Asm. Heather Simmons

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a New Jersey Transportation Consolidation Task Force to study merging five major state transportation entities: the New Jersey Transit Corporation, Transportation Trust Fund Authority, Turnpike Authority, South Jersey Transportation Authority, and Department of Transportation. The seven-member task force will include experts from universities, public finance professionals, and legislative leaders who will investigate legal, operational, and financial aspects of consolidation over a 12-month period. The group must submit a detailed report with findings, cost savings analysis, and a legislative proposal for establishing a single new independent transportation agency. The task force will have access to state agency resources, can hold public hearings, and will cease operations once the report is submitted.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey's Department of Agriculture to designate an institution of higher education as the "School of Agriculture for the Next Century" to focus on education, research, and workforce development in advanced agricultural technologies. The designated school must demonstrate expertise in areas such as drones, artificial intelligence, gene-editing, robotics, and precision farming, while satellite schools may be added to expand access across the state. The legislation encourages academic pathways that allow students to transfer coursework between community colleges and the designated school, but does not create new institutions or require additional state funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies to set aside at least 30% of their advertising budget for eligible local news organizations. The law defines eligible news organizations as those that produce original local content, maintain editorial independence, and meet specific operational and financial criteria. State agencies purchasing advertising must reserve this portion of their budget specifically for these qualifying local news outlets. The legislation aims to support local journalism by ensuring a steady stream of advertising revenue while maintaining the editorial freedom of news organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that testosterone therapy is covered under New Jersey's existing Menopause Coverage Act for women diagnosed with perimenopause or menopause. It requires health insurance plans to provide testosterone therapy to the same extent as other hormonal treatments, even if the FDA has not specifically approved it for these conditions. The legislation also mandates that insurers provide clear information about covered menopause treatments and includes other services like non-hormonal medications, behavioral health care, pelvic floor physical therapy, and bone health treatments. This change directly affects women in New Jersey who use testosterone therapy for menopausal symptoms and the insurance companies that cover their healthcare.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's County College Contracts Law to allow county colleges to disqualify bidders with prior negative experiences in previous contracts. It directly affects county colleges when awarding contracts for goods, services, or construction (excluding construction contracts), requiring them to consider a bidder's past performance. The key provision expands the definition of a "responsible bidder" to include excluding those with documented negative experiences, rather than solely focusing on lowest price. This change applies specifically to contracts under the County College Contracts Law (P.L.1982, c.189).

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2731) adds the right to use assisted reproductive technology (ART), including in vitro fertilization (IVF), to New Jersey's fundamental reproductive rights. It directly affects all individuals in New Jersey, including those under state control, by legally protecting their choice to access ART for starting or expanding a family. The key mechanism declares any state law, rule, or regulation limiting this right "deemed invalid" and unenforceable under New Jersey law. The bill responds to Alabama's 2024 court ruling that threatened IVF access, expanding existing protections for reproductive choices. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A4074) requires the state Department of State to create a public "Reproductive Health Travel Advisory" to inform residents about reproductive healthcare access in other states. The advisory categorizes states into three tiers: "Blue" (normal access), "Yellow" (restricted access with legal risks), and "Red" (extreme restrictions risking health outcomes). It details specific restrictions like gestational bans, medication limits, and legal protections for patients and providers. The advisory will be published online and updated whenever states change their reproductive healthcare laws. It directly affects New Jersey residents who may travel while pregnant and need to make informed decisions about emergency care.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies to offer businesses an optional electronic service for receiving legally required notices, such as violation warnings, underpayment alerts, and unemployment claims. It directly affects businesses operating in New Jersey that receive these official notices from state entities. State agencies must notify businesses about the electronic option within 60 days of the bill’s enactment and provide instructions for opting in. The bill does not change existing notice requirements but adds an electronic alternative, with the law taking effect 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill freezes state spending for Fiscal Year 2027 at 2026 levels for specific funds, including the State General Fund, Property Tax Relief Fund, Casino Control Fund, Casino Revenue Fund, and Gubernatorial Elections Fund. Any revenue collected in FY2027 exceeding the 2026 total must be deposited into the Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund in 2028. The requirement does not apply to federal revenue or constitutionally dedicated state revenue. The bill takes effect immediately and expires on July 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) to conduct a one-time confidential review of health insurance coverage for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The review will examine how insurers administer HRT coverage under the "New Jersey Menopause Coverage Act" and whether there has been an aggregate increase in coverage since that law took effect. DOBI will analyze data on prior authorization and step therapy decisions for HRT, as well as other insurer-collected information, and must report its findings to the Legislature within six months. This review directly affects health insurance carriers (by requiring them to provide data) and DOBI (as the reviewing agency), but does not change current coverage requirements.