Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 2598) requires public school districts, charter schools, and special education programs to establish clear policies for removing students from school pending a mental health assessment. It mandates that such removals only occur in emergencies where a student poses immediate danger to themselves or others, with written documentation, parent notification within 48 hours, and free mental health assessments for families. Schools must also update individualized education plans (IEPs) or 504 plans after a student returns, and cannot charge families for the assessment unless they choose a clinician outside the school’s approved list. The bill applies to all public and specialized school settings in New Jersey and aims to standardize emergency removal procedures while protecting student rights.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2593) prevents New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) from denying child care subsidies to teachers and school employees based on their work hours during periods when schools are not in session for students (e.g., summer break or holidays). It directly affects eligible teachers and school staff who might otherwise lose subsidies due to reduced hours during non-school weeks. The key provision requires DHS to disregard non-school-week work hours when determining eligibility, while still requiring participants to undergo standard redetermination processes. The bill defines "school year" as the period when schools are actively in session for students.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's school bus stop laws to authorize the use of school bus monitoring systems for enforcement. It directly affects drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses (including those transporting children or individuals with developmental disabilities) and school districts/municipalities that install such systems. Key provisions establish that violations captured by these systems result in a $250 civil penalty (instead of criminal penalties), with collected funds directed to municipal and school safety programs. The bill also clarifies that registered vehicle owners are presumed responsible for violations recorded by the systems.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases the maximum weekly limit for reimbursable personal care assistant (PCA) services under New Jersey's WorkAbility Program from 40 to 112 hours per calendar week. It directly affects employed, permanently-disabled individuals who qualify for the program - specifically those working while meeting income thresholds (under 250% of federal poverty level for earned income) and paying a $25 monthly premium. The key mechanism removes the current 40-hour cap on PCA services, requiring the Commissioner of Human Services to seek federal Medicaid waivers and update regulations to implement the change. This adjustment allows greater flexibility for participants to access necessary personal care support while working.
Maddy summaryS 1857 amends New Jersey's Local Redevelopment and Housing Law to explicitly exclude farmland actively devoted to agricultural use (and taxed under the Farmland Assessment Act of 1964) from being classified as a "redevelopment area" or "rehabilitation area." This directly affects farmers who maintain agricultural operations and qualify for the farmland tax assessment program, preventing their land from being included in redevelopment projects. The key mechanism is a technical amendment to the legal definition of "redevelopment area" within the law. This change ensures farmland under the Farmland Assessment Act cannot be subject to redevelopment processes governed by the current law.
Maddy summarySJR 51 designates May of each year as Haitian Heritage Month in New Jersey. This ceremonial resolution directly affects New Jersey residents, particularly the state's nearly 69,000 Haitian-American community, by requiring the Governor to issue annual proclamations encouraging public observance through educational programs and cultural activities. The bill focuses on raising awareness of Haitian history and contributions, including the Haitian Revolution and cultural heritage, without creating new policies or funding. It serves as a symbolic recognition, expanding on existing Haitian Flag Day observances.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires new public buildings or those undergoing substantial renovation (costing over $40,000) to install induction loop listening systems - hardwired systems that transmit sound directly to hearing aids and cochlear implants for people with hearing loss. It applies to spaces like theaters, libraries, banks, medical waiting areas, and grocery checkouts, mandating visible signage and biennial maintenance checks. Owners may request exemption if installation is deemed impractical by local authorities, but must still submit self-certification of system functionality every two years. The law aligns with New Jersey’s construction code and aims to improve accessibility in public venues without requiring retrofits for existing buildings.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2919 allows eligible voters who missed the standard 21-day registration deadline to register and vote on election day or during early voting. It permits voters to register in person at their assigned polling place on election day or at an early voting site in their county, provided they show ID or utility bill proof and complete a registration affirmation. The bill amends existing law to ensure provisional ballots cast under these conditions are counted if valid, without requiring prior registration. This change directly affects voters who register late but meets the in-person verification requirements at voting locations.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 426) would require New Jersey to provide Medicare health care coverage to all state residents - regardless of age, health, or disability status - expanding the federal program beyond its current eligibility rules. It mandates the state to seek federal waivers from CMS to replace existing health programs (like Medicaid) with universal Medicare coverage, with costs adjusted based on existing Medicare/Medicaid payments. The bill also prohibits private insurers from offering duplicate coverage for services already provided through Medicare. This would apply to anyone domiciled in New Jersey for 30 days prior to applying, starting immediately upon enactment.
Maddy summaryS 5034 establishes a pilot program to help hospitals in underserved communities maintain essential medical services at their original location when relocating. It appropriates $3 million to provide financial assistance for hospitals to cover costs of maintaining a "community access location" offering emergency care, psychiatric services, surgical services, and diagnostic imaging. To qualify, a hospital must have been approved by the Department of Health to relocate and must apply for funding, with the maintained location operating under the same license and serving all patients regardless of ability to pay. The program targets communities meeting specific criteria, such as having only one hospital and meeting medical underservice designations.