Asm. Shanique Speight

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an alternative payment option for electric power suppliers to meet New Jersey's Class II renewable energy requirements. Instead of generating or purchasing renewable energy, suppliers can pay a set fee per megawatt-hour (MWh) to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. The payment amount is defined in the bill as a specific dollar figure per MWh, providing a financial compliance mechanism for utilities. This directly affects electric power suppliers who must meet renewable energy mandates under existing law. The bill does not change the renewable energy targets but offers a new compliance pathway.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2214) requires New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) to preserve federal benefits - such as Social Security or Veterans Administration payments - for children in foster care, rather than using them to cover state foster care costs. It mandates that DCF determine within 60 days of a child's placement whether the child qualifies for such benefits, apply for them on the child's behalf, and establish special accounts (like special needs trusts) to save or use the funds for the child's current unmet needs or future needs. DCF cannot use these federal benefits to offset the state's expenses for the child's care, and must provide annual financial reports to the child, their attorney, and family. The law directly affects children in foster care who are eligible for federal benefits, ensuring these funds are reserved for the child's individual needs rather than state budgeting.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new contracting goals for New Jersey state agencies to increase participation by minority and women-owned businesses, based on a 2024 disparity study showing ongoing statistical gaps in public contracting. It requires state agencies and prime contractors to make a "good faith effort" to meet specific targets - 7% for minority-owned businesses and 3% for women-owned businesses - across construction, professional services, and goods/services contracts. The law defines key terms like "minority business" and references the 2024 disparity study as the basis for these goals, which replace previous race-neutral approaches. The bill is pending before the Assembly State and Local Government Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a multiple sclerosis (MS) public awareness campaign within New Jersey's Department of Health. The campaign will provide accessible information to all New Jersey residents about MS, including its causes, symptoms, treatment options, and how it impacts quality of life. It requires the Department of Health to develop print and electronic materials (in English and Spanish) covering comprehensive MS descriptions, available educational resources, and strategies for managing the disease. The department must maintain this information on its website, updating it as new medical knowledge becomes available. The campaign directly serves people living with MS, their families, and the general public seeking accurate, up-to-date health information.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires construction permit applicants in New Jersey to disclose the anticipated funding sources and amounts for their projects. It applies to most construction projects but excludes single-family homes, routine renovations or repairs of dwelling units, and small-scale alterations (like individual units in buildings with fewer than three units). Applicants must provide this funding information when applying for a permit, and before receiving a certificate of occupancy, they must certify the accuracy of that information or submit updated details. The Commissioner of Community Affairs will develop specific rules within 180 days to implement these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 2220) requires health care providers and insurance carriers to obtain a patient's explicit written consent before sharing their medical records related to reproductive health care services - such as pregnancy, contraception, or abortion care - unless specific exceptions apply. The law directly affects patients receiving these services, ensuring they control how their sensitive health information is used or shared. Key exceptions include medical emergencies, legal requirements (like court orders), sharing with a patient's own health care team, or disclosures to authorities investigating abuse. The bill prohibits selling, marketing, or using such records for non-treatment purposes without consent, while preserving existing federal privacy protections under HIPAA. Violations could result in $1,000 penalties per incident.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Division of Pensions and Benefits to provide a report on available funds in the local government portion of New Jersey's State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) before transferring money from the State portion to cover shortfalls. It mandates monthly reporting to the State Health Benefits Commission and State Treasurer detailing local fund balances, claims payable, and anticipated premiums. The report must be submitted prior to any temporary fund transfer, ensuring transparency before moving funds to cover 10 days of payments. This directly affects the Division of Pensions and Benefits (as the reporting entity) and the State Health Benefits Commission (as the recipient).

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's Food Security Coordination and Response Program within the Department of Human Services to improve access to food and nutrition resources. It directly affects SNAP and WIC beneficiaries, particularly pregnant individuals, parents of young children, and communities facing disruptions in food assistance benefits. Key provisions include creating a working group with agency heads and community representatives, setting up an emergency fund for crisis response (funding food banks, childcare programs, and maternal health supports), and requiring a public awareness campaign in multiple languages. The program also mandates a quarterly data dashboard tracking food insecurity rates, SNAP/WIC enrollment, and maternal health indicators. The bill is currently proposed legislation, having been introduced in January 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits retailers from selling flavored cigarettes (including menthol, which was previously exempt), non-premium cigars, and oral nicotine pouches with non-tobacco flavors. It applies directly to stores, vending machines, and employees selling these products, with penalties including $250 for a first violation, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for third or subsequent violations. Retailers may also face license suspension or revocation after repeated offenses, as determined by local municipalities. The law expands an existing 2008 ban to cover these additional products and shifts enforcement focus to retailers rather than individual consumers.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A1887 proposes to remove specific date and location requirements for veterans to qualify for state benefits. Currently, eligibility depends on service during defined conflict periods (e.g., WWII service between September 1940-December 1946), but this bill would amend the definition of "veteran" to eliminate those time-bound criteria. It directly affects veterans who served in conflicts like World War II, Korea, Vietnam, or later missions but may not meet the current narrow date windows. The change would broaden eligibility by focusing on service-connected status rather than exact historical dates. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.