Asm. Bob Auth

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey paramedics, under physician supervision, to administer blood products to trauma patients experiencing severe bleeding or hemorrhagic shock in ambulances or pre-hospital settings. It requires EMS providers to train paramedics, maintain FDA-approved storage/warming equipment, conduct quarterly audits, and follow strict protocols for blood handling and transfusion reactions. The bill mandates that Medicaid, NJ FamilyCare, and private insurers cover these services at the same rate as hospital-based transfusions, using standard billing codes. It also creates a state grant program to offset initial equipment and training costs, and establishes a statewide blood rotation system to prevent waste and ensure adequate low-titer O blood supply for emergency use.

Maddy summaryThis bill would amend New Jersey law to allow active duty members of the United States military and National Guard to carry firearms at all times within the state, rather than only while on duty or traveling between duty locations. Currently, military personnel can carry authorized weapons while on duty or traveling between duty locations, but this bill would extend that right to all times. The bill specifies that military members would only be permitted to carry firearms authorized for civilian use in New Jersey. The sponsor cites concerns about threats against military personnel, referencing incidents like the 2009 Fort Hood shooting and other attacks on military installations.

Maddy summaryThis bill would legalize possession of up to six marijuana plants for personal use, but only if New Jersey enacts another bill (Assembly Bill 21(2R), the "Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act") that legalizes marijuana for personal use. It amends New Jersey's criminal code to remove penalties for possessing six or fewer marijuana plants, making such possession not subject to punishment. The bill directly affects residents who would be using marijuana personally once the main legalization bill passes. It would take effect upon enactment of Assembly Bill 21(2R), which is currently pending before the Governor.

Maddy summaryBill A4163 requires health insurers in New Jersey to cover biomarker testing for diagnosis, treatment, management, or ongoing monitoring of diseases when supported by medical evidence such as FDA approvals, drug labels, or clinical guidelines. The bill applies to all health insurance plans including individual, group, Medicaid, and health maintenance organization contracts. Insurers must provide coverage without causing unnecessary disruption (like multiple biopsies) and must make prior authorization decisions within 24 hours for urgent requests or 72 hours for non-urgent requests. This ensures patients can access precision medical testing that's clinically supported without excessive administrative barriers.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) from accepting certain U.S. federal immigration documents as proof of identity for standard driver's licenses and identification cards. Specifically, it bans documents related to deportation or removal orders issued by DHS or ICE, including release on recognizance or supervision orders. The law applies to all standard licenses and ID cards listed in the bill (basic, motorcycle, learner's permits, probationary, and commercial licenses). It takes immediate effect and directly affects applicants who previously relied on these federal documents for MVC identity verification.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Local Government Services to audit certain shared services agreements and authorities used by local governments. It mandates audits based on annual spending: yearly for agreements over $10 million, every two years for $2-10 million, and every 30 months for under $2 million. The division must hire a certified public accountant, submit results to the Local Finance Board, and publish all findings online. The bill directly affects municipalities and regional authorities operating under three specific state laws governing shared services. It establishes a clear audit schedule and public transparency requirement without altering existing shared services programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a dedicated "Veteran Obituary Fund" within New Jersey's Department of the Treasury to cover the cost of obituaries for veterans. It allows taxpayers to deduct donations to the fund - up to $50,000 annually - from their state income tax, with property donations over $500 requiring an independent appraisal. The fund will be supported by donations, grants, or state appropriations solicited by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. This aims to prevent veterans' families from facing unexpected costs for memorializing service members, as obituaries typically cost several hundred dollars. The fund must be administered by the State Treasurer and reported to the Legislature.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A5557 clarifies child support certification requirements for state license applicants. The bill requires applicants to complete a separate certification form (not part of the main application) stating whether they have child support arrears exceeding six months' payments, lack required health coverage, failed to respond to a subpoena, or face a child support warrant. If certified as an obligor with unresolved obligations, licenses cannot be granted, renewed, or reinstated. The form also provides notice of the legal basis for license suspension and the right to a hearing before action. This applies to all state-issued licenses (including driver's licenses and professional permits) for applicants after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all health insurance plans and Medicaid in New Jersey to cover treatment for stuttering, including habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy as determined medically necessary by a patient's doctor. The coverage must be provided without prior authorization, utilization management requirements, or any cost-sharing such as deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. It applies to all insurance types including individual and group health plans, health maintenance organizations, and Medicaid, and covers both in-person and telehealth services. The bill defines habilitative speech therapy as therapy that helps a person keep, learn, or improve daily living skills, and rehabilitative speech therapy as therapy that helps restore or improve skills that have been lost or impaired. This legislation would directly affect individuals with stuttering who rely on insurance or Medicaid for speech therapy services.

Maddy summaryS 3587 upgrades retail theft offenses in New Jersey, including elevating "leader of organized retail theft enterprise" to a first-degree crime punishable by 10-20 years in prison. The bill creates a new offense for "fostering the sale of stolen property" (including online sales), which is a disorderly persons offense punishable by up to six months in jail. It establishes a retail theft unit within the Department of Law and Public Safety to investigate and prosecute organized retail theft, appropriating $1 million for this purpose. The bill also includes new requirements for gift card sales to prevent fraud, such as mandatory notices for retailers and packaging restrictions for both open- and closed-loop gift cards.