Asm. Gary Schaer

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in New Jersey to continue covering prescription drugs for individuals with complex or chronic medical conditions (conditions without a known cure that can be severely debilitating or fatal if untreated) or rare diseases (affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S.) while they appeal a coverage denial based on medical necessity. During an appeal, insurance plans cannot limit coverage, increase out-of-pocket costs, or move the drug to a more restrictive tier. Insurance can only deny coverage during the appeal if the prescribing provider discontinued the drug, the FDA issued a safety warning, or the manufacturer notified the FDA of discontinuance. The bill applies to various health insurance plans including individual policies, group plans, health maintenance organizations, and state health benefit programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public community water systems (serving at least 15 connections or 25 year-round residents) to provide specific lead-related information to customers. It mandates that water systems include details about lead sources, health effects, and reduction measures in annual Consumer Confidence Reports (as required by federal law), and send written notices to new customers within 90 days of service. Additionally, systems must notify all customers 48 hours before lead pipe work (or as soon as practicable in emergencies), including temporary water safety risks and mitigation steps. All notices must align with guidelines published by the Department of Environmental Protection within 120 days of the bill's effective date. The law directly affects residents, businesses, and institutions receiving water from covered systems across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new corporate classification called "Garden State Corporation" for manufacturers operating primarily in New Jersey. To qualify, a corporation must have its facilities in New Jersey, include employee-elected board members (50% of the board) chosen by all NJ-based employees with equal voting rights, and amend its governing documents accordingly. Qualifying corporations receive tax credits against the state business tax: up to 60% in the first five years if also a benefit corporation, or 35% if not, with reduced credit years if both statuses apply. The tax benefits last up to nine years, ending after the ninth consecutive year of status.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the personal needs allowance for veterans and their spouses who receive Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). It raises the monthly allowance from $35 to $50 for Medicaid recipients and from $40 to $50 for SSI recipients. The allowance will automatically increase each January by the same percentage as the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment. The changes require federal approval before taking effect but will apply to veterans and spouses residing in facilities like nursing homes or psychiatric hospitals.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1582) requires New Jersey public school students who sustain a concussion to obtain an evaluation and written clearance from a licensed health care professional before returning to school. It also prohibits students from participating in any physical activities (like recess or PE) until they receive this clearance. School districts must implement any restrictions or limitations recommended by the health professional, using their 504 team (per N.J.A.C. 6A:8-1.3), and notify all relevant staff. The law applies directly to public school students, school districts, and licensed health care providers who diagnose/treat concussions.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 52) symbolically recognizes the 75th anniversary of Israel's establishment on April 25, 2023. It honors Israel's founding and achievements as a democratic society, reaffirms New Jersey's longstanding partnership with Israel, and commends the state's cultural, economic, and educational ties. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it serves solely as a ceremonial statement from the New Jersey General Assembly. It directly affects no individuals or entities but expresses official support through symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 84) expresses support for the Abraham Accords - peace agreements between Israel and several Middle Eastern nations including the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. It recognizes the importance of peace, coexistence, and mutual understanding among Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities in the region. The resolution formally urges U.S. federal leadership to support continued peace dialogue and directs copies to the President, Secretary of State, and New Jersey’s congressional delegation. It has no direct effect on citizens or policy but serves as a statement of legislative support for the accords.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the New Jersey General Assembly's support for the federal Emmett Till Antilynching Act, which became law in March 2022 making lynching a federal hate crime. It does not create new state law but formally endorses the federal legislation and the broader use of legislation to address historical racial injustices. The resolution directs that copies be sent to the U.S. President, Congress, and New Jersey's congressional delegation. It references the historical context of lynching and notes that this federal act was the first such law in over a century. As a symbolic resolution, it has no direct policy impact on New Jersey residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans the sale of flavored cigarettes (including menthol, which was previously exempt), non-premium cigars, and oral nicotine pouches in New Jersey. It defines "flavored" as any added taste or aroma (like fruit, mint, or chocolate) that makes a product taste or smell other than tobacco, excluding naturally occurring flavors without added flavorings. Retailers who sell these products face civil penalties starting at $250 for the first violation, increasing to $1,000 for third and subsequent offenses. Repeat violations may also lead to suspension or revocation of a retailer's tobacco sales license.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey taxpayers to deduct up to $45,000 annually from their gross income for specific property cleanup costs. It covers lead paint removal (by certified contractors), asbestos abatement (by licensed contractors), lead pipe/plumbing replacement, soil remediation, leaded window replacement, and water treatment system costs for sodium/chloride-contaminated well water. The deduction applies to primary residences, owner-occupied homes, or rental units, with requirements including municipal affidavits for lead/asbestos work and proof of contamination for water treatment. The provision expires December 31, 2025, and is available regardless of taxpayer income.