Asm. Bill Moen

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Human Services to create a public awareness campaign about mental health resources for first responders, healthcare workers, frontline workers, and their families affected by pandemic-related stress. The campaign will provide information on available services for conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders through TV, radio, print media, and NJ Transit ads in English and Spanish. It specifically details existing resources, a dedicated helpline, and stress-management strategies. The initiative targets both affected workers and the general public to improve access to mental health support developed during the pandemic.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2120) requires New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to create and maintain an informational campaign promoting the Library of Congress's Veterans History Project. The project collects and preserves veterans' personal stories, documents, and artifacts. The DMVA must actively raise awareness among New Jersey veterans and their families about this federal initiative, without creating new benefits or funding. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A2131) requires employers designated as qualifying under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program to inform new employees about PSLF during initial benefits orientation. It directly affects employees with federal student loans who work for eligible employers in public service roles (like government or non-profits). The law mandates employers explain PSLF eligibility and key requirements: working at least 30 hours weekly for a qualifying employer, having Direct Loans or consolidated federal loans, using income-driven repayment plans, and making 120 qualifying monthly payments. The bill does not change PSLF rules but ensures employers proactively share this benefit information with new hires.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey school districts with high schools to establish formal agreements with public colleges or universities allowing high school students to take college courses for credit. It mandates that these agreements include specific details like course offerings, eligibility rules (ensuring no student is excluded due to cost), and requirements that courses taught at high schools match the rigor of those on college campuses. The law applies directly to school districts and public higher education institutions (excluding those with minimum 21-year enrollment policies). These agreements must outline how students and parents learn about the program and participate.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all health insurers, State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) plans, and School Employees' Health Benefits Program (SEHBP) contracts in New Jersey to cover the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of lymphedema when deemed medically necessary by a patient's physician. It applies to all major insurance types, including individual/group policies, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and health benefits plans, mandating coverage with the same cost-sharing (deductibles, coinsurance) as comparable services. Lymphedema - a chronic condition often caused by cancer treatment (like breast cancer) or injury, involving fluid buildup and tissue swelling - requires early intervention, and this bill ensures patients have access to established treatments. The law takes effect 7 months after enactment, applying to all new or renewed contracts meeting specific statutory criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs $2.5 million in existing federal pandemic relief funds (from the CARES Act or American Rescue Plan) to New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to provide grants to veteran-owned businesses in the state. The EDA will award these grants to businesses that are independently owned, based in New Jersey, and at least 51% owned and controlled by veterans. The EDA may use up to 5% of the funds for administrative costs. This funding aims to support veteran-owned businesses responding to the public health crisis.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts medical masks, respirators, and other protective face coverings from New Jersey's sales and use tax during state-wide public health emergencies declared by the Governor under the Emergency Health Powers Act. It applies only when federal or state authorities require or encourage wearing such coverings to mitigate the emergency. The exemption covers purchases made by consumers for personal use during these declared emergencies, reducing costs for essential protective gear. It does not apply to regular cloth face coverings or non-medical products like soap or sunscreen.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Assembly Bill A2256 requires state and county correctional facilities to evaluate all new inmates for substance use disorders upon admission. If an inmate is identified as needing treatment, facilities must offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) - using FDA-approved medications like methadone or buprenorphine combined with counseling - on a voluntary basis. Inmates who agree to MAT must receive withdrawal management services, behavioral health counseling, and access to approved medications. The bill applies to all inmates in state and county facilities who require temporary or ongoing management of a substance use disorder, aligning correctional treatment with community standards.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 67) urges Congress to pass federal legislation requiring mortgage lenders to include rent payments in credit assessments when evaluating homebuyers. It highlights that many lower-income renters - particularly people of color with limited credit history - consistently pay rent on time but are often denied mortgages due to lack of traditional credit, while Fannie Mae’s similar practice has enabled 17% more previously unqualified applicants (including many people of color) to qualify for loans. The resolution notes that New Jersey cannot mandate this change due to federal preemption, so it calls on Congress to act to expand homeownership access for renters.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Outstanding Scholars Recruitment Program to provide scholarships for high-achieving New Jersey students attending public or independent colleges. It funds up to 70% of scholarship costs at public institutions and 40% at private institutions, with schools covering the remainder. Eligible students must be NJ residents, have top academic rankings (e.g., SAT >1,500 and top 5% class rank), apply for other aid (excluding loans), and maintain a 3.0 GPA while studying full-time. The scholarship amounts range from $7,500 (top performers) down to $2,500 (lower thresholds), with a maximum four-year eligibility period. The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority will administer the program, which was previously eliminated in 2010.