Asm. Andrea Katz

Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors working on New Jersey public works projects to verify that all craftworkers meet minimum qualifications. Specifically, it mandates that contractors register electronically and provide proof that each journeyperson has either completed a registered apprenticeship program meeting federal standards or has four years of documented work experience (with union members under certain collective bargaining agreements exempt). The law also requires contractors to confirm they participate in approved apprenticeship programs for any craftworkers they employ. These requirements apply directly to contractors bidding on or performing state-funded construction projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill permanently requires New Jersey health insurance carriers to pay the same reimbursement rate for telemedicine and telehealth services as they do for in-person visits, provided the service is otherwise covered. It ensures patients face no higher deductibles, copays, or coinsurance for telehealth compared to in-person care. The law prohibits insurers from restricting where telehealth services can occur, limiting which technology platforms providers can use, or denying coverage for routine remote monitoring. It directly affects health insurance companies, healthcare providers offering telehealth, and patients receiving covered telehealth services. The policy change applies to all health benefits plans in New Jersey without time limits.

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 requires social media platforms with significant user activity in New Jersey to display prominent warning labels about mental health risks during account sign-up and when users access certain features. It specifically targets platforms that allow social interaction (like profile creation and content sharing) and directly affects minors under 18, as defined by the bill. The warnings must highlight risks identified by the U.S. Surgeon General, including links between heavy social media use and increased depression, anxiety, and sleep disruption in youth. Platforms must comply with these labeling requirements to inform users and families about potential harms. The bill does not impose additional restrictions beyond the warning labels.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's obscenity laws to require online platforms to verify that users are at least 18 years old before they can access sexually explicit material. It defines "sexually oriented online entities" as websites, social media platforms, and other digital services where a significant portion of content or revenue involves such material. The legislation makes it a third-degree crime for these platforms or individuals to knowingly show obscene content to minors without confirming their age. Additionally, the bill establishes legal presumptions regarding a platform's knowledge of its content and the age of its users to enforce these restrictions.

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 expands New Jersey's existing requirement for health insurance plans to cover prostate cancer screenings without any out-of-pocket costs. It specifically requires coverage for annual screenings - including digital rectal exams and PSA tests - for men aged 50 and older (asymptomatic) and men aged 40 and older with a family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors. The law applies to most health insurance plans, including high-deductible plans where permitted by federal law, and mandates coverage "to the same extent as for any other medical condition." It does not alter existing coverage for other preventive services but ensures no cost-sharing (like deductibles or copays) applies to these specific screenings.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (AJR 93) formally celebrates and commemorates the 200th anniversary of Timbuctoo, an unincorporated African-American community in Westampton Township, New Jersey. It recognizes Timbuctoo’s historical significance as a settlement founded by formerly enslaved people in 1826, its role in the Underground Railroad, and its connection to Black heritage and resilience. The resolution directs copies to the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail Advisory Committee and local historical groups, with no new policies or funding impacts. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not affect laws or regulations but honors the community’s legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the "Jack Reid Law: Protect All Students Act," aims to stop harassment and bullying in nonpublic schools by requiring these institutions to create and share clear anti-bullying policies. It defines bullying to include cyberbullying and covers incidents that happen on school grounds, during school events, or online if they threaten a student's safety or well-being. Under the new rules, schools must investigate any reported incidents within five days, document their findings, and take immediate steps to protect victims, while staff members are required to report witnessed or heard bullying promptly. The legislation also ensures that anyone who reports bullying in good faith is kept safe and clarifies that these protections do not limit rights to free speech or religious expression.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new trust fund to provide health benefits, including medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision coverage, to eligible public school employees and their dependents in New Jersey. It defines who qualifies as an employee and dependent, specifying that full-time workers must work at least 25 hours per week and that dependents include spouses, domestic partners, and unmarried children up to age 31. The legislation creates a board of trustees to manage the fund and ensure its assets are used solely for the benefit of the covered individuals. Additionally, the bill includes an appropriation to fund the initial operations of this new trust.