Asm. John Allen

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A1710 bill creates legal protections for children receiving gender-affirming health care by preventing other states from interfering with this care. The bill amends child custody laws to ensure New Jersey courts can handle cases where children receive this care here, and prohibits New Jersey from extraditing, prosecuting, or sharing medical records related to gender-affirming care with other states. It specifically prevents courts from considering a parent's decision to seek gender-affirming care as a factor against them in custody disputes, and stops New Jersey courts from enforcing other states' laws that would remove children from parents for allowing this care. The bill applies to all providers, parents, and medical professionals involved in providing or facilitating gender-affirming care for children in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThe Mental Health Access Act (A2500) requires New Jersey's Medicaid program to reimburse providers for specific outpatient behavioral health services at rates no lower than Medicare's rates. This directly affects licensed mental health professionals and facilities that provide evidence-based counseling (such as individual or group therapy for mental health, addiction, or emotional disorders) to Medicaid patients. The bill defines "evidence-based" as treatments meeting state criteria set by health officials and mandates that services must be delivered in outpatient settings. It also directs state agencies to seek federal approval for funding adjustments to cover the increased costs, with implementation beginning four months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates an exception in New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act that previously allowed smoking in casinos and simulcasting facilities. It would require these venues to become smoke-free, meaning no smoking would be permitted inside for employees, patrons, or visitors. The change directly affects casino operators, staff, and customers at all New Jersey casinos and simulcasting facilities (such as those with slot machines, table games, or dedicated seating for betting). This policy shift extends the existing indoor smoking ban to these locations, removing a long-standing exemption.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits tourist helicopter operations that provide sightseeing tours in specific areas, including the Hudson River between New Jersey and New York City, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. It requires the Commissioner of Transportation to ban these operations at all state-licensed aviation facilities like airports, heliports, and helistops. The prohibition does not apply to helicopters operated by federal/military authorities, state government, or for emergency medical transportation. The bill would take effect immediately upon enactment.