Asm. Mike Venezia

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes two new entities in New Jersey: the Office of Healthcare Affordability and Transparency (within the Department of Health) and the Health Care Cost Containment and Price Transparency Commission. It requires hospitals, health insurers, and other healthcare providers to publicly report detailed pricing data for services like inpatient care, emergency visits, and physician services. The Commission will set annual benchmarks for healthcare cost growth and hospital pricing, monitor entities exceeding these benchmarks, and may impose public transparency requirements or civil penalties for noncompliance. These provisions directly affect all New Jersey hospitals, health insurers, and healthcare providers by mandating transparency in pricing and cost reporting to promote affordability.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a $15 fee for special license plates designated for firefighters and first aid/rescue squad members in New Jersey. Currently, these emergency service members pay an additional $15 fee on top of standard vehicle registration costs to obtain the plates. The bill would allow eligible volunteer, part-time, and paid members of fire departments or first aid/rescue squads to receive these plates at no extra cost (only standard registration fees would apply). It requires annual renewal with proof of continued membership and was withdrawn after being approved as P.L.2025, c.354.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require public schools receiving state aid to begin regular high school instruction (grades 9-12) no earlier than 8:30 a.m. It directly affects school districts, charter schools, and specialized school districts that receive state funding. The requirement aligns with medical recommendations for adolescent sleep needs and applies starting the 2024-2025 school year. Exceptions exist for students with individualized education plans under federal law.

Maddy summaryThis bill caps annual rate increases for residential electric and gas utility customers at 5% per year, preventing frequent or large hikes. Utilities may exceed this limit only during defined "extraordinary circumstances," such as major natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, earthquakes) or state/federal emergencies. It directly affects households receiving residential utility service by limiting how much providers can raise bills annually. The law establishes a clear, enforceable rate limit with specific exceptions for unforeseen crises.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs New Jersey's Department of Education to create a multimedia advertising campaign promoting teaching and education support careers as engaging and rewarding opportunities. The campaign must highlight available scholarships, student loan programs, and financial support for prospective educators, using digital, TV, radio, and print media. It also requires targeted outreach to recruit teachers from underrepresented racial groups and into high-demand fields like STEM education, special education, and bilingual programs. The bill appropriates $1 million from federal ARP Act funds to implement these efforts, effective immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to appoint a mental health specialist for student-athletes. The specialist must conduct three mental health screenings per season using approved tools (with parental consent), provide ongoing support for injured athletes, and develop a school mental health policy for coaches and staff. It also mandates the creation of a state registry for aggregated, non-identifiable data collected from screenings. The bill directly affects all public schools with athletic programs and aims to integrate mental health support into student-athlete participation.

Maddy summaryACR 26 is a constitutional amendment proposal that would permit sports wagering at Atlantic City casinos and horse racetracks on professional and amateur sports events. It specifically prohibits betting on college sports events involving New Jersey college teams, regardless of where the event is held. If approved by voters, this amendment would remove a constitutional barrier, allowing the legislature to authorize such betting through future laws while maintaining the existing restriction on New Jersey college sports. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election following its passage.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A3352) requires courts to provide counseling services for children in domestic violence cases and establishes that custody must generally be awarded to the domestic violence victim in appropriate cases. It mandates courts to advise victims and children about counseling services, allows emergency protective orders including firearm restrictions, and ensures temporary orders can be issued quickly without the victim's physical presence. The bill directly affects domestic violence victims, their children, and courts handling family cases, focusing on immediate safety and long-term support. It amends existing law to prioritize victim safety and child welfare in custody determinations.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A1411 requires firearm retailers to provide customers with a written disclosure at the point of sale. This disclosure informs buyers they must report lost or stolen firearms within 36 hours to local law enforcement or state police, and warns that purchasing firearms with intent to resell to ineligible buyers is illegal. Retailers must have customers sign and keep copies of this disclosure for 15 years, and post the same notice visibly at all sales counters. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for repeat violations, with collected fines funding gun violence prevention efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill reforms New Jersey Transit (NJT) governance by creating an independent Office of Customer Advocate to represent riders' interests. It requires the NJT board to include more diverse public members (with specific transit experience or expertise) and limits political party representation to no more than three members. The bill mandates detailed public reporting on capital projects and strengthens board independence from state transportation oversight. These changes directly affect NJT riders, board members, and the transparency of transit funding decisions.