Asm. Heather Simmons

Maddy summaryS 4864 allows municipalities, counties, school districts, and fire districts to use project labor agreements for public works projects costing less than $5 million, which is currently the minimum threshold for such agreements under New Jersey law. This bill removes the $5 million cost barrier specifically for these local units, enabling them to voluntarily negotiate project labor agreements on smaller projects without requiring the project to meet the existing threshold. The change does not affect the $5 million requirement for state-level projects or other public entities. Local governments will now have the option to use project labor agreements on projects under $5 million to promote labor stability, cost efficiency, and project completion goals.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows municipalities, counties, school districts, and fire districts in New Jersey to voluntarily enter into pre-hire agreements (called project labor agreements) for public works projects costing less than $5 million. Currently, such agreements are only permitted for projects meeting or exceeding the $5 million threshold. The bill does not change the existing $5 million requirement for other public works projects but gives local governments the option to use these agreements for smaller projects if they determine it benefits cost, efficiency, or labor stability. It requires local entities to negotiate agreements in good faith and allows the state labor commissioner to review them for compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5422) allows businesses registered with New Jersey's Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services to opt into receiving updates about new regulations and economic incentives via email instead of paper mail. It directly affects businesses required to register with the Division (including corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships, but excluding nonprofits and government agencies). Key provisions include: businesses can provide an email address during registration or renewal to receive digital notifications, the Division shares these emails with the Department of Labor for communication, and businesses can later switch back to paper mail by requesting it. The bill replaces mandatory paper notices with an electronic option while maintaining the ability to revert to traditional mail.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale, distribution, import, export, or propagation of specific invasive plant species in New Jersey without a permit from the Department of Agriculture. It establishes a New Jersey Invasive Species Council to help identify and manage invasive species, and requires the Department to develop a list of regulated species based on ecological harm rather than just non-nativeness. Businesses selling plants will need permits for regulated species and must provide labeling and educational materials to consumers about preventing spread. The bill sets up a penalty system for violations, with fines up to $5,000 for repeat offenses. Certain plant cultivars of Chinese Silvergrass (NCMS1 and Tift M77) are exempt from the requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates tiered retirement benefits in New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), moving all current non-retired members to the "Tier 1" benefit level previously available to members who joined before July 1, 2007. It requires public employers to enroll eligible employees (earning above minimum salary but not meeting hour requirements) into PERS within 60 days, and automatically transfers service credit from the Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP) to PERS for DCRP participants - without transferring their contributions - unless they opt out within six months. Disability recipients under long-term insurance become eligible for disability retirement benefits if they apply within two years. Changes apply only to retirement applications processed after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A5785) requires all health insurance plans to cover specific preventive services without cost sharing or waiting periods, with coverage required at least once per calendar year (January 1 to December 31). It affects all health insurance plans in New Jersey, including hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and individual and group health insurance plans. The bill covers evidence-based services rated "A" or "B" by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, CDC-recommended immunizations, and preventive care for children and women as outlined in federal guidelines. Insurers must cover these services through out-of-network providers if they don't have in-network providers available for the service. This ensures people with health insurance in New Jersey can access recommended preventive care annually without financial barriers.

Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Menopause Coverage Act requires all health insurance plans in New Jersey to cover medically necessary treatments for perimenopause and menopause to the same extent as coverage for other medical conditions. Covered treatments include hormonal therapies, non-hormonal medications, behavioral health services, pelvic floor physical therapy, bone health screenings and treatments, preventative services for related conditions like cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, and counseling. The law applies to all health insurance carriers in the state, including hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health service corporations, and health maintenance organizations. Insurers must also provide clear information about covered treatments to policyholders. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment and applies to policies delivered, issued, executed, or renewed on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits pet shops in New Jersey from selling cats, dogs, or rabbits, repealing the previous "Pet Purchase Protection Act." It establishes a $500 fine for violations and allows pet shops to sell other animals or pet supplies, while enabling collaboration with shelters to showcase adoptable animals without exchanging payment. The bill defines "unfit for purchase" for animals and specifies that an animal's death within 14 days of sale (except by accident) would be considered evidence of being unfit. It also prohibits animal rescue organizations, shelters, and pounds from obtaining animals from breeders or brokers in exchange for compensation. The law does not affect pet dealers (not pet shops) or consumer rights for animals purchased from them.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey county colleges to disqualify bidders who have had prior negative experience with public institutions of higher education. County college boards of trustees may disqualify a bidder who would otherwise be the lowest responsible bidder or most advantageous bidder if they find the bidder failed to perform, defaulted on a contract, or was suspended from state contracting. The law requires colleges to provide written notice of potential disqualification, offer a hearing if requested, and consider mitigating factors before disqualifying a bidder for up to five years. This provision aims to help colleges avoid working with vendors who have previously provided unsatisfactory service.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires health insurance plans and Medicaid programs to cover prescription drugs for specific serious mental illnesses without prior authorization or step therapy protocols. It defines "serious mental illness" to include conditions like bipolar disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, and other disorders listed in the latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The legislation applies to all health insurance carriers in New Jersey, mandating coverage for these medications without utilization management barriers that often delay treatment. This would directly affect individuals with these mental health conditions who currently face insurance hurdles to accessing necessary medications.