Rep. Barbara McCann Stamato

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school staff (including those in after-school programs) to complete epilepsy and seizure disorder care training every five years. It directly affects school boards, administrators, and all school personnel who interact with students. The key provision mandates that training must be provided through a Department of Health-approved course from a nonprofit epilepsy support organization. This ensures staff can recognize seizures, provide appropriate care, and know when to seek help, as outlined in individualized health plans developed with parent input and physician guidance. The law applies to all schools in the state and takes effect at the start of the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey scrap metal businesses to implement new safety measures. Specifically, businesses must conduct quarterly record audits to ensure prohibited items aren't present and reduce fire risks by either employing fire suppression-trained staff or installing a remotely operable on-site fire suppression system. The fire suppression system requirement gives businesses five years to comply, while the quarterly audits begin immediately. These changes directly affect all scrap metal businesses operating in the state, focusing on preventing fires and ensuring proper record-keeping.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits rental property owners and property management software companies from coordinating to restrict competition on rent prices. It bans using software that collects and analyzes rental data (like prices and lease terms) from multiple landlords to recommend or fix rents, which the bill identifies as a cause of rising rents in New Jersey. The law makes it illegal for owners to subscribe to such "coordinating" services, for software companies to facilitate price-fixing agreements, or for landlords to engage in "consciously parallel pricing coordination." Violations will be enforced under New Jersey's existing Antitrust Act, with new public education efforts to inform renters about reporting suspected violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5598) modifies New Jersey's requirements for obtaining a public accountancy license. It changes the education requirement from 120 semester hours to either a baccalaureate degree or 150 hours of education with an accounting concentration. For out-of-state license holders, it removes the "substantial equivalence" standard and instead requires a current valid license from another state, passing the Uniform CPA exam, and one year of experience. The bill includes a grandfather clause allowing individuals with licenses from other states before December 31, 2025 to continue practicing without meeting the new requirements. It also clarifies experience requirements and updates processes for foreign license holders.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DHS) and the State Board of Medical Examiners to create a faster process for reviewing applications from doctors who want to join NJ FamilyCare (the state's Medicaid and children's health insurance program). Specifically, the medical board must share a physician's license number with DHS within 5 days of issuing it (or provide denial documentation within 5 days if licensure is denied), and DHS must begin processing applications immediately if they include license details or proof of pending licensure. DHS must also notify applicants within 10 days of receiving the license number if additional documents are needed. The bill does not change existing licensing or enrollment requirements and clarifies that approval cannot be granted before DHS receives a National Provider Identifier number.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey retail food establishments (like restaurants and cafes) to clearly label beverages containing 150 milligrams or more of caffeine per serving with a "High caffeine" notice or approved symbol. The disclosure must appear directly next to the beverage name on all menus, including digital displays and drive-thru boards. Violations carry fines of $200-$500 for the first offense and $500-$1,000 for repeat offenses, enforced by the Department of Health or local health boards. The law preempts local regulations on caffeine disclosures and prohibits private lawsuits for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires water suppliers to immediately notify specific entities when drinking water quality standards are violated. Affected groups include municipalities, school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools within the affected area. Suppliers must provide detailed information via phone and email, including contaminant names, test dates, locations, exceedance levels, and suggested remedies. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

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 bill exempts health care professionals licensed in foreign nations from New Jersey's standard licensing requirements when providing medical services exclusively to athletes or team personnel affiliated with international teams participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The exemption applies only during the tournament period (June 1-July 31, 2026), covering services related to training and events leading up to and during the World Cup (June 11-July 19, 2026). It does not affect licensing for general practice in New Jersey or services outside this specific event. The policy aims to streamline medical support for participating teams without altering permanent licensing standards.

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.