Asm. John Azzariti

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's process for health insurance carriers to credential physicians seeking to join their provider networks. It requires carriers to notify applicants within 30 days if an application is incomplete (or deem it complete if no notice is given) and to review complete applications within 30 days. The bill mandates carriers to use a standardized universal application form, post clear process details online - including required documents and timelines - and reimburse physicians for services provided during the credentialing wait period if approved. It also prohibits carriers from requiring physicians to resubmit applications solely due to changing employers within the state, and gives the Department of Banking and Insurance authority to enforce these rules and handle complaints.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to allow healthcare practitioners (like doctors) to refer patients to pharmacies where they or their immediate family have an existing financial stake - specifically, pharmacies that had approved permits before a prior law took effect. It requires practitioners to provide written disclosure to patients about this financial interest before making such referrals. The change aims to support continuity of care for medication management, such as refills and adherence, by enabling existing practitioner-pharmacy relationships. It does not apply to new pharmacy ownership but focuses on preserving established collaborations.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows driving schools in New Jersey to use vehicles owned or leased by their instructors for behind-the-wheel instruction and road tests administered by the Motor Vehicle Commission. It directly affects driving schools and their employed instructors who own vehicles. Key requirements include the instructor maintaining a valid license and certification, the vehicle being properly insured, registered in the instructor's name, and meeting safety standards (such as dual control brakes, seatbelts for both parties, and "Student Driver" signage). The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the threshold for a one percent tax on certain real estate transfers in New Jersey from $1 million to $1.5 million, with future adjustments based on inflation. The tax currently applies to residential, commercial, and certain farm properties when sold for more than $1 million, as well as to transfers of controlling interests in entities owning commercial property. The threshold will be adjusted annually using the Consumer Price Index for New York City and Philadelphia metropolitan areas, as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor. The Director of the Division of Taxation will determine and publish the adjusted threshold by May 1 each year.

Maddy summaryACR 145 proposes a constitutional amendment to adjust New Jersey's veterans' property tax deduction annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Currently fixed at $250 since 2003, the deduction would be increased for tax year 2026 by the cumulative CPI growth from 2003-2025, then adjusted each year thereafter using the annual CPI change. The deduction would round up to the next dollar and never decrease, even if inflation drops. This directly affects honorably discharged veterans, their surviving spouses, and qualifying residents owning property in New Jersey who currently receive the $250 deduction.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates an additional $75,000 to New Jersey's existing Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund, which is administered by the Attorney General. The funds will support direct services for human trafficking survivors, public awareness campaigns, and educational programs about human trafficking. The money is designated for ongoing use under existing law (P.L. 2013, c. 51) and will be allocated through the Division of Criminal Justice. This is a funding measure, not a new policy, to expand support for survivors and prevention efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill would establish professional licensure and certification requirements for tobacco treatment counseling in New Jersey, creating two new regulated professions: "licensed clinical tobacco treatment specialists" and "certified tobacco treatment specialists." To become licensed, applicants must hold a master's degree with 18 graduate hours in counseling, complete the Rutgers Tobacco Dependence Program, and pass an exam, while certified applicants need specific training and varying amounts of supervised counseling experience based on their education. The bill prohibits using these titles without proper licensure and requires practitioners to work under a licensed physician's supervision. It also includes exemptions for licensed professionals like physicians, nurses, and psychologists who provide tobacco counseling within their existing scope of practice without claiming the specialized title.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to create guidelines for placing bleeding control kits in state buildings and mandates that all public and nonpublic K-12 schools acquire these kits. Each kit must contain specific items approved by the DOH, including tourniquets, chest seals, bandages, and instructional materials, and must be replaced after use. Schools must place kits in unlocked, accessible locations near automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and within reasonable proximity to athletic areas, available during school hours and events. The DOH must issue placement guidelines within 180 days of the bill's effective date, while schools have until the next school year or 180 days after enactment to comply.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A4833 bill requires the Department of Education to create a free program that helps coaches in public and nonpublic school athletic activities obtain CPR certification. The program must follow current national CPR guidelines, include hands-on training, and be based on established programs like those from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Coaches will not pay for certification, and the state will cover all program costs. This ensures all school sports coaches are trained in life-saving CPR techniques.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires election officials to provide 72 hours' notice of ballot position drawing dates, times, and locations to all candidates and political parties. It allows candidates, their designees, or party members to observe the drawing process and inspect the materials (paper slips, capsules, and boxes) used before, during, and after the draw. The bill applies to all elections determining ballot order, including general, primary, and school board elections. These changes aim to increase transparency in how candidate and party positions are randomly assigned on ballots.