Asm. Heather Simmons

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens New Jersey's child labor law by increasing penalties for violations and requiring employer registration. It creates tiered fines: $500-$2,000 for basic violations (up to $4,000 for repeat offenses), $1,000-$2,000 for employing unregistered minors or violating school-hour rules, and $4,000 minimum for cases involving minor injuries or death. Employers must register with the Department of Labor, acknowledge written rules about penalties, and face registration suspension (1-2 years) or 3-year hiring bans for violations. The law directly affects employers hiring minors, particularly those in unsafe occupations, during school hours, or without proper authorization.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's Bill A 3418 requires the Department of Health (DOH) to create and distribute public education materials about cardiomyopathy and related high-risk heart conditions (like long QT syndrome and Brugada syndrome) to schools, healthcare providers, and families. The materials will explain symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies specifically targeting children, adolescents, and young adults to address sudden cardiac arrest risks. The DOH must also develop a public cardiomyopathy risk assessment tool and submit regular reports on the condition's prevalence and research needs. These materials and tools will be shared with school administrators, coaches, healthcare professionals, and posted online, aiming to improve early detection and awareness.

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, the "Car Insurance Reduction Act," modifies New Jersey auto insurance regulations to directly affect insurers and drivers. It prohibits insurers from using credit history, education, occupation, or certain license types in underwriting or pricing, and requires them to provide clear, online explanations of how premiums are calculated - including whether non-driving factors were used. Insurers must also allow consumers to compare coverage options and estimated premiums on their websites. Additionally, the bill mandates rate reductions for safe driving (potentially using telematics) and new data-sharing requirements for fraud detection between insurers and state agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for New Jersey employers who hire qualified individuals with disabilities. Employers can claim a 15% credit on wages paid to these employees (up to $2,000 per employee annually), provided the worker meets ADA criteria, works at least 35 hours weekly at $15+ per hour, and is not an independent contractor. To qualify, employers must apply for certification through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, which must approve applications within 90 days. The credit applies to both corporation business tax and gross income tax returns, with limits preventing credits from reducing tax liability below the statutory minimum.

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 bill establishes mandatory early intervention programs for toddlers and children aged 3-5 who are deaf or hard of hearing, directly affecting these children and their parents or guardians. It requires two annual meetings with a language team (including a pediatric audiologist, teacher of the deaf, deaf mentor, and speech pathologist) until language development benchmarks are met, and pairs parents with trained deaf/hard of hearing mentors who share lived experience and support language development. Enrollment is automatic for eligible children with a parent/guardian opt-out option, covering toddlers until age three and older children until kindergarten entry. The program aims to support language acquisition through structured team meetings and peer mentorship, as defined in the bill's provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a public awareness campaign and call center to help New Jersey residents navigate property tax relief programs. It requires the Division of Taxation to educate homeowners and tenants about six specific programs (including ANCHOR, Homestead, Stay NJ, veterans' benefits, and senior/deductions) through media and online resources, explaining eligibility, applications, and required documents. A multilingual call center must provide real-time assistance for these programs, staffed within the state. The bill also mandates an annual report from the Stay NJ Task Force on its activities. The direct beneficiaries are residents eligible for these property tax relief programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Human Services to seek federal Medicaid waivers to fund additional graduate medical education slots focused on behavioral health care. It directly affects medical training programs in the state, enabling them to use Medicaid funds for new training positions in behavioral health. The bill establishes a process where existing and new medical education programs can request these funds, contingent on federal approval of the required Medicaid plan amendments. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3432) requires health insurance plans in New Jersey (both hospital and medical service corporation contracts) to cover specific preventive services without cost-sharing. It mandates coverage for USPSTF "A"/"B" rated services, CDC-recommended immunizations, pediatric care guidelines, and women's preventive services, with coverage required at least once per calendar year (not policy year). Plans must cover out-of-network services when no in-network provider is available for covered services, and coverage begins one year after a new recommendation is issued. The bill affects all applicable insurance contracts issued or renewed in New Jersey, ensuring broader access to preventive care without patient cost-sharing for these specific services. (Note: The bill was withdrawn after being approved as P.L.2025, c.386.)