Asm. Garnet Hall

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1700) requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to create a public awareness campaign about perinatal anxiety and develop policies for healthcare providers. It directly affects pregnant and postpartum women (within one year of childbirth), healthcare providers (including doctors and nurse midwives), and birthing facilities. Key provisions mandate that providers screen patients for perinatal anxiety at least once per pregnancy trimester, before discharge after birth, and during early postpartum visits - using either the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS) or an approved alternative. Providers must also educate patients and family members about symptoms, coping strategies, and treatment resources, with a focus on including partners and caregivers in the support process.

Maddy summaryThis bill would exempt poll workers' wages from being counted toward unemployment compensation calculations. Currently, earnings from poll work could reduce or eliminate an individual's unemployment benefits. The bill amends New Jersey's unemployment compensation law to specifically exclude wages earned by members of district boards of elections from being considered "employment" for unemployment benefit purposes. This change would directly affect individuals who serve as poll workers during elections and seek unemployment benefits afterward.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded internship program for New Jersey legislators, allowing each member to hire interns using up to $10,000 annually from a $1.2 million state appropriation. It requires interns to be full- or part-time students at accredited higher education institutions (excluding law and PhD programs), with New Jersey residents or students at NJ schools receiving priority. Participants complete at least one work period in a legislator's district office and receive a $1,000 stipend per period, paid bi-weekly or monthly. The program aims to provide practical experience for students while supporting legislative staff capacity.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires retail gun dealers to report to the State Police when a background check denies a firearm or ammunition purchase due to the buyer being a prohibited person (e.g., convicted of certain crimes or domestic violence offenses). Local law enforcement chiefs are then notified if a denied purchase occurs in their municipality, allowing them to address potential safety concerns. It applies directly to gun dealers conducting sales, local police departments, and individuals barred from firearm ownership under existing law. The key mechanism is mandating this notification process to improve communication between state and local law enforcement regarding denied transactions.

Maddy summaryThe "Firearm and Ammunition Procurement Act" sets new requirements for New Jersey state agencies when purchasing firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories. It mandates that businesses bidding on state contracts certify they do not sell unserialized gun kits or parts that can be used to build firearms (like unfinished frames), disclose any past inspection violations, and provide annual documentation on safety practices, including trace requests and theft reports. State agencies must reject non-compliant bids and cannot make emergency purchases of these items. The bill also requires agencies to develop compliance processes with the Attorney General, focusing on preventing straw sales, sales to prohibited individuals, and ensuring employee training. These rules apply to all future state contracts for these products.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the State House Complex Welcome Center in Trenton as the "Governor Richard J. Codey Welcome Center" to honor New Jersey's 53rd governor and longest-serving legislator. It requires the State Capitol Joint Management Commission to install appropriate signage bearing the new name and allows the commission to accept public or private donations to cover sign costs. The bill has no policy impact beyond renaming a facility and does not create new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Gaming Enforcement to study which words and phrases in gambling advertisements most effectively promote responsible gambling and deter problem gambling. The study will evaluate factors like message placement, font size, and effectiveness for specific groups - including problem gamblers, self-excluded individuals, and underage persons - and must be completed within 12 months. Following the study, the Division will develop 3-10 key phrases to be included in all casino and sports betting ads (alongside the existing "1-800 GAMBLER" requirement) at an optimized frequency. The bill also restricts gambling advertisements from appearing near schools, college campuses, or in media targeting underage or prohibited individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes statewide targets to reduce organic waste disposal in landfills: a 50% reduction from 2016 levels by 2027 and a 75% reduction by 2032. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) must adopt regulations within 18 months to achieve these targets, authorizing local governments to require waste generators (like businesses and residents) to divert organic waste and impose reasonable penalties for noncompliance. Local governments may also charge fees to cover costs related to implementing these rules. The DEP must report progress on these targets by July 2027, analyzing infrastructure needs, market development for recycled products like compost, and recommendations for further action.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies to review and potentially increase income eligibility thresholds for public assistance, school nutrition, and higher education financial aid programs. It directs agencies to raise these thresholds by the percentage increase in the state minimum wage since 2019 plus a cost-of-living adjustment. The bill affects millions of New Jersey residents who rely on programs like Medicaid, school meals, tuition aid, and utility assistance. Agencies must determine if they can increase eligibility while maintaining sufficient funding, particularly for federally funded programs. The bill appropriates funds from the General Fund to support these changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1825) establishes guidelines for health insurance plans regarding "step therapy" protocols, which require patients to try lower-cost medications before coverage is provided for a preferred medication selected by their doctor. It requires insurers to base these protocols on clinical guidelines developed by expert panels with conflict-of-interest safeguards, and creates a clear process for patients to request exceptions when step therapy would be harmful or ineffective. Insurers must grant or deny exception requests within 72 hours (24 hours in emergencies), and must report on exception requests and outcomes to the state insurance commissioner. This affects all health insurance carriers in New Jersey, including those offering SHBP, SEHBP, and Medicaid plans, as well as the patients and healthcare providers who use these plans.