Asm. Kenyatta Stewart

Maddy summaryThis bill grants emergency driving privileges to vehicles transporting human organs and the medical personnel accompanying them for time-sensitive procedures. By amending state traffic statutes, the legislation allows these specific vehicles to bypass standard traffic rules to ensure rapid delivery of organs. The measure directly affects organ transport teams and aims to facilitate faster transportation without creating new operational procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's definition of a "commercial motor vehicle" to change the minimum passenger capacity threshold from 16 to 15 people, including the driver. The change directly affects vehicle owners and operators who drive buses or vans that can carry between 15 and 16 passengers, as these vehicles will now be classified as commercial motor vehicles. Consequently, drivers of these vehicles may be subject to stricter commercial driver license requirements and regulations that previously applied only to larger vehicles. The legislation also clarifies that vehicles designed to transport between 8 and 15 passengers generally remain outside this definition unless they meet other specific criteria, such as transporting hazardous materials or children to school.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a voluntary program in New Jersey that awards a State Seal of Civic Readiness to high school graduates who demonstrate strong civic knowledge and engagement. To earn this distinction, students must show proficiency in civics through existing coursework, complete a civic-focused extracurricular activity or community service, and finish a citizenship-related project or portfolio. Participating school districts will issue a certificate and add an insignia to transcripts, while the State Board of Education will set specific criteria without adding new graduation requirements. The Commissioner of Education will also submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing how many students received the award.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires health insurers to cover colorectal cancer screenings for all covered individuals aged 33 and older, as well as for those under 33 if their doctor deems it medically necessary. The law mandates that these screenings follow the most recent guidelines from the United States Preventive Services Task Force and must be provided without any deductibles, copayments, or other out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, the bill ensures that if a non-colonoscopy screening test returns a positive result, the subsequent colonoscopy is also fully covered. These changes apply to various types of health insurance contracts issued or renewed in the state after the act becomes effective.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits financial institutions from charging administrative fees, such as account maintenance or transaction costs, for the checking accounts and debit cards issued to individuals released from incarceration in New Jersey. It requires that any remaining funds in an inmate's prison account be transferred to their new free account or provided on a fee-free debit card upon release, ensuring these individuals can access their money without additional costs. The legislation also mandates that the Department of Corrections work with financial institutions to offer these banking services at no cost to the released person, while maintaining the option for inmates to decline a checking account if they prefer.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill mandates that health insurance plans cover early-stage kidney disease screening without charging patients any deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance. The law specifically requires coverage for blood tests measuring glomerular filtration rate and urine tests checking albumin-creatinine ratios when a physician deems them medically necessary. Insurance providers must treat these screenings with the same benefits as other medical conditions, provided the patient meets clinical guidelines set by the National Kidney Foundation. The policy applies to various types of hospital and medical service contracts issued or renewed in the state after the act takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the "End-Stage Kidney Disease Prevention and Innovation Act" to establish research centers focused on rare kidney diseases within New Jersey's Department of Health. The legislation allocates $10 million to fund grants and cooperative agreements with public and private nonprofit organizations, prioritizing institutions that serve minority and underserved communities. Key provisions include conducting research on disease causes and treatments, increasing public awareness, offering fellowships for nephrology training, and ensuring that studies do not use metrics that discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the bill mandates a study on testing methods and preventative care, with specific attention to genetic testing for the APOL1 gene and its impact on diagnosis and treatment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "New Jersey Holistic Representation Model" statewide within the Office of the Public Defender to expand a pilot program that previously operated in three counties. The law requires each regional office to form teams for eligible clients that pair a public defender attorney with a non-attorney client services specialist. These specialists are tasked with connecting individuals to resources for mental health, substance abuse, housing, employment, and other life challenges while attorneys focus on legal defense. The act also mandates the creation of databases to track community resources and requires all team members to maintain client confidentiality.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new criminal offense for landlords who harass residential tenants with the intent to force them out of their homes. It defines harassment to include actions such as cutting off essential services, threatening violence, repeatedly entering the property, or filing frivolous eviction cases. The law also expands liability for members of limited liability companies that own rental properties, holding them personally accountable for these actions. Penalties range from disorderly persons offenses to fourth- or third-degree crimes depending on the severity and frequency of the behavior, while also allowing victims to seek civil penalties and damages. Additionally, the bill provides a mechanism for prosecutors to delay charges if the landlord agrees to fix the problematic behavior within ten days.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a five-year pilot program in New Jersey to fund workforce readiness activities for youth aged 12 to 19. The $5 million appropriation will be distributed through competitive grants to community-based organizations and partnerships that offer out-of-school time programs, such as after-school or summer activities. These programs aim to provide education and training that help young people develop the skills needed for employment while also engaging local employers in addressing workforce needs. The legislation defines eligible partners as nonprofit groups with proven expertise in career pathways and data tracking to measure student progress.