Asm. Jay Webber

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1936) prohibits Institutional Abuse Investigation Unit (IAIU) investigators from interviewing children under age five in licensed child care centers, resource homes, or out-of-home care settings without prior parental consent. It directly affects parents or legal guardians of young children in these care settings by requiring their knowledge and consent before interviews occur. The key provision amends current regulations to mandate parental consent for these specific interviews, while allowing interviews of the child who is the subject of the investigation without consent. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to identify reservoirs with documented history of causing or worsening downstream flooding. For these reservoirs, the DEP must study downstream flood risks and water supply needs, then set maximum water levels to balance flood prevention with community water access. Reservoir owners must create and follow an approved flood action plan (including flood gates) within 90 days of DEP rules. The Office of Emergency Management can also order immediate water level reductions during severe weather to prevent flooding, with the state indemnifying owners who comply with these orders and approved plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents newly hired officers and employees of certain public associations (including the New Jersey Association of Counties, school board insurance groups, and municipal insurance funds) from enrolling in New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). It also terminates PERS enrollment for current employees with less than 10 years of service credit as of the bill's effective date. Employees with 10 or more years of service credit who continue working without a break may maintain their PERS membership. Additionally, the bill repeals provisions that allowed PERS and Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund members on leave to purchase pension credit while working for labor organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Community Affairs to compile and annually update a public list of all unfunded State and federal mandates imposed on municipalities and counties, including a good-faith cost estimate for each mandate. The Commissioner must post the list and its annual updates on the Department of Community Affairs website by July 1 of each year. This creates a transparent record of financial obligations local governments must cover without full State or federal funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the Morris Plains rail station as the "Frank J. Druetzler Station - Morris Plains, New Jersey" to honor former mayor and public servant Frank J. Druetzler. It requires the New Jersey Transit Corporation to rename the station and install signs bearing the new name. Crucially, the bill prohibits using state or public funds for the signs, instead authorizing the transit agency to accept private donations or grants from nonprofits, educational, or charitable entities to cover all related costs. The renaming is purely commemorative, reflecting Druetzler’s 38-year public service career in Morris Plains and Morris County.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the tax on cigars in New Jersey to a maximum of $0.50 per cigar, replacing the current 30% tax on wholesale price. It directly affects cigar retailers and consumers by capping the tax rate, which previously could exceed $0.50 for higher-priced cigars. The key mechanism is amending the tobacco tax law to set this flat maximum, clarifying that cigar tax cannot exceed 50 cents regardless of wholesale cost. This change aims to level the playing field for New Jersey brick-and-mortar cigar shops competing with out-of-state online sellers that don’t collect state tax.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled "Murphy's Law," creates a specific rule for New Jersey's emergency powers. It states that if the Governor violates their own emergency order, rule, or regulation (adopted under the state's Emergency Management Act), that specific order, rule, or regulation becomes void and unenforceable. It also establishes an affirmative defense for people prosecuted for violating such an emergency order: if the Governor committed the same violation, the defendant cannot be convicted for that specific breach. The law applies to violations classified as disorderly persons offenses (punishable by up to 6 months in jail or a $1,000 fine) and takes effect immediately for all pending and future prosecutions.

Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Healthcare Choice Act allows health insurers licensed in other states to offer individual health plans to New Jersey residents and small group health plans to New Jersey employers under specific conditions. To provide coverage in New Jersey, out-of-state insurers must offer the same plans in their home state, obtain a certificate of authority from the state insurance commissioner, and join New Jersey's guaranty association. The bill requires clear disclosures about how these plans differ from standard New Jersey plans and ensures marketing and claims processes meet state standards without imposing stricter rules than for local insurers. This aims to increase consumer choice and competition in the health insurance market while maintaining regulatory oversight.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A2658 caps noneconomic damages - such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress - in medical malpractice lawsuits at $250,000 per case. It directly affects patients who sue health care providers (including doctors, hospitals, and other licensed facilities) for professional negligence, limiting their recovery for non-monetary harms. The bill applies to all cases accruing after its effective date, while leaving economic damages (like medical bills) unaffected. This policy change restricts liability for health care providers without altering the standard of care or negligence claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants legal protection to licensed healthcare professionals who provide uncompensated care at hospitals or nonprofit clinics. It shields them from lawsuits for personal injury resulting from that free care, unless proven to stem from extreme carelessness or intentional misconduct. Before treatment, professionals must inform patients about this immunity. The law applies to doctors, nurses, dentists, therapists, and other licensed providers who volunteer services without billing or expecting payment.