Asm. Lou Greenwald

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill establishes the "Privacy Protection Act" to limit how government agencies and healthcare facilities collect and share certain personal information. It prohibits them from requesting details like immigration status, citizenship, social security numbers, or tax IDs unless necessary for specific public services, benefits, or healthcare delivery (with healthcare exceptions for patient safety). The bill requires written consent in the person's preferred language for sharing any collected data, detailing exactly what will be shared, why, and confirming consent is voluntary without retaliation. It also bans selling or sharing vehicle license plate data except under court orders, subpoenas, or with explicit written consent, and mandates government entities to update privacy policies within one year.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A2295) updates the definition of "health care professional" in New Jersey's aggravated assault statute to align with the definition in the existing "Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act." It specifically clarifies that the term includes licensed health care professionals, volunteers, supportive staff, and employees working at health care facilities during official duties - such as those providing direct patient care. The change ensures consistent legal protection for these workers when they are assaulted while performing their jobs. This is a definitional update, not a new penalty or policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the New Jersey Home Safety Act, requires firearm owners to store their guns in locked safes or containers when not in use, directly affecting all residents who possess firearms in New Jersey. The law mandates that firearms be secured in a way that renders them inaccessible and unusable to anyone other than the owner, with exceptions for lawful carry and temporary transfers. Violations carry penalties ranging from community service for first offenses to criminal charges if the failure to secure a firearm results in serious injury or death. The legislation also directs the Attorney General to establish a list of approved organizations for community service sentences focused on gun violence prevention education and requires retail firearm dealers to provide written warnings about secure storage laws to customers.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires the Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Human Services (DHS) to create and publish an online guide for healthcare facilities. It directly affects facilities like community mental health centers, substance use treatment programs, and federally qualified health centers that seek licensure for integrated care services. The guide must clearly explain the steps and rules needed for facilities to: (1) provide integrated health care (coordinating general and behavioral health services), (2) add behavioral health or substance use treatment to existing primary care licenses, and (3) contact assigned department staff for help. The bill defines "integrated health care" as systematically coordinating general and behavioral health services to address issues like mental illness, substance use, and chronic conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill codifies and extends temporary authorization for out-of-state health care professionals and recent graduates to provide remote care in New Jersey. It specifically allows licensed practitioners (such as nurses, physicians, and counselors) from other states, as well as recent graduates with temporary licenses, to offer telemedicine services without full New Jersey licensure. Key provisions require these providers to operate under existing "provisional authorization" or "temporary graduate license" frameworks, maintain valid liability insurance, and comply with New Jersey’s regulatory standards. The bill formalizes current practice for remote health care delivery via telemedicine, ensuring consistent rules for out-of-state providers offering virtual patient care.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to create a program identifying and recruiting unemployed residents for jobs in healthcare facilities, home care, and hospice services. It mandates that the recruitment process evaluate training feasibility for specific roles, consider job proximity to applicants' homes and transportation options, and address immediate barriers to employment. The bill appropriates $250,000 from the state General Fund to fund training programs and resources, using existing DOLWD infrastructure. It directly affects unemployed individuals seeking healthcare sector employment and healthcare stakeholders collaborating with DOLWD.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the duties allowed for licensed practical nurses and patient care technicians working at dialysis centers in New Jersey. It permits licensed practical nurses to conduct pre- and post-dialysis assessments that do not require a registered nurse's judgment, while requiring them to immediately report any abnormalities. Additionally, the bill allows patient care technicians to administer saline and heparin to dialysis patients, provided they are nationally certified, trained, and work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse. The New Jersey Commissioner of Health will be required to create new rules and regulations to implement these changes, which will take effect 180 days after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey state agencies to set aside at least 30% of their advertising budget for eligible local news organizations. The law defines eligible news organizations as those that produce original local content, maintain editorial independence, and meet specific operational and financial criteria. State agencies purchasing advertising must reserve this portion of their budget specifically for these qualifying local news outlets. The legislation aims to support local journalism by ensuring a steady stream of advertising revenue while maintaining the editorial freedom of news organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3586) requires New Jersey's Division of Purchase and Property to create an annual report analyzing all state-owned real property for potential use as affordable housing. The report must inventory all state-owned land and buildings, including those held by agencies or authorities, and assess feasibility for low- and moderate-income housing development under existing law. The Division must submit this report to the Governor and Legislature within 13 months of the bill's effective date, then annually thereafter, and post it online. The bill directly affects state agencies managing property and requires them to systematically evaluate underutilized assets for housing opportunities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates tax incentives for historic diners and restaurants in New Jersey that meet specific criteria. To qualify, establishments must have operated continuously for at least 25 years (including pandemic closures), qualify as small businesses, comply with health/safety rules, and be family-owned. Approved businesses receive a sales tax exemption on prepared food and beverages for on-site consumption and corporation business/gross income tax credits. The program requires annual registration through a state registry established by the Division of Travel and Tourism, with applications reviewed and approved by the Director.