Maddy summaryS 876 creates a working group within New Jersey's Department of Law and Public Safety to help coastal communities identify and safely remove abandoned boats along the state's 100+ mile shoreline. The bill appropriates $25 million to establish the "Abandoned Vessels Fund," which will reimburse municipalities for removal costs under a new program. The working group - composed of 21 members including state agencies, county/municipal leaders, and industry representatives - must report annually to the Governor and Legislature on its progress. This bill directly affects coastal towns struggling with hazardous derelict vessels, particularly those impacted by Hurricane Sandy, by providing dedicated funding and a structured process for removal. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 13, 2026, and referred to the Law and Public Safety Committee.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill S 598 requires health insurance plans to cover diagnosis and treatment for two specific pediatric neurological conditions: PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) and PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome). The bill mandates coverage for treatments including antibiotics, behavioral therapies, immunomodulating medicines, plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG), provided by a treating physician. Insurance plans must cover these expenses "to the same extent as for any other condition," applying to hospital service, medical service, health service, individual, group, and health benefits plans. This directly affects patients diagnosed with PANDAS or PANS and all health insurance providers operating in New Jersey.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2606 establishes a Legislative Youth Council to give young people aged 18-25 a formal role in state policymaking. The council will consist of 40 public members (representing each legislative district and reflecting New Jersey's diversity) and 4 non-voting legislative members appointed by Senate and Assembly leaders. Hosted by a selected New Jersey higher education institution, the council will research and advise on youth-focused issues like education, health, safety, and economic opportunities, then submit biennial policy recommendations to legislative leaders. This bill replaces previous council structures to increase operational flexibility while directly involving youth in shaping policies affecting them.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals approved to relocate from an underserved community to maintain minimum services at their original location. Specifically, it mandates that such hospitals keep all required professional departments, inpatient beds, and essential services - those a general acute care hospital must provide under existing rules (N.J.A.C. 8:33-3.1) - under the same license. It applies to hospitals moving from communities meeting strict criteria, including being designated as medically underserved by federal and state standards. The law takes effect immediately and covers relocations approved in the prior 12 months.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 524 requires public schools with 5% or more students qualifying for federal free/reduced-price meals to offer a school breakfast program, lowering the current threshold from 20%. This applies to all schools meeting the 5% eligibility rate, including those serving pre-K through 6th grade (requiring implementation by September 1, 2023) and other grades (by September 1, 2024). School districts must submit implementation plans to the Department of Agriculture by specific deadlines, with waivers available for schools lacking resources to comply. The bill aligns breakfast program requirements with existing lunch program rules, aiming to expand access to school breakfasts for more students.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to allow licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and other licensed medical professionals to provide nursing services in nonpublic schools, expanding beyond the previous requirement that only registered nurses could deliver these services. It directly affects nonpublic schools (like private or religious schools) and their nursing staff by permitting LPNs to conduct required services such as dental screenings, hearing exams, scoliosis screenings for students aged 10-18, and maintaining health records. The bill maintains existing requirements for specific health services while updating who can deliver them, ensuring services align with each professional’s scope of practice. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program to include victims of domestic abuse who file as "married filing separately." It removes the requirement for these taxpayers to file jointly with an abusive spouse to qualify for the credit, which they previously lost by filing separately. To claim the credit, victims must meet three conditions: living apart from their spouse when filing, being unable to file jointly due to domestic abuse, and indicating this on their tax return. The change aligns New Jersey's EITC rules with federal requirements for domestic abuse victims, ensuring they can access the credit without forcing them to remain in unsafe situations.
Maddy summaryThis bill sets a minimum $300 payment rate per basic life support emergency ambulance transport under New Jersey's Medicaid program, increasing from the current $58 rate. It also establishes a minimum $8.94 per loaded mile reimbursement for ground ambulance mileage, with annual adjustments tied to the Medicare rate. The changes apply to all Medicaid-covered emergency transports starting July 1, 2024, affecting ambulance providers serving Medicaid patients. The law requires the state to update Medicaid rules and seek federal approval for these reimbursement changes.
Maddy summaryS 1636 requires every New Jersey county to provide at least one drive-up ballot drop box (designed with accessible features like turning radius and curb cuts) available 24/7. County election boards must establish a minimum of 10 ballot drop boxes total, including locations at county government buildings, municipalities over 5,000 residents, and college campuses with over 5,000 students. The bill mandates ADA-compliant sites with security cameras, prohibits political displays within 100 feet, and requires all locations to be accessible. This directly affects county election boards’ operations and expands voter access to secure ballot drop options.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits health insurance carriers (like major insurance companies) from obtaining or renewing licenses to operate as pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs). PBMs are entities that manage prescription drug programs for insurers, and this law specifically blocks insurers from holding these licenses. The bill amends existing licensing rules to require PBMs to meet strict standards for conflicts of interest, anti-competitive practices, and consumer protection, but explicitly bars health insurance carriers from applying for or maintaining such licenses. It does not affect existing PBM licenses held by non-insurer entities.