Asm. Lisa Swain

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to share domestic violence central registry records - tracking individuals with restraining orders, charges, or violations - with licensed health care practitioners (such as doctors, nurses, and therapists) who have a legal duty to warn and protect potential victims. Currently, these confidential records are only shared with law enforcement, courts, or child protection agencies under specific circumstances. The bill adds health care professionals to the list of authorized recipients when they are legally obligated to warn a patient about domestic violence, expanding access to better support victims. Unauthorized disclosure of these records remains punishable by up to 18 months in prison or a $10,000 fine.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A2303) requires colleges and universities to report any allegations of sexual misconduct committed by health care professionals (such as nurses or therapists) who work at the institution to the state licensing board that oversees their profession. The licensing board must then investigate the allegation to determine if disciplinary action - like suspending the professional’s license - is needed. Institutions reporting in good faith are protected from civil lawsuits, and the bill does not prevent schools from conducting their own internal investigations or reporting crimes to police. The policy directly affects higher education institutions and state licensing boards, focusing on ensuring professional accountability without altering existing school disciplinary processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey colleges and universities to let final-year graduate students in mental health care programs (like psychiatry, psychology, or social work) graduate early or start clinical residencies early during the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 academic years. To qualify, students must have completed all required coursework, and institutions must assign a staff mentor to guide them during clinical placements. It aims to address mental health workforce shortages amplified by the pandemic by accelerating the entry of trained professionals into the field. The measure applies only to institutions that choose to implement it, with no requirement for mandatory participation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Drinking Water Quality Institute to study how to regulate and treat perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. The study must assess whether a single standard for all PFAS chemicals (or groups of them) would be feasible instead of individual standards for each substance, and evaluate treatment technologies to remove PFAS from water. The DEP must submit a report to the Legislature and publish it online within 24 months of the bill's enactment. This study aims to inform future regulatory decisions affecting public water systems and drinking water safety in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs to provide free menstrual hygiene products - such as tampons, sanitary napkins, and menstrual cups - to eligible low-income individuals who menstruate. Eligible enrollees would receive these products at no cost by presenting a valid Medicaid card at participating pharmacies, with the quantity and frequency determined by health experts in consultation with the Department of Human Services. The program depends on federal approval of a waiver under the Social Security Act to legally cover these products under Medicaid, as current federal rules prohibit such purchases. The goal is to address "period poverty" by ensuring reliable access to essential hygiene products for low-income menstruators, reducing health risks and school absences linked to product shortages.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey county and municipal police departments to create designated safe areas on their property for in-person exchanges of items listed on classified websites (like Craigslist). It requires police to install video cameras in these areas for safety, prohibits police from regulating transactions or being held liable for crimes occurring there, and permits departments to run public awareness campaigns with safety tips. The bill directly affects residents using online classifieds for sales, police departments establishing these zones, and public safety efforts around transaction risks. It also mandates the Attorney General to notify all relevant police departments about this new authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state grant program through New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development to fund YouthBuild programs serving economically disadvantaged youth aged 16-24 who have not completed high school. The program requires participating organizations to provide integrated education and job training (50% classroom instruction, 50% construction/vocational training), leadership development, counseling, and job placement assistance. It mandates that programs provide stipends to participants to cover participation costs and culminate in industry-recognized credentials. Only nonprofit organizations affiliated with YouthBuild USA or with previous HUD YouthBuild funding are eligible to apply, and funded programs must report outcomes to the Department of Labor. The bill appropriates state funds to support this program, aiming to increase access to and sustainability of YouthBuild services throughout New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3187) requires New Jersey's Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) to create visitation guidance during public health emergencies, mandating that community-based residential providers allow in-person visits between residents with developmental disabilities and their immediate family members or legal guardians. It directly affects residents in licensed settings like group homes, developmental centers, and community care residences, as well as the providers operating these facilities. The key mechanism is DDD developing the guidance in consultation with the Department of Health, then requiring providers to implement it. The bill applies only during declared public health emergencies and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2815) establishes a program where groups of nonpublic schools (consortia) take over transportation responsibilities for students who are legally required to receive school bus service from public school districts. Under the program, participating school districts would pay consortia the current aid-in-lieu transportation rate ($1,022 per student) for mandated transportation, and the consortia would assume all transportation duties for those students. Consortia may also offer optional transportation for other students at parental cost (capped at $1,022), and must refund unused funds to districts based on actual student usage. The program requires annual audits, an oversight committee, and takes effect immediately for the 2023-2024 school year.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3045) requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to complete its Meadowlands Transitway project - a direct rapid transit link between Secaucus Junction and the Meadowlands Sports and Entertainment Complex - by May 1, 2026. By May 1, 2025, NJT must assess whether this deadline is achievable, and if not, develop and publish a public transportation plan by September 1, 2025 to address increased transit demand at the complex by the 2026 deadline. The bill explicitly excludes the existing BetMGM Meadowlands Rail Line (operating since 2009) from this requirement. It directly affects NJT and the Meadowlands Complex, which hosts major events needing reliable transit access.