S. federal immigration documents as proof of identity for standard driver's licenses and identification cards. Specifically, it bans documents related to deportation or removal orders issued by DHS or ICE, including release on recognizance or supervision orders. The law applies to all standard licenses and ID cards listed in the bill (basic, motorcycle, learner's permits, probationary, and commercial licenses). It takes immediate effect and directly affects applicants who previously relied on these federal documents for MVC identity verification.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a dedicated "Veteran Obituary Fund" within New Jersey's Department of the Treasury to cover the cost of obituaries for veterans. It allows taxpayers to deduct donations to the fund - up to $50,000 annually - from their state income tax, with property donations over $500 requiring an independent appraisal. The fund will be supported by donations, grants, or state appropriations solicited by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. This aims to prevent veterans' families from facing unexpected costs for memorializing service members, as obituaries typically cost several hundred dollars. The fund must be administered by the State Treasurer and reported to the Legislature.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A5557 clarifies child support certification requirements for state license applicants. The bill requires applicants to complete a separate certification form (not part of the main application) stating whether they have child support arrears exceeding six months' payments, lack required health coverage, failed to respond to a subpoena, or face a child support warrant. If certified as an obligor with unresolved obligations, licenses cannot be granted, renewed, or reinstated. The form also provides notice of the legal basis for license suspension and the right to a hearing before action. This applies to all state-issued licenses (including driver's licenses and professional permits) for applicants after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThe "Road to Tax Relief Act" provides tax credits to small businesses (with 50 or fewer full-time employees) and their workers in areas affected by highway construction projects, such as the Interstate 80 repair project in Morris County. Businesses can claim credits against sales tax and income tax based on revenue losses calculated by comparing current sales to average sales from the previous four years. Employees can claim credits against income tax for lost wages resulting from reduced work schedules due to the construction. The credits are refundable and can be transferred to other entities, with the state appropriating funds to cover the costs.

Maddy summaryS 3587 upgrades retail theft offenses in New Jersey, including elevating "leader of organized retail theft enterprise" to a first-degree crime punishable by 10-20 years in prison. The bill creates a new offense for "fostering the sale of stolen property" (including online sales), which is a disorderly persons offense punishable by up to six months in jail. It establishes a retail theft unit within the Department of Law and Public Safety to investigate and prosecute organized retail theft, appropriating $1 million for this purpose. The bill also includes new requirements for gift card sales to prevent fraud, such as mandatory notices for retailers and packaging restrictions for both open- and closed-loop gift cards.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $28.67 million in unused funds from New Jersey's 2003 and 1992 bond acts to provide low-interest loans for dam restoration and inland waters projects. The funds specifically support 13 projects under the 2003 bond act (e.g., $3 million for Mountain Creek Lake Dam repairs) and 4 projects under the 1992 bond act (e.g., $2.85 million for Lake Garrison Dam). These loans are available to private dam owners, lake associations, or local governments for repairing aging infrastructure and maintaining water systems. The funding comes from existing bond program savings, cancellations, and loan repayments - no new taxes or spending are required. The bill directs the Department of Environmental Protection to disburse these funds for the listed projects only.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 184) urges Congress to examine the gap in pollution levels between U.S. and foreign manufacturers, particularly highlighting that goods produced in China and Russia generate 300-400% more carbon emissions than equivalent U.S. goods. It specifically points to China’s role as the world’s largest polluter (over 30% of global CO2 emissions) and argues that current U.S. trade policies disadvantage American manufacturers that adhere to stricter environmental standards. The resolution does not create new laws but requests Congress support policies that hold foreign polluters accountable through trade measures. It emphasizes that rewarding U.S. environmental performance could boost domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on high-emission imports.