Asm. Lisa Swain

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to extend the deadline for enrolling newborn infants in health benefits coverage from 60 to 90 days after birth. It directly affects newborns and their parents, requiring health insurance corporations to allow enrollment within this longer timeframe. The key provision states that parents must notify the insurer and pay the required subscription amount within 90 days to maintain coverage beyond that period. The bill was withdrawn as it was already enacted into law through P.L.2025, c.194.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey courts from basing child custody or visitation decisions solely on factors like a parent's disability, age, health status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. It requires courts to provide detailed written justifications if they consider these factors in custody cases involving otherwise fit parents. The law does not ban considering these factors entirely but ensures they cannot be the sole basis for rulings, while maintaining that the "best interests of the child" remains the primary standard. The bill applies to all parents in custody proceedings and aligns with New Jersey's existing focus on parental rights and child welfare. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryACR 75 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow New Jersey municipalities to offer a partial property tax exemption of up to 15% on the assessed value of a primary residence for eligible volunteer first responders. It would require municipalities to pass an ordinance to implement the exemption, with each municipality deciding whether to offer it and the exact percentage (up to 15%). The exemption would apply only to active members of volunteer fire companies or first aid/rescue squads serving that specific municipality, and the home must be their primary residence within that municipality. If approved by voters, the Legislature would then need to pass a law enabling this program.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a centralized database managed by the New Jersey State Police for law enforcement job applicants. It requires all state law enforcement agencies to collect and report applicant details - including identity, position sought, employment offer status, and reasons for denial (such as positive drug test results in the Central Drug Registry) - to this confidential database. Agencies must consult the database before making job offers, and the information will remain private, not accessible to the public. The Attorney General will establish guidelines for database operations, including disqualification standards and privacy procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create a ranking system for nonpoint source pollution control grants under the Water Pollution Control Act. The system must prioritize projects in specific areas: those served by stormwater utilities, municipalities banning lawn fertilizers, regions suffering economic harm from polluted waterbodies, or municipalities with strict septic system maintenance rules. Grants funded by state Corporation Business Tax revenues or federal Clean Water Act funds will be allocated based on these criteria. The law directly affects municipalities and project applicants seeking DEP pollution control grants. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 1656) requires all outdoor lighting fixtures installed or replaced by New Jersey state agencies or on projects receiving state funds to meet specific environmental and energy efficiency standards. It mandates fully shielded fixtures with a BUG rating of U0, a maximum color temperature of 2,700 Kelvin (with limited exceptions), motion sensors, and minimal light trespass. The law aims to reduce light pollution, glare, and energy use while preserving public health and the natural night environment. It directly affects state agencies, state-funded construction projects, and all outdoor lighting installations under their jurisdiction.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3106) requires New Jersey's Director of Purchase and Property to review state purchasing practices for menstrual products and establish a centralized contract to reduce costs for state agencies. It mandates that the director, at a state department's request, advertise for and award a statewide contract for menstrual products (including pads, tampons, and cups), making it available to all state agencies and cooperative purchasing participants like schools and local governments. Non-profits may also purchase under this contract at the director’s discretion, subject to reporting requirements. The bill focuses solely on streamlining state procurement, not on providing free products to individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) to stop interest from accruing on NJCLASS loans for borrowers approved for deferment or forbearance due to temporary disability, unemployment, or financial hardship between March 9 and September 9, 2020. It directly affects New Jersey college students with NJCLASS loans who qualify for these hardship-related repayment options during that specific period. The key provision mandates HESAA to suspend interest accumulation during approved deferment or forbearance periods - unlike standard practice where interest continues to accrue. This change provides immediate financial relief by preventing additional interest charges during the designated timeframe. The bill took effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryBill A 3112 requires public water systems in New Jersey to send written notices to customers within 30 days if PFAS (certain chemicals in drinking water) levels exceed safety limits. Notices must explain health risks, link to a state educational program, and include details about contamination status. Landlords must distribute these notices to tenants within three business days and post them prominently in rental properties. The bill also mandates annual website updates from water systems with mitigation progress until contamination is resolved.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Chief Diversity Officer to study whether disparities exist in how state agencies use minority-owned and women-owned businesses for purchasing goods and services. The study must determine if these businesses are underutilized compared to their availability in the state. After completing the study, the officer must submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature, with follow-up reports every four years assessing implementation of prior recommendations and whether new studies are needed. The report could inform potential policy changes to improve opportunities for these businesses in state contracting. This affects all state agencies, including departments, commissions, and independent authorities that award public contracts.