Rep. Carol Murphy

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to issue special license plates for veterans certified by the VA as having service-connected disabilities. The plates, displaying "Disabled Veteran" and a wheelchair symbol, allow these veterans to park in disability-reserved spaces without needing additional permits or placards. The plates are free, non-transferable, and must be displayed on the vehicle while parked. Misuse of the plates can result in revocation and forfeiture of the plate. The bill directly affects disabled veterans who meet federal VA certification criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 3240) amends New Jersey's insurance law to clarify that contracts between insurance policyholders ("subscribers") and their appointed attorneys in fact (who manage their insurance affairs), along with any fees from these contracts, are not considered "related party transactions." It directly affects insurance subscribers and their designated attorneys in fact by removing these agreements from a specific regulatory category. The key provision explicitly states such contracts shall not be construed as related party transactions under state law, preventing them from being subject to additional oversight typically applied to such deals. This change ensures these insurance arrangements are governed solely by the existing reciprocal insurance statute, not other insurance regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides educational support professionals (non-teaching school staff) with up to four years of seniority credit for active military service they completed, including service before starting their school job. To qualify, a professional must be declared eligible for federal veterans' benefits by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The credit counts as if the professional were employed full-time during their military service, directly affecting their seniority calculations for school district benefits and job protections. The bill aligns seniority treatment for these staff with existing provisions for teaching staff.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 2962) gives educational support professionals (like cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and administrative staff) who served in the U.S. military and qualify for VA benefits up to four years of seniority credit. The credit counts military service completed before or during their school district employment, treating it as equivalent to actual work time for seniority purposes. It expands an existing benefit currently only available to teaching staff. The policy takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill restructures the governance of New Jersey's State Health Benefits Program by creating a new State Health Benefits Commission with 13 members. The commission will include existing state officials, representatives from local and higher education employers, and members appointed by various public employee unions, including specific seats for police and firefighters. A key provision is the addition of a non-voting expert member selected by the other commissioners to provide independent advice on health care plan design. The bill also establishes a new committee to assist with plan design and outlines how members will be appointed, serve terms, and manage conflicts of interest. Ultimately, the legislation aims to broaden representation and oversight in how the state manages health benefits for its employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits health insurance carriers from denying coverage for nonopioid pain medications in favor of opioids or requiring patients to try opioids first. It requires insurers to treat FDA-approved nonopioid drugs equally to opioids in formularies, meaning coverage restrictions, prior authorization, and cost-sharing tiers must be no more restrictive for nonopioid drugs. The law applies to state health benefit plans, school employee health programs, and Medicaid for acute pain treatment. It takes effect January 1, 2026, directly affecting insurers and patients covered by these plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require New Jersey Medicaid to cover ovulation-enhancing drugs and related medical services without restrictions for beneficiaries experiencing infertility. It directly affects low-income New Jersey residents enrolled in Medicaid who seek infertility treatment. The key provision amends Medicaid law to explicitly include these services as a standard benefit, removing prior authorization requirements. This change would expand current coverage to ensure these treatments are accessible as routine care for eligible individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires private contractors performing construction work in New Jersey (excluding public projects or home improvements) to register with the Department of Labor. To register, contractors must submit business details, proof of required licenses, worker's compensation insurance, and disclose compliance with state and federal labor laws (like wage laws and safety regulations). Contractors must also disclose past labor law violations or criminal offenses related to their work. Exemptions apply to contractors already registered under New Jersey’s public works registration system.

Maddy summaryThe Climate Superfund Act (A 3735) holds fossil fuel companies liable for climate change damages by requiring them to pay compensatory payments into a state fund. Companies that extracted or refined fossil fuels during 1995-2026 and emitted over one billion metric tons of greenhouse gases must pay based on their proportional liability, with joint liability for companies in a "controlled group." Funds collected will be distributed to implement climate adaptation projects, such as flood protection, infrastructure upgrades, and health programs in overburdened communities. The Department of Environmental Protection will administer the Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program to manage payments and fund these projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A 964) creates a 15-member "Nursing Home Emergency Preparedness Study Commission" to analyze how New Jersey nursing homes respond to public health emergencies. The commission will examine nursing home environments, emergency policies, staffing levels, and funding needs during crises, and make recommendations to improve resident safety. It includes state health and human services officials, nursing home industry representatives (appointed by legislative leaders), and family members of residents (appointed by the Governor). The commission must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within 12 months of its first meeting and then expire. This is a procedural study bill with no immediate policy changes, focusing on future recommendations.