Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits health insurers, third-party administrators, pharmacy benefits managers, and state health benefit programs (like the State Health Benefits Program and School Employees’ Health Benefits Program) from requiring pre-approval or precertification for covered medical tests, procedures, or prescription drugs. It directly affects patients and healthcare providers by removing insurance company barriers that previously delayed care. The key provision states that payment for covered services must be made without pre-approval if the service is prescribed by a licensed provider and included in the plan. The bill applies to all health and prescription drug plans issued or purchased on or after its effective date. It aims to streamline access to medically necessary treatments by ensuring insurers pay for doctor-recommended care without bureaucratic delays.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits paid to eligible retired members of New Jersey's Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). It requires the PFRS board of trustees to restore these COLAs to their previous statutory level without requiring additional contributions from retirees, provided actuarial certification confirms the change won't increase employer costs or jeopardize the system's long-term financial health. The policy directly affects retired police officers and firefighters who receive benefits under the PFRS. The change reverses a prior reduction to these automatic inflation adjustments for this specific retirement system.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's wrongful imprisonment law to include individuals wrongfully convicted and later civilly committed as "sexually violent predators" under P.L.1998, c.71. It allows these individuals to sue the state for damages by proving, with clear and convincing evidence, that they did not commit the crime and were not responsible for their conviction. Claimants must file within two years of release, pardon, or vacated conviction, with damages calculated as twice their pre-incarceration income or $50,000 per year of imprisonment, plus additional support like legal fees and counseling. The law applies to those released or pardoned on or after December 27, 2013, who haven't previously received compensation under similar statutes.
Maddy summaryS 870 allows certain New Jersey businesses - specifically limited liability partnerships (LLPs), limited partnerships, and limited liability companies (LLCs) - to file their annual reports together with their business registration or renewal, instead of submitting separate documents. The bill amends existing statutes to require the State Treasurer to provide businesses with the option to file these reports electronically and combine them with registration processes. This change simplifies administrative tasks for affected businesses by reducing paperwork and filing deadlines. The bill directly impacts businesses required to submit annual reports under New Jersey law, making compliance more efficient. It is a procedural update with no substantive policy changes.
Maddy summaryThis bill adds a constitutional right to choose whether to use assisted reproductive technology (ART), including in vitro fertilization (IVF), to New Jersey's existing reproductive rights protections. It explicitly expands the state constitution's recognition of reproductive choice to cover ART, ensuring individuals cannot be barred from accessing these services by state law. Any existing or new law that conflicts with this right would be deemed invalid. The change applies to all individuals present in New Jersey, including those under state supervision, and aligns with the state's longstanding support for reproductive freedom.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to study how temporary employment affects the state's workforce. The study must examine impacts on workers, wages, businesses, and the overall economy, while reviewing relevant state and federal laws. DOLWD must consult with employers, temporary worker organizations, academics, and legal experts, and report findings and potential policy recommendations to the legislature within 12 months. The bill does not change current laws but mandates this specific study to inform future decisions about temporary work arrangements.
Maddy summaryS 3156 requires owners of low-speed electric bicycles (max 20 mph, under 750 watts) and scooters (max 19 mph) in New Jersey to register these vehicles with the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and carry insurance, which were not required under previous law. The bill mandates registration with the MVC and proof of insurance, amending existing insurance and registration laws to include these vehicles. This applies to all current and future owners of such vehicles, changing their operational requirements on public roads. Additional provisions include manufacturer labeling requirements and restrictions on where these vehicles can be operated, such as on bicycle paths or trails.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2572) requires New Jersey to provide one free official copy of a birth certificate to military veterans who were born in the state. It applies specifically to veterans discharged from the Armed Forces (excluding those with dishonorable discharges) or eligible WWII Merchant Marine members. The law adds a provision to existing state code, ensuring veterans can request one free certified copy upon request, while all additional copies remain subject to standard fees. The bill does not change eligibility for veterans or affect other existing fee exemptions.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SCR 63) declares the Division of State Lottery's rule allowing direct online sales of lottery tickets inconsistent with the State Lottery Act. It directly affects the Division of State Lottery (within the Department of Treasury), which proposed this rule in 2022 and adopted it in 2023. The Legislature states the rule violates the Act's prohibition on state agencies acting as "exclusive lottery sales agents" (N.J.S.A. 5:9-11). The resolution requires the Division to amend or withdraw the rule within 30 days or face potential future invalidation by the Legislature.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Education to obtain prior approval from the State Board of Education before implementing any new standardized assessment for public schools that isn't already mandated by state or federal law. A "standardized assessment" is defined as one administered to all students in a specific grade or subject, with results aggregated for analysis at district, school, or subgroup levels. Existing assessments that are merely updated or revised (not new requirements) are exempt from this approval process. The bill directly affects the Commissioner and State Board of Education by adding a procedural step for new testing mandates, effective immediately upon enactment.