Asm. Chris Tully

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A3128 requires all health insurance plans sold in the state to cover diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations with no out-of-pocket costs to patients. It applies to group and individual health insurance contracts, mandating that insurers pay for these exams without deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. Diagnostic exams evaluate abnormalities found during screenings or detected another way, while supplemental exams screen high-risk patients (e.g., those with dense breasts or family history) when no abnormality is present. The law aligns with National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines and applies to all plans except those specifically structured as medical savings accounts under federal law. This directly affects all New Jersey residents with health insurance who may need these breast exams.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3115) requires every New Jersey public school to have at least one full-time school psychologist, with a maximum student-to-psychologist ratio of 500:1 per school. It directly affects all local school districts in New Jersey, mandating they hire qualified psychologists certified under New Jersey law. School districts must also seek federal funding to support implementation. The law takes effect for the second full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 100) urges New Jersey public and nonpublic schools to annually invite parents or guardians to observe school security drills. It directly affects parents of students in these schools, addressing concerns that unannounced drills may cause anxiety, especially for younger children. The key provision requires schools to offer this observation opportunity at a time determined by the school, aiming to educate parents about drill procedures and staff safety measures. The resolution does not mandate the action but seeks to reduce parental worry by increasing transparency about existing monthly security drills required by state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Human Services to seek federal Medicaid waivers to fund additional graduate medical education slots focused on behavioral health care. It directly affects medical training programs in the state, enabling them to use Medicaid funds for new training positions in behavioral health. The bill establishes a process where existing and new medical education programs can request these funds, contingent on federal approval of the required Medicaid plan amendments. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a five-year WATER Pilot Program within New Jersey's Department of Labor, appropriating $1 million to fund water-sector apprenticeships. It directly affects eligible organizations - such as businesses, unions, colleges, nonprofits, and public utilities - that run accredited water-related training programs (e.g., for wastewater workers) and partner with industry. Key provisions require applicants to demonstrate U.S. Department of Labor accreditation, secure industry partnerships, and prioritize underserved communities, with grants covering program costs. Grantees must report annually on participant enrollment, completion, and job placement, while the Department must evaluate the program’s effectiveness yearly.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Medicaid program to review and improve its Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) Program, which coordinates long-term care for Medicaid members. It directs the state to assess quality oversight, barriers to moving members from nursing homes to community settings, and successful payment models nationwide. The state must then mandate managed care organizations (MCOs) to reduce caseloads for nursing home residents, conduct more frequent face-to-face visits, annually review member preferences for community transitions, and create transition teams for complex moves. Additionally, the state must create public report cards on its website showing MCO performance metrics, enrollment data, disenrollment rates, member feedback, and quality ratings to help Medicaid members choose providers. The report cards must be updated annually, and the state must submit a progress report to the legislature within 18 months.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey State Police to submit a biannual report to the Legislature detailing the number of sex offenders who failed to register under Megan's Law. The report would provide the count of non-compliant individuals twice each year, starting from the bill's effective date. The bill does not change the existing registration requirements for sex offenders but adds a new reporting duty for law enforcement. This measure provides the Legislature with regular data on compliance with the state's sex offender registration law.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits of members in New Jersey's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). It directly affects current and future retirees who are members of this system, restoring annual benefit increases tied to inflation. The key provision amends existing law to allow the retirement system's board of trustees to reinstate these automatic COLAs without requiring additional contributions from members, provided actuarial certification confirms the change won't harm the fund's long-term stability. The bill does not create new benefits but returns a previously reduced feature of the retirement system.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a grant program administered by New Jersey's Economic Development Authority to fund advertising and marketing costs for eligible science and technology businesses. It directly affects small tech companies in New Jersey with fewer than 225 employees (75% based in the state) operating in specified sectors like biotechnology, renewable energy, or information technology. Grants must cover only advertising/marketing expenses, require annual financial reports to verify proper use, and convert to loans if misused. The program aims to stimulate economic development by supporting these emerging businesses' market outreach.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a $2,000 deduction from New Jersey gross income tax for eligible volunteer firefighters, first aid squad members, and rescue squad volunteers. To qualify, individuals must serve the entire tax year, meet specific duty requirements (60% fire service attendance or 400 duty hours for fire volunteers; 10% rescue service attendance or 400 duty hours for first aid/rescue volunteers), and hold required certifications (Firefighter I for fire volunteers or approved EMS training for rescue volunteers). Fire departments and first aid/rescue squads must submit annual lists of qualifying members to state agencies by March 31st. The deduction applies to taxable years beginning after the bill's enactment date.