Maddy summaryThis bill would enter New Jersey into the Social Work Licensure Compact, creating a system where social workers licensed in New Jersey could practice in other participating states without obtaining additional licenses. Under the compact, social workers would need to meet specific requirements, including passing a national exam, maintaining an active license in New Jersey, and meeting continuing education standards. The compact establishes a commission to manage the system, share disciplinary information between states, and handle adverse actions against licensees. This primarily affects social workers seeking to practice across state lines, including those with military families who may need to move between states, while preserving each state's regulatory authority.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 3098 requires health insurers in New Jersey to cover biomarker testing for diagnosis, treatment, management, or ongoing monitoring of medical conditions when supported by medical evidence. The bill defines biomarker testing as analysis of tissue, blood, or other biospecimens for biomarkers, and specifies coverage must be provided when tests align with FDA approvals, drug indications, CMS determinations, or nationally-recognized clinical guidelines. Insurers must process prior authorization requests within 72 hours for non-urgent cases and 24 hours for urgent cases, while minimizing disruptions like multiple biopsies. This requirement applies to all health insurance plans, including Medicaid, which must provide coverage with no cost-sharing for beneficiaries.
Maddy summaryThis bill would amend New Jersey's firearms law to allow active duty members of the United States military and National Guard to carry firearms at all times within the state, rather than only while on duty or traveling between duty locations as current law permits. It would add military personnel to the list of exempt groups under New Jersey's firearms regulations, requiring them to complete firearms training similar to other authorized groups. The bill's statement cites past attacks on military installations as justification for the change, arguing it would allow military personnel to better protect themselves and their families. The bill would not override federal restrictions on military personnel carrying weapons.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 4275 prohibits state contractors and financial institutions from sharing data with "foreign adversaries" (defined as entities deemed a security threat by U.S. standards). It requires the Department of the Treasury to maintain a public list of entities selling data to such adversaries, making them ineligible for state contracts, subsidies, tax benefits, or certifications. Contractors must certify they aren’t on the list, and false certifications face $1 million penalties or five-year bans. The law exempts data shared under court orders, legitimate business transactions, or publicly available information. This directly affects businesses seeking state work or financial partnerships.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits employment contracts from including non-disclosure or non-disparagement clauses that hide claims of discrimination, retaliation, or harassment. It directly affects employees and employers in New Jersey by making such clauses unenforceable and requiring settlement agreements to include a clear notice that confidentiality terms cannot block employees from publicly sharing details identifying the employer. The law allows standard non-compete and trade secret agreements but voids any contract terms preventing employees from pursuing legal claims related to workplace discrimination. It applies to all contracts entered into after the effective date.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires juveniles accused of delinquency to appear in court in the county where the alleged incident occurred, rather than their residence county. It directly affects juveniles facing delinquency complaints in New Jersey. The key provision mandates court appearance in the incident county and requires courts to provide reasonable transportation accommodations to ensure attendance. This changes current practice where cases were typically held in the juvenile's home county. The policy change applies to all juvenile delinquency cases under the court's jurisdiction.
Maddy summaryThis bill adds fusion energy to the definition of "Class I renewable energy" under New Jersey's Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act. It directly affects fusion energy developers and utilities by making fusion projects eligible for the same state incentives, tax credits, and regulatory benefits currently available to established Class I renewables like solar and wind. The key mechanism is amending the statutory definition to explicitly include fusion, aligning it with other qualifying renewable sources for purposes of state energy programs. This change enables fusion projects to participate in New Jersey's renewable energy market and benefit from existing support structures.
Maddy summaryS 2386 creates a New Jersey gross income tax credit for active volunteer members of fire departments, ambulance squads, or rescue organizations who use their personal vehicles for emergency duties. It allows eligible volunteers to claim a credit based on miles driven for active duty (defined as direct response to emergencies), calculated using the federal IRS business mileage rate, with a maximum credit of $500 for single filers or $1,000 for married couples filing jointly. To qualify, members must maintain active status without regular pay (only receiving clothing allowances or limited service awards), meet attendance requirements for drills/meetings, and document service through their organization’s certification. The credit applies to taxable years beginning after the bill’s enactment and is refundable if it reduces tax liability to zero. This directly benefits New Jersey volunteer emergency responders who incur vehicle costs while serving.
Maddy summaryS 4008 prohibits new crematories from being built within 1,000 feet of schools, residential zones, or public recreational areas in New Jersey. Specifically, it bans approval of new crematory construction if the site borders within 1,000 feet of any public or private school, exclusively residential zoning, or parks, playgrounds, beaches, or similar open spaces. The bill amends existing cemetery law (P.L.2011, c.230) and takes effect immediately. This directly affects developers seeking to build new crematories by restricting potential locations near sensitive community areas.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows home-based businesses to operate legally in residential neighborhoods without requiring special permits or zoning variances, as long as they meet specific conditions. Home businesses must not create excessive noise, traffic, visible signage, or pollution, and must align with residential neighborhood standards. Municipalities can establish consistent rules for visitor numbers or delivery traffic but cannot ban home businesses outright. The law aims to support small home businesses - often started by unemployed workers - as a permitted residential use, while protecting neighborhood character.