Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to teach students in grades 4-12 about menstrual toxic shock syndrome (TSS) as part of health education, covering causes, symptoms, and risk reduction. It also mandates that owners of public restrooms (with two or more toilets) in businesses like stores or offices install clear signs about TSS warning signs and risks, placed near tampon dispensers or prominently in the restroom. The state education agency must provide age-appropriate lesson materials, and the health department must create signage standards and online resources about TSS. The bill applies to public restrooms in non-school buildings (excluding elementary schools with only up to grade 5) and aims to improve public awareness of this rare but serious condition.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a New Jersey tax credit program to encourage businesses to hire and retain employees with developmental disabilities. Employers qualify for a credit of $1 per hour worked (up to $2,000 per employee annually), provided the employee works at least 500 hours in the state and the employer meets eligibility requirements like offering qualifying health insurance. The program is funded with a $2 million annual cap, administered by the Division of Developmental Disabilities, and requires employers to apply yearly by January 15. It directly affects New Jersey employers and individuals with developmental disabilities meeting the defined criteria (including autism, cerebral palsy, or intellectual disabilities).
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to create a dedicated Human Trafficking Unit within the Department of Law and Public Safety. The unit must prosecute trafficking cases, assist counties with investigations, connect victims to support services, and collaborate with state agencies (like Health, Labor, and Homeland Security) and local prosecutors. It also mandates ongoing training for law enforcement on trafficking cases and requires a public awareness campaign to educate about trafficking signs, consequences, and victim support. The unit's coordinator must annually report to the Governor and Legislature on its work and suggest policy improvements.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1643) allows New Jersey municipalities and school boards to adopt ranked-choice voting for local elections through voter referendum or local ordinance. It permits communities to choose ranked-choice voting for mayoral, council, or school board races - using instant runoff for single seats (like mayor) or single transferable vote for multiple seats (like council). Voters would need to approve the change via referendum, requiring signatures from at least 10% of voters who participated in the last General Assembly election. The bill defines key terms like "exhausted ballot" and voting thresholds but does not mandate ranked-choice voting statewide. It is currently pending in the Senate (introduced January 2026).
Maddy summarySCR 64 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring New Jersey's legislature to create a law allowing municipalities to offer a partial property tax exemption of up to 15% on the assessed value of a primary residence. This exemption would apply specifically to active volunteer firefighters, first aid, or rescue squad members whose service benefits the municipality where they live. Municipalities would need to pass a separate ordinance to implement the exemption, and could choose to offer less than the 15% maximum. The amendment must be approved by voters before it can take effect.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 2626) clarifies that consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded in intimate or sexual situations does not automatically allow sharing or disclosing those images. It requires separate, explicit consent for disclosure - meaning someone can consent to being photographed but still prohibit sharing the photo. The law directly affects individuals whose intimate images are captured without proper consent and those who share such images without separate permission. Key provisions define "disclose" broadly (including online sharing) and specify that consent for taking an image cannot be interpreted as consent for sharing it.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 3112) prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks or disguises during public interactions while performing official duties. Exceptions include undercover work, face shields that don’t hide the face, medical masks with a physician’s written approval, and masks for smoke protection during emergencies. Violating the rule is a disorderly persons offense punishable by fines up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both. The law applies broadly to all state, county, municipal, and federal officers empowered to enforce laws in New Jersey.
Maddy summaryS 2257 requires all health insurance plans and Medicaid in New Jersey to cover family planning and reproductive health care services - including abortion, contraception, counseling, and related medical care - without cost-sharing. It directly affects health insurers, Medicaid, and medical providers by mandating comprehensive coverage and prohibiting medical malpractice insurance companies from penalizing providers for offering legally protected reproductive care. The bill defines covered services to include abortion procedures, emergency care, genetic testing, and well-baby care, while explicitly excluding childbirth. This policy aims to remove financial barriers, particularly for low-income individuals, people of color, and those in rural areas, ensuring access to reproductive health services without insurance restrictions.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases the New Jersey Department of Children and Families' (DCF) FY2026 budget by $16.7 million to raise the monthly reimbursement rate for care management organizations (CMOs) serving youth with complex health needs. The rate will jump from $1,032 to $1,200 per client in 2026, with annual $100 increases until reaching $1,500 per client. CMOs - county-based agencies that coordinate care for youth with behavioral health, substance use, or developmental disabilities - will directly benefit from this funding change. The policy ensures CMOs receive higher payments for services provided through the NJ FamilyCare program.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes clear rules for payments from solid waste facilities to municipalities where they operate. It requires landfill operators to pay at least $1 per ton of waste accepted annually, and transfer station operators to pay $0.50 per ton, with specific payment mechanisms allowed (cash, tax exemptions, etc.). The law mandates that negotiations between municipalities and facilities must conclude within 180 days, followed by a 45-day public comment period on proposed payments before final approval. Residents also gain the right to petition the state to establish or adjust these payments if they believe current benefits are insufficient.