Asm. Shanique Speight

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a regulated framework for psilocybin use in behavioral health treatment for New Jersey residents aged 21 and older. It creates an 18-month development period during which a Psilocybin Advisory Board will develop guidelines, followed by licensing requirements for psilocybin product manufacturers, service centers, and facilitators. The bill decriminalizes psilocybin use for those 21+ and expunges past convictions related to psilocybin offenses. It also includes a social opportunity program to promote equitable access and requires strict tracking of psilocybin products for safety and regulatory purposes.

Maddy summaryS 2019 allows New Jersey pharmacists to dispense HIV prevention medication (PrEP) and emergency HIV treatment (PEP) without a patient's individual prescription under specific conditions. Pharmacists must follow a standing order from the health commissioner, complete required training, and verify patient eligibility - including a recent negative HIV test, no acute symptoms, and no contraindicated medications - before dispensing up to a 90-day supply. The bill also mandates that health insurance plans cover these medications without prior authorization. This directly affects pharmacists (expanding their role), patients seeking HIV prevention (improving access), and insurers (requiring coverage).

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow New Jersey to join a multi-state compact enabling physician assistants (PAs) licensed in one participating state to practice in other member states without obtaining separate licenses. It directly affects PAs seeking to work across state lines and healthcare systems needing to recruit PAs more flexibly. Key provisions include mutual recognition of licenses ("Compact Privilege"), requirements for states to maintain criminal background checks and report disciplinary actions, and ensuring PAs practice under the jurisdiction of the state where the patient is located. The compact aims to improve access to medical services, particularly benefiting military families who relocate frequently.

Maddy summaryThe "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey" requires all voting policies to be interpreted in ways that maximize voting access for all eligible voters, particularly members of racial, color, and language-minority groups. It prohibits voting practices that burden protected class members and mandates language assistance for limited English proficient voters. The bill creates a preclearance process for voting changes in jurisdictions with a history of voting rights violations and establishes the New Jersey Voting and Elections Institute to maintain public voting data. These provisions aim to ensure equitable access to voting and protect against voter suppression and vote dilution.

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' roles before, during, and after pregnancy; detail their services and research-supported benefits; and list free or low-cost doula resources. The campaign must provide materials in the top 10 languages spoken in New Jersey, available online and distributed through health clinics, WIC offices, Planned Parenthood locations, pharmacies, and community organizations. The goal is to increase public understanding and access to doula services for pregnant and postpartum individuals statewide.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A4848) requires doctors and nurses to screen pregnant patients for lead exposure if they identify risk factors - such as living in older housing - based on CDC and medical guidelines. It mandates one lead screening per pregnancy for at-risk patients, with providers notifying patients of elevated lead levels and ensuring children under six in the household are screened. Patients can refuse testing in writing, and labs must report results to health departments within five business days. The law applies to all pregnant individuals in New Jersey receiving care from covered healthcare providers, aiming to prevent lead poisoning during pregnancy.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the enrollment window for newborn infants in health benefits coverage from 60 to 90 days after birth. It directly affects newborns and their parents or guardians who must enroll infants in existing health plans. The key change modifies existing law to require that notification of a birth and required payment must be submitted within 90 days (previously 60 days) to maintain coverage beyond that period. The policy change provides families with additional time to complete enrollment paperwork without losing coverage for their newborn. This applies to both family-type and non-family-type health benefit contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs to set a standard minimum of 180 days for tenants using federal housing choice voucher program (Section 8) assistance to find new housing when they must vacate due to a landlord selling the property. Currently, tenants have only 60 days to relocate, with extensions granted at the agency's discretion. The new standard applies to all public housing agencies in the state administering the federal program, ensuring consistent time for relocation. The department may also grant additional extensions as needed for affected households.

Maddy summaryThis bill would enter New Jersey into the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, creating a multistate licensing system for cosmetologists. Under the compact, cosmetologists licensed in New Jersey would be able to practice in other participating states without needing separate licenses, provided they meet uniform requirements. The compact establishes a Cosmetology Licensure Compact Commission to manage the system, share disciplinary information between states, and ensure public safety standards are maintained. This would reduce barriers for cosmetologists seeking work across state lines while maintaining regulatory oversight. The system requires member states to share information about licensees and disciplinary actions to protect public health and safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4193) requires licensed healthcare providers offering prenatal care in New Jersey to offer and provide, upon request, screening for postpartum depression to pregnant patients with a history of depression. It directly affects pregnant patients who have experienced depression and the healthcare professionals treating them. The key provision adds a new requirement to existing law, mandating that providers screen these specific patients during prenatal visits when requested. This expands current policies that already require education about postpartum depression and postnatal screenings for all new mothers. The law aims to improve early detection and support for at-risk patients.