Asm. Rosy Bagolie

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the statute of limitations for prosecuting kidnapping and human trafficking crimes in New Jersey, meaning prosecutors can file charges at any time regardless of when the offense occurred. For civil cases, it extends the deadline for victims to sue perpetrators from 5 to 10 years, with options to file within 10 years of turning 18 (if a minor at the time), within two years of discovering the injury, or after a trafficking pattern ends. The bill also pauses the clock during periods of victim disability (e.g., mental illness or intellectual disability) and blocks defendants from using the statute as a defense if they caused delays through threats or fraud. These changes aim to provide victims more time to pursue justice in both criminal and civil courts.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires health insurance plans and Medicaid programs to cover prescription drugs for specific serious mental illnesses without prior authorization or step therapy protocols. It defines "serious mental illness" to include conditions like bipolar disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, and other disorders listed in the latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The legislation applies to all health insurance carriers in New Jersey, mandating coverage for these medications without utilization management barriers that often delay treatment. This would directly affect individuals with these mental health conditions who currently face insurance hurdles to accessing necessary medications.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's film and digital media tax credit program to require that all original music and musical scores developed for qualifying productions must be produced and recorded domestically within the United States. The requirement directly affects film and digital media companies seeking tax credits under the program, making domestic music production a necessary condition for eligibility. The tax credit program allows eligible producers to claim credits of 30-40% of qualified production expenses, with additional requirements related to New Jersey-based work. This policy change updates the program to ensure that music content for eligible productions is created within the U.S.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1067) requires the state's Department of Human Services to conduct a landscape analysis of mental health services accessible to deaf and hard of hearing residents. It mandates that mental health services be provided in a client's primary communication method (like sign language or speech), delivered by professionals certified in that method and trained in culturally appropriate care for the deaf community. The bill also requires the creation of a resource guide listing providers meeting these standards and defines key terms like "culturally affirmative mental health services." It directly affects deaf and hard of hearing individuals seeking mental health care across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 17-member Chronic Absenteeism Task Force to study chronic absenteeism in New Jersey public schools. The task force, including the Commissioner of Education and members appointed by legislative leaders and education stakeholders, will analyze causes like barriers to attendance, mental health impacts, and pandemic-related absences. It must issue a final report with recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within one year, after which the task force will expire. The bill does not change school policies or funding but creates a structured process to assess and address absenteeism trends.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets a minimum daily reimbursement rate of $1,100 for special care nursing facilities in New Jersey that operate approved units for neurologically impaired young adults. It applies specifically to facilities holding a Department of Health certificate of need as of July 1, 2023, and must meet all state and federal licensing, safety, and quality standards. Starting January 1, 2024, these facilities will receive reimbursement at the higher of their 2022 rate or $1,100 per day under the NJ FamilyCare program (New Jersey's Medicaid program). The policy directly affects these specialized nursing facilities by ensuring a baseline payment level for their care services.

Maddy summaryThis bill would automatically register eligible New Jersey residents to vote when they apply for or renew a driver's license or non-driver ID card at the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), with applicants able to decline registration. The MVC would transmit voter registration information to the Secretary of State, who would send a confirmation notice by mail including options for political party affiliation and mail-in ballots. The bill also establishes procedures for updating voter registration when people change addresses through MVC interactions and includes special provisions for people released from incarceration who receive non-driver ID cards. The bill would take effect on January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how New Jersey workers' compensation benefits calculate the value of employer-provided board and lodging. Instead of automatically counting it at $25 per week, it requires using current market value unless the employee agreed to a different amount at hiring. However, if a worker continues to receive board or lodging during total temporary disability, its value will not be included in compensation calculations. The change affects workers' compensation claimants whose employers provide housing or meals as part of their wages.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services to create a public awareness campaign about doulas. It mandates the campaign to explain doulas' role before, during, and after pregnancy; describe their services and benefits; and list free or low-cost resources for doula care. The campaign must develop materials in the top 10 languages spoken in New Jersey and distribute them online and through health clinics, WIC offices, Planned Parenthood, pharmacies, and community organizations. The bill directly affects residents seeking maternal care by improving access to information about doula services, without changing healthcare eligibility or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits certification requirements for career and technical education (CTE) teachers seeking a "Certificate of Eligibility" through the alternate route program. It prohibits the State Board of Education from requiring these teachers to complete educator preparation programs exceeding 200 hours or one academic year (currently 350 hours). The bill also removes the requirement to pass basic skills tests like the Praxis Core if candidates demonstrate proficiency through approved alternatives (e.g., occupational licenses, portfolios). These changes aim to streamline certification for CTE teachers, addressing concerns about program length and cost that have impacted recruitment.