Asm. Heather Simmons

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Department of Human Services to create a single online portal for applying to Medicaid programs that allow individuals to manage their own home and community-based services. The system will include a standardized application form and an automated screening process to determine eligibility and refer applicants to the appropriate waiver programs. Additionally, the bill mandates uniform documentation requirements for participants who wish to hire their own staff to provide care. These changes aim to simplify the enrollment process for people currently in or seeking these specific Medicaid support programs.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires food service businesses to clearly inform customers about major food allergens present in each menu item. Covered establishments, such as restaurants, cafés, and grocery stores, must display this information directly on menus, via digital codes linking to websites, or through separate written materials like charts and booklets. The law mandates that allergen notices use common names or approved standardized symbols and applies to both permanent and temporary menu items, while exempting prepackaged foods already regulated by federal labeling rules. Enforcement is handled by the Department of Health or local health boards, which can issue written notices and order corrective action if violations occur.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the cure period for small businesses facing certain non-criminal violations by 30 days, adding to the existing 60-day period. It applies to businesses with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees for first-time violations that don’t threaten public safety, employee income, or the environment. State agencies may grant this additional 30-day extension only if they determine denying it would conflict with equity and good conscience. The bill does not apply to labor law violations, criminal matters, or cases where federal rules require penalties. It also requires agencies to publicly report waived violations annually.

Maddy summaryBill A 3571 allows counties, municipalities, and local agencies (like economic development organizations) to form regional partnerships for joint economic planning. These partnerships can include businesses, schools, nonprofits, and other local entities to develop strategies for attracting new businesses, retaining existing ones, redeveloping areas, and sharing project costs. Partnerships may access loans or matching grants for marketing, advertising, and business support programs. The bill also permits local governments to create alternative agreements for economic development, requiring approval from the Local Finance Board. (Bill A 3571, introduced January 13, 2026)

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2762) expands New Jersey's Jersey Fresh Program to officially include marketing and promotion of locally produced liquor, beer, and wine. It directs the Department of Agriculture to develop a quality grading system for these products - similar to its existing system for fruits and vegetables - and appropriates $100,000 annually from the General Fund to fund this promotion. The program will specifically target alcoholic products made from agricultural commodities grown in New Jersey, such as grapes for wine or grains for beer. This change formally adds alcohol products to the Jersey Fresh branding and marketing efforts, which previously focused on non-alcoholic agricultural goods.

Maddy summaryAJR 109 designates April each year as "Donate Life Month" in New Jersey to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging New Jersey residents to register as donors and participate in related activities. It directly affects all New Jersey residents by promoting donor registration at motor vehicle agencies or online through the National Donate Life Registry. The bill does not create new laws or funding but aims to support existing donation efforts, noting that one donor can save eight lives and enhance over 75 others through tissue donation.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the definition of human trafficking crimes in New Jersey and removes the statute of limitations for prosecuting these offenses, allowing authorities to pursue cases regardless of how much time has passed. It also creates specialized human trafficking response teams to coordinate investigations and support services, while increasing training and education requirements for law enforcement and related professionals. Additionally, the bill appropriates $1 million to the Commission on Human Trafficking to fund these initiatives and improve victim support systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as Elijah's Law, requires licensed child care centers and family day care homes in New Jersey to implement mandatory annual training for staff on food allergy recognition and emergency response procedures. It authorizes these facilities to keep FDA-approved epinephrine devices available for immediate use in anaphylaxis emergencies, with dosing based on the child's weight. The legislation also establishes a regulatory framework for training content and defines key terms related to allergy management and emergency preparedness.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to collaborate with neighboring states to research alternatives to PJM Interconnection's capacity market system, which has caused record-high electricity costs for consumers. It directs the BPU to evaluate three specific options: requiring electric utilities to secure 80% of their future capacity through long-term contracts, withdrawing from PJM's market to create a new multi-state compact, or leaving PJM's transmission grid entirely. The BPU must submit a report by December 2025 with findings and recommendations, addressing concerns that PJM's current system has led to $14.7 billion in projected consumer costs for 2025/2026 - up from $2.2 billion previously. The bill directly affects New Jersey ratepayers and electric utilities by seeking to reduce electricity costs through regional grid policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Board of Medical Examiners to ensure that the average time to process physician license applications (from the date all required documents are received) does not exceed 51 days. It directly affects physicians applying for medical licenses and the State Board of Medical Examiners, which must meet this processing target. The bill mandates the Board to annually report to the legislature on its progress toward meeting the 51-day goal. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment.