Asm. Chris Tully

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires hospitals providing breast cancer surgical treatments (like mastectomy or lumpectomy) to give patients written notice at diagnosis - before surgery consent - about their rights to consult with any board-certified plastic surgeon (regardless of hospital or insurance network) and coverage for reconstructive surgery under state/federal law. It also prohibits health insurance contracts from blocking doctors from recommending plastic surgeons outside their network or denying reconstructive surgery coverage based solely on a surgeon’s network status. The policy applies specifically to patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer, breast cancer genes, or other breast abnormalities. Hospitals must provide this notice upon diagnosis, ensuring patients understand their options for reconstruction and coverage.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 2085) establishes the "Innovation Partnership" to provide state funding for nonprofit organizations that support emerging technology businesses in New Jersey. It directly affects emerging tech companies in fields like cybersecurity, biotechnology, renewable energy, and advanced materials - particularly minority-owned and women-owned businesses (defined as having at least 51% ownership by minorities or women). The key mechanism creates a state-funded "Fund" administered by the Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology, which will certify nonprofit "Innovation Partners" to provide financial assistance and resources to qualifying businesses. The bill requires these nonprofits to prioritize support for minority and women-led tech ventures, aiming to strengthen New Jersey's innovation ecosystem through targeted funding. The bill is pending before the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3086) prohibits all consumer and commercial uses of paraquat dichloride, a toxic herbicide and desiccant, within two years of its effective date. It directs New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to create rules banning these uses and requiring facilities that currently use paraquat to implement worker safety measures. The law specifically exempts uses already regulated under federal law (Toxic Substances Control Act). The bill affects farmers, gardeners, and businesses using paraquat, directly addressing health risks noted by the EPA, including fatal ingestion and serious skin/eye injuries from exposure.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 2098) prohibits institutions of higher education and certain proprietary schools from withholding student transcripts due to unpaid debts of $2,000 or less for non-mandatory charges (like campus fees, not tuition or room/board). It specifically bans institutions from refusing transcripts, charging extra fees, or conditioning transcript access on debt payment for qualifying students. Exceptions apply for unpaid tuition/room/board debts, debts exceeding $2,000, or students needing transcripts for new student loans. The bill also requires institutions to post transcript policies online and clarifies that transcript access does not forgive debt or affect diploma issuance. Note: This bill was withdrawn as it was already enacted as P.L.2025, c.353.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 14-member "Home Security Systems Anti-Burglary Task Force" within New Jersey's Department of Law and Public Safety. The task force will study home security systems (including keyless entry, cameras, and alarms) and make recommendations to manufacturers and installers to prevent residential burglaries. It includes representatives from law enforcement, industry groups (like the Electronic Security Association and Insurance Council), and public members with security business experience. The task force must submit a report with specific recommendations for improving security systems and any needed legislative changes within six months, after which it will expire.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the minimum age to obtain a firearms purchaser identification card in New Jersey from 18 to 21 years. It directly affects individuals under 21 who wish to purchase rifles or shotguns (excluding antique models), as they would no longer be eligible for the required card. The key provision amends New Jersey Statute 2C:58-3(c)(4) to increase the age threshold for this specific permit. The change applies only to rifles and shotguns, not handguns (which already require a 21+ age for permits). The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a public database managed by New Jersey's Business Action Center (within the Department of State) listing vacant commercial properties available for small businesses to lease or purchase. The database must include specific details like square footage, included equipment, and building systems (e.g., HVAC, security). Commercial property owners are required to report vacancies or occupancy changes to the center, which will update the database monthly using input from owners, realtors, and municipalities. The database will be accessible online and promoted to business associations and local chambers to help small businesses find suitable space more efficiently.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Inclusive Workplaces Program within New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to provide financial support for employers creating inclusive environments for neurodivergent employees. It offers grants of up to $25,000 per small business (employing fewer than 150 people) and tax credits (up to $25,000 or 50% of eligible investments) for large businesses (150+ employees), both requiring at least one or three neurodivergent employees respectively. Key provisions include funding for sensory-friendly workspace adjustments, adaptive equipment, and staff training programs, with a total annual appropriation of $2.5 million. The program requires employers to apply and demonstrate specific workplace investments before receiving support.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes mandatory standards for domestic violence counseling programs required by courts for offenders. It directly affects defendants ordered to attend such counseling in domestic violence cases, requiring programs to include four key components: risk assessments identifying escalating violence patterns, education on power/control tactics, verified attendance tracking with court reporting, and regular oversight by New Jersey's Department of Children and Families. The law aims to ensure counseling programs actively promote offender accountability rather than simply meeting attendance requirements. It implements a specific recommendation from a 2023 criminal justice report and takes effect three months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurers, the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), and the State Employees Health Benefits Program (SEHBP) to cover specific mammogram screenings. It mandates one baseline mammogram for women aged 35 and annual screenings for women 35 and older, while also requiring coverage for women under 35 with breast cancer risk factors (like family history) as determined by their provider. Additional tests like ultrasounds or MRIs are covered if needed due to dense breast tissue, abnormal results, or other risk factors. The law applies to all health insurance plans in New Jersey, ensuring these screenings are covered without additional out-of-pocket costs for eligible individuals.