Asm. Dan Hutchison

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state-funded transportation projects (like roads or bridges) to use geotechnical engineers to determine necessary soil, groundwater, and structural monitoring. It mandates groundwater testing before construction begins and ongoing monitoring if site conditions require it (capped at three years), plus deformation monitoring during and after construction if needed. The Department of Transportation must follow all internal standards for subsurface data and cannot waive these requirements without approval. This directly affects state agencies and contractors managing transportation projects funded by New Jersey resources, including the Transportation Trust Fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows pharmacists in New Jersey to transfer Schedule II prescription medications for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) between pharmacies, rather than requiring patients to obtain a new prescription from their doctor. Currently, Schedule II prescriptions (like ADHD medications) cannot be transferred between pharmacies, forcing patients to seek new prescriptions when their preferred pharmacy is out of stock. The bill specifically permits these transfers for ADHD prescriptions only, while requiring compliance with federal regulations. This change aims to provide greater convenience for patients who need ADHD medication but cannot fill their prescription at their usual pharmacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey electric and gas utilities using smart meters to create an "Energy Bill Watch" program for customers. It mandates utilities to notify smart meter customers on the 10th and 20th days of each billing cycle if their usage exceeds their previous cycle's average, allow customers to set dollar-based usage alerts, and provide monthly cost and consumption data in notifications. Utilities must automatically enroll smart meter customers (with opt-out options), advertise the program via email, social media, websites, and bills, and include specific billing details - previous cycle cost, current cycle cost, and the difference - on all customer bills. The program applies only to utilities using smart meters and takes effect immediately upon passage.

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 bill increases penalties for retail theft offenses based on the value of stolen goods, with shoplifting over $500 becoming a third-degree crime. It creates a new offense for "fostering the sale of stolen property" (including online sales) and upgrades penalties for "leader of organized retail theft enterprise" to a first-degree crime. The bill establishes a retail theft unit within the Attorney General's office to investigate and prosecute organized retail theft, and includes new requirements for gift card retailers to prevent fraud through packaging standards and third-party reseller record-keeping. It also creates extended prison terms for repeat retail theft offenders and increases penalties for tax evasion related to retail theft.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A5344) requires public utilities (like electricity and gas companies) to provide clear notifications to customers before rate increases take effect. Specifically, utilities must send affected customers a plain-language summary of their rate petition filing, including the reason for the increase and its impact, either via bill insert or local newspaper notice. After the Board of Public Utilities makes a final decision on the rate change, the utility must mail a summary of the board's order to customers 30 days before the new rates take effect (if approved) or within 14 days (if denied). The bill also mandates that the Board respond in writing to public questions asked during hearings about rate applications within 14 days of the final hearing.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all health insurance plans in New Jersey - covering hospital services, medical care, health maintenance organizations, and state/school employee health programs - to cover diagnosis and treatment for PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) and PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome). It mandates coverage for specific treatments including antibiotics, behavioral therapies, immunomodulating medicines, plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, as prescribed by a physician. The coverage must be provided at the same level as for other medical conditions, without additional cost barriers. This directly affects children diagnosed with PANDAS or PANS and their insurance providers across all covered plans.

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 (A3879) requires all emergency departments in New Jersey general hospitals and licensed satellite emergency departments to post visible signs and distribute pamphlets about the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO). The Commissioner of Health, working with the Attorney General, must create clear, easy-to-understand materials listing VCCO services, contact details, and how to file a claim. These materials must be provided to individuals treated in emergency rooms following a crime. The law directly affects crime victims seeking compensation assistance after an emergency room visit. It takes effect four months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $7.65 million from the "Securing Our Children's Future Fund" specifically for Cumberland County Technical Education Center to expand its career and technical education programs. The funds are directly allocated to this single institution for program growth, not distributed through a competitive process. The appropriation aligns with the Securing Our Children's Future Bond Act (P.L.2018, c.119) and requires no additional legislative action for implementation. It directly affects Cumberland County's career education offerings and students enrolled there.