Asm. Lisa Swain

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4944) requires New Jersey’s Department of Human Services (DHS) to launch a public awareness campaign about doula and midwife services. It directs DHS to educate women and birthing persons - especially those enrolled in NJ FamilyCare - on the benefits of these services, including improved maternal and infant health outcomes, culturally competent care, and coverage for prenatal, birthing, and postpartum support. The campaign will use print and digital media, and DHS must post clear information and an annual updated directory of approved doula and midwife providers on its website. The bill specifically aims to increase access to these services by clarifying NJ FamilyCare coverage details.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all health insurers, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and the State Health Benefits Program in New Jersey to cover medically necessary ovarian cancer screening for women with symptoms or at higher risk. Specifically, it mandates coverage for annual pelvic exams, ultrasounds, and blood tests (like CA-125 markers) as part of routine screening. The law applies to all individual, group, small employer, and state-purchased health plans issued or renewed after its effective date. This ensures consistent access to these diagnostic services without additional cost to patients who qualify under the specified criteria.

Maddy summaryACR 157 is a symbolic resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry, directly affirming support for Hindu Americans in New Jersey. It formally declares the state's stance against prejudice toward Hinduism ("Sanatana Dharma") and Hindus, citing documented hate crimes and Hindu contributions to U.S. society. The resolution requires transmission to the Governor, New Jersey’s congressional delegation, and the Hindu American Foundation in Washington, DC. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create legal obligations but serves as a public statement of the state’s position. It recognizes Hinduism’s global significance and the community’s economic and cultural contributions to New Jersey and the U.S.

Maddy summaryThe "Climate Superfund Act" would hold fossil fuel companies liable for climate change damages by requiring them to pay compensatory payments based on their historical greenhouse gas emissions. It targets companies that extracted or refined fossil fuels and are responsible for over one billion metric tons of emissions between 1995 and the bill's effective date. The bill establishes a program through New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to collect these payments and distribute funds for climate adaptation projects, such as flood protection, infrastructure upgrades, and health programs. Companies would pay their proportional share of damages over nine years, with options for installment payments, and the collected funds would specifically support projects that help communities prepare for climate impacts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires mental health services in New Jersey to be provided in a culturally affirming and linguistically appropriate manner for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. It mandates that services be delivered in the client's primary method of communication, as determined by the client's preference or a communication assessment, and that mental health professionals be certified as fluent in that method. The bill establishes a deaf services coordinator position within the Department of Human Services to oversee implementation, develop certification standards for professionals, and ensure access to services statewide, including through telemedicine in underserved areas. It also requires the development of a statewide system of care with specific standards for communication accessibility and cultural competence in mental health services.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution (AR 178) condemns the U.S. House of Representatives for passing a budget resolution that would cut $1.5 trillion from the federal budget over ten years, specifically targeting healthcare (Medicaid/Medicare), education, and SNAP benefits. It urges the U.S. Senate to reject the House resolution, citing potential severe impacts on New Jersey residents who rely on these programs: approximately 1.8 million low- and moderate-income people use NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid/CHIP), and 830,000 receive SNAP food assistance. The resolution states that funding cuts could reduce federal Medicaid support by up to $5.2 billion and threaten SNAP benefits through eligibility restrictions or benefit limits. As a procedural resolution, it does not change laws but expresses New Jersey's opposition to the proposed cuts.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4979) requires New Jersey law enforcement officers to complete mandatory training on identifying machine gun conversion devices. It amends existing law to specify that all officers must receive periodic training covering these devices - components that convert semiautomatic firearms to shoot multiple rounds per trigger pull - as part of their required continuing education. The training must be approved by the Police Training Commission and documented by officers and their departments. This policy change directly affects all active law enforcement officers in New Jersey by adding a specific, practical skill requirement to their existing training obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs to collect specific data on professional and occupational license applications and submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within six months of enactment. The report must include processing times for initial licenses, the number of incomplete applications, call volume metrics from applicants, employee retention funding, and IT improvements. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Attorney General develop profession-specific training for new staff handling license applications and review outsourcing phone support to external organizations. The measure directly affects the state agency managing licenses, license applicants, and potential contractors, aiming to improve transparency and efficiency in the licensing process.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires outdoor lighting fixtures installed or replaced by the State or at projects receiving State funds to meet specific environmental and efficiency standards. It mandates the use of fully shielded fixtures to prevent upward light pollution, limits light output to necessary levels (not exceeding recommended illuminance), and requires full cutoff fixtures for lights exceeding 1,800 lumens. Temporary exceptions apply for emergencies, nighttime work, or safety needs, and the Department of Transportation must assess whether reflective road markers could replace lighting on roadways. The goal is to reduce energy waste, minimize light trespass and glare, and protect New Jersey's natural nighttime environment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's FY2025 Community Hazard Assistance Mitigation Program (CHAMP) to add three new hazard mitigation projects to the list eligible for funding: Brick Township's reservoir improvements, Rochelle Park's sewer pump station reconstruction and elevation work, and Highlands Borough's flood mitigation and green infrastructure. It increases the total authorized funding from $7.2 million to $13.8 million to cover these nine approved projects. The New Jersey Infrastructure Bank will provide low-interest loans to local governments for these resilience initiatives, which aim to protect communities from flooding and climate-related risks. These projects directly affect Bergen County municipalities and other local governments receiving CHAMP loans.