Asm. Barbara McCann Stamato

Maddy summaryThis bill allows municipalities with populations over 150,000 (first-class cities) to transfer only a portion of their public employees from their locally-run health benefits program into the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), rather than requiring an "all or nothing" switch. It requires cities to provide affected employees with 45 days' written notice and share both current and proposed benefit plan details before implementing any transfer. The bill specifically modifies existing law to permit this partial transfer while allowing cities to keep other employees in their local health program. It applies to cities currently operating their own health benefits plans under N.J.S. 40A:10-17.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a presumption of pretrial detention for individuals charged with reckless vehicular homicide (when driving under the influence) or strict liability vehicular homicide (driving while intoxicated). It directly affects defendants convicted of these specific vehicular homicide offenses, requiring courts to detain them pretrial unless they can prove by a preponderance of evidence that release conditions would reasonably assure their appearance in court and community safety. The bill amends New Jersey law to extend the existing pretrial detention presumption, which currently applies to murder and life imprisonment offenses, to these vehicular homicide cases. It also includes provisions for vehicle forfeiture (unless hardship is proven) and allows courts to suspend or revoke drivers' licenses in these cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how New Jersey municipalities count votes to fill vacancies in mayoral or governing body positions. It specifies that members who abstain from voting will not be counted toward the required majority, so a majority is determined only by those voting yes or no. The law affects all New Jersey municipalities when filling vacancies in the mayor's office or on local governing bodies (like city councils). This procedural change clarifies vote counting without altering substantive policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that write-in candidates for county committee must receive a number of write-in votes at least equal to the number of signatures needed to place their name on the primary ballot. Currently, candidates must gather a minimum of 25 signatures (in smaller municipalities) or 50 signatures (in larger municipalities), or 5% of the previous primary vote for their party (but never fewer than one), to appear on the ballot. The bill extends this signature threshold to the vote count for write-in candidates, ensuring they meet the same standard as candidates who are listed on the ballot. This change applies to all New Jersey counties and affects how county committee members are elected without being on the official ballot.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey colleges and universities to include average starting salaries for graduates of specific degree programs on their financial aid "shopping sheets." These sheets, already mandated to show costs, debt, and loan options, will now add salary data to help students compare institutions based on post-graduation earnings. The requirement applies to public/independent colleges and certain proprietary schools offering degrees. Institutions must provide this information annually to prospective students and enrolled students to aid their financial planning. The data will be organized by degree program, allowing families to evaluate potential return on investment alongside tuition costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits transportation network companies (like Uber or Lyft) from using surge pricing during declared states of emergency in New Jersey. It specifically bans fare increases exceeding double the normal rate for prearranged rides during emergencies declared by the Governor or President. Companies violating this rule face civil penalties of up to $10,000 for first offenses and $20,000 for repeat violations. The law directly affects riders seeking transportation during crises and requires companies to disclose standard fare structures upfront. It applies only to app-based ride services, not traditional taxis or emergency medical transport.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2201) requires insurers to provide small employer health benefits plan sponsors with at least 90 days' written notice before canceling or not renewing their stop loss insurance policy. It directly affects small business employers who self-fund health coverage for their employees through stop loss insurance. The key provision mandates this 90-day notice period in a format determined by New Jersey's Commissioner of Banking and Insurance. The bill applies to policies issued or renewed 90 days after its enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey Medicaid coverage to include cochlear implants and auditory osseointegrated devices for hearing-impaired individuals, in addition to existing hearing aid coverage. The expanded coverage requires these devices and related services to be deemed medically necessary and prescribed by a licensed physician or audiologist. The policy change directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries who require these specific assistive devices for hearing impairment. The bill codifies and expands upon the current Medicaid policy that already covered hearing aids when medically necessary.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey county colleges to apply for permission to offer four-year bachelor's degrees in applied science fields facing regional labor shortages. County colleges must submit detailed proposals to the New Jersey Presidents' Council, including program descriptions, facility plans, cost analyses, and accreditation plans. The Council reviews proposals, gives feedback for corrections, and forwards approved proposals to the Higher Education Secretary for final approval, contingent on program accreditation. Colleges may offer no more than three such degrees under this process, and must report on program outcomes to the Legislature seven years after launch. The bill directly affects county colleges, students seeking these degrees, and employers needing skilled workers in targeted fields.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Commission on Human Trafficking’s existing duties to specifically address trafficking affecting women and children of color. It requires the commission to study racial disparities in trafficking vulnerability, identify prevention strategies for these groups, and improve support services for victims. The commission must then make legislative recommendations based on these findings. The bill does not create new programs but directs the existing commission to prioritize these issues in its annual work.