Asm. Shanique Speight

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state and county correctional facilities to help inmates prepare for Medicaid coverage before release. Specifically, it mandates a peer-led session at least 60 days prior to release explaining Medicaid benefits and application options, followed by a dedicated enrollment session within five days to assist with completing applications. Facilities must also ensure inmates receive Medicaid eligibility notifications and physical Medicaid cards at the time of release if approved. The policy does not change Medicaid eligibility standards but aims to streamline access to healthcare for returning individuals by addressing enrollment barriers.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new criminal offense for stealing delivered packages from residential properties ("residential package theft"), classifying it as a third-degree crime for thefts under $75,000 or a second-degree crime for $75,000 or more. It establishes a "Porch Theft Task Force" within the Department of Law and Public Safety to coordinate law enforcement, cargo carriers (like USPS), and data collection on package thefts, with mandatory reports to the governor and legislature. The bill also mandates a public awareness campaign to educate residents on prevention and reporting, funded by an appropriation from the General Fund. The law directly affects residents receiving deliveries, law enforcement agencies, and cargo carriers, with stricter sentencing for repeat offenders including mandatory minimum prison terms.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey long-term care facilities (like nursing homes) and home/community-based care providers to implement certified electronic health record systems within 270 days, with state grants available to support this transition. It also clarifies that telehealth services provided in long-term care settings must receive reimbursement rates equal to in-person services (with limited exceptions for audio-only visits), ensuring parity for these settings. Additionally, facilities must provide internet, TV, and phone access in every resident room within six months, with funding available to help cover costs. These requirements apply directly to licensed long-term care facilities and home-based providers, aiming to improve care coordination and resident connectivity.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners of specific buildings - including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, public housing, and correctional facilities - to test drinking water annually for Legionella bacteria. Owners must use Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)-approved methods and labs, report results to the DEP, and notify residents if levels exceed DEP-set standards. If contamination is found, owners must begin remediation within 30 days and complete it within six months, followed by retesting to confirm safety. The law aims to prevent Legionnaires' disease outbreaks by ensuring regular water safety checks in high-risk facilities.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A 2084 bill requires the Department of Health to develop a voluntary shared decision-making tool for maternity care hospitals and birthing centers. The tool will include patient questionnaires, educational materials about pregnancy care options, and resources to help patients understand risks and benefits of procedures like inductions or cesarean sections. A three-year pilot program will test the tool in at least one facility from each of the state's three regions, collecting data on outcomes like induction rates, birth plans created, and patient experiences. After the pilot, participating facilities must report on the tool's effectiveness and recommend improvements for potential statewide use.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows licensed social workers in New Jersey to earn up to four hours of required continuing education credit by volunteering as poll workers during state primary or general elections. Social workers receive two credits for each election they serve (primary, general, or both), with a maximum of four credits per license renewal period. To claim these credits, workers must provide proof of service, such as a county-issued assignment letter. The bill does not require social workers to volunteer - it simply offers this as an optional way to meet their continuing education requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services to create a program helping children under 18 with incarcerated non-custodial parents access safety net benefits. The program must collaborate with Corrections and Courts to identify affected children, then contact their custodial parent or guardian at least three times (including one written contact) to explain available benefits like food assistance, healthcare (NJ FamilyCare), and childcare subsidies. It mandates tracking applications and providing eligibility decisions within 30 days of submission. The bill directly affects children in these situations by connecting them to existing state support programs they might otherwise miss.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to stop using current transportation providers for disabled veterans traveling to New Jersey’s two VA medical centers (in East Orange and Lyons) and instead fund existing county paratransit services or nonprofit organizations like ARC of New Jersey. It directly affects approximately 53,000 disabled veterans in New Jersey who face inadequate transportation, including reports of veterans being stranded for hours or overnight. The key mechanism is redirecting VA funds to expand existing high-quality paratransit networks - already serving seniors and disabled residents - to cover VA medical appointments, rather than relying on underfunded or inconsistent VA-provided services. The resolution has no legal force but requests the VA reconsider its transportation partnerships.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2178) amends New Jersey's Commission on Human Trafficking to specifically require the commission to study human trafficking affecting women and children of color. The commission must identify risk factors making these groups vulnerable, develop prevention strategies, and recommend ways to improve support services for victims. The commission will continue its existing duties - like evaluating laws, reviewing victim programs, and promoting public awareness - but now with a focused mandate on racial disparities in trafficking. It will report annually to the Governor and Legislature on its findings and legislative recommendations related to this specific population.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a $15 fee for special license plates designated for firefighters and first aid/rescue squad members in New Jersey. Currently, these emergency service members pay an additional $15 fee on top of standard vehicle registration costs to obtain the plates. The bill would allow eligible volunteer, part-time, and paid members of fire departments or first aid/rescue squads to receive these plates at no extra cost (only standard registration fees would apply). It requires annual renewal with proof of continued membership and was withdrawn after being approved as P.L.2025, c.354.