Asm. Lou Greenwald

Maddy summaryAJR 220 designates March 17 of each year as "Profound Autism Day" in New Jersey. The resolution recognizes people with profound autism - those requiring 24/7 care due to severe intellectual disabilities or minimal communication - and their caregivers. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to raise awareness about their unique challenges and needs, as highlighted by CDC research showing profound autism affects 26.7% of autistic children in the U.S. This is a commemorative resolution with no new funding or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes annual state funding to support direct support professionals (DSPs) who assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It requires yearly appropriations from the General Fund to cover two key costs: annual fellowship stipends for DSPs' living expenses while participating in career development programs, and funding to help existing DSPs pay for education-related costs. The funding replaces a one-time $1 million appropriation with ongoing annual support, administered through the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. This directly affects DSPs working in New Jersey's disability support sector by providing sustained financial assistance for career advancement.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows commercial farms on preserved farmland (that produce at least $10,000 annually in agricultural products) to host special occasion events like weddings and parties on their land. It specifically permits the use of permanent structures built within the last five years for these events, provided the total revenue from such events doesn't exceed 10% of the farm's annual revenue. Farms must obtain approval from the entity holding the farmland preservation deed, and events are limited to 26 per year with restrictions on size (max 10 acres or 10% of land) and guest numbers (max 250 for six events). Temporary structures like tents are allowed year-round with certain restrictions, while permanent structures built more than five years ago can always be used.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution (AR 178) condemns the U.S. House of Representatives for passing a budget resolution that would cut $1.5 trillion from the federal budget over ten years, specifically targeting healthcare (Medicaid/Medicare), education, and SNAP benefits. It urges the U.S. Senate to reject the House resolution, citing potential severe impacts on New Jersey residents who rely on these programs: approximately 1.8 million low- and moderate-income people use NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid/CHIP), and 830,000 receive SNAP food assistance. The resolution states that funding cuts could reduce federal Medicaid support by up to $5.2 billion and threaten SNAP benefits through eligibility restrictions or benefit limits. As a procedural resolution, it does not change laws but expresses New Jersey's opposition to the proposed cuts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires NJ FamilyCare (New Jersey's Medicaid program) to reimburse licensed clinical pharmacists for comprehensive medication management (CMM) services provided to medically complex pediatric patients (children with complex medical conditions). CMM services include reviewing all medications (prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and supplements), developing personalized medication plans, monitoring adherence, and providing follow-up consultations to ensure safety and effectiveness. The bill establishes that pharmacists must have completed a clinical residency to qualify, removes the requirement for pharmacists to have a written agreement with a physician, and mandates the state to create value-based reimbursement contracts and a quality assurance program to monitor service outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows health care professionals licensed in other states to practice in New Jersey while their New Jersey licensure applications are being processed. It applies to a wide range of professionals including physicians, nurses, counselors, therapists, and other health care practitioners. The bill requires these professionals to immediately notify New Jersey authorities if their out-of-state license is suspended or disciplined, with a $500 daily penalty for failing to provide this notice. It also establishes temporary licenses for recent health care graduates (within six months of graduation) to practice under supervision while awaiting full licensure.

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 establishes statewide standards for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in New Jersey, requiring municipalities to allow ADUs as a permitted use in single-family and two-family residential zones. It sets specific requirements including minimum 300 square feet and maximum 1,200 square feet floor area, maximum height of 20 feet, and no more than 5-foot sideyard and rear yard setbacks. The bill mandates that applications for ADUs must be approved ministerially within 60 days without public hearings, prohibits selling ADUs separately from primary dwellings, and requires municipalities to include plans for promoting affordable ADUs in their housing elements. Municipalities may impose reasonable restrictions in specific circumstances, such as historic districts or very small lots, but cannot prohibit ADUs outright.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases signature requirements for candidates seeking municipal, school, and nonpartisan election offices in New Jersey. It raises the threshold from 2% to 5% of the statewide General Assembly vote for most candidates, sets a minimum of 2,000 signatures for statewide offices (up from 800), and adjusts municipal requirements based on population size (e.g., 25-100 signatures for smaller municipalities). These changes directly affect candidates and petition circulators in local elections across all 565 New Jersey municipalities and school districts. The law modifies existing statutes without altering voting procedures or election administration beyond the signature thresholds.

Maddy summaryThis bill reschedules New Jersey's June 2025 primary election from June 3 to June 10, 2025, to accommodate a religious observance. It adjusts most election-related deadlines to align with the new June 10 date, but keeps specific deadlines - such as those for nominating petitions, ballot position drawing, and mailing vote-by-mail ballots - tied to the original June 3 date. The Secretary of State must notify county clerks, election boards, and the public within seven days of the bill's effective date and publish a revised election calendar. This change directly affects all voters, candidates, and election officials participating in New Jersey's 2025 primary election cycle.