Sen. Andrew Zwicker

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study how advanced transmission technologies (ATT) could improve the state's electrical grid. ATT includes tools like software for optimizing power flow or specialized conductors that boost existing infrastructure's capacity without building new lines. The study must evaluate ATT's potential to reduce grid congestion, lower costs for utilities, and speed up project timelines compared to traditional transmission upgrades. The BPU must submit findings within one year, including public input, to help determine if ATT should be adopted to support growing energy demand from data centers, manufacturing, and population growth.

Maddy summaryS 2346 creates a three-year pilot program to protect vulnerable residents during extreme heat and poor air quality events. It establishes "Code Red" alerts triggered when heat index reaches 95°F+ for two days or air quality hits index 151+, requiring counties to coordinate cooling centers, transportation, and outreach for homeless or outdoor residents. The bill appropriates $5 million total - $500,000 per participating county - to fund this effort in 10 selected counties. Counties must develop alert plans with local agencies, report to the state, and submit a final evaluation on the program’s effectiveness after the pilot ends.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how New Jersey fills vacancies in its U.S. House of Representatives seat. It requires the Governor to issue a writ of election within 10 days of a vacancy, replacing the current unspecified timeframe. The bill establishes clear timelines based on the remaining term: for vacancies with 180+ days remaining, it mandates a special primary election followed by a special election; for 135-180 days remaining, it mandates a special election without a primary; and for less than 135 days remaining, the seat remains vacant until the next term. This provides more predictable scheduling for voters, candidates, and election officials.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a three-year "New Economy Opportunity Skills System Pilot Program" to improve collaboration between local workforce development boards and community colleges in New Jersey. The pilot will operate in three areas, focusing on jointly developing workforce training programs with industry credentials, coordinating marketing efforts, and integrating funding resources to better serve job seekers. It designates community colleges as the preferred providers for state workforce training and adult literacy programs, replacing previous arrangements. The State Employment and Training Commission will manage the pilot, develop a statewide expansion strategy, and submit annual reports on outcomes like employment rates and credential attainment. Funding will come from state and federal sources, prioritizing federal funds where available.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's process for filling vacancies in the U.S. House of Representatives. It requires the Governor to issue a writ of election within 10 days of a vacancy occurring, replacing the current unspecified timeframe. The bill establishes two specific election timelines: if the unexpired term is 180 days or more, it mandates a special primary followed by a special election; if the unexpired term is between 135-180 days, it mandates a special election without a primary. Vacancies occurring in the final 135 days of a term will remain unfilled until the next congressional term begins. The bill also updates procedural requirements, such as requiring only one election notice publication at least 45 days before the election instead of weekly notices.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's voter registration process by integrating it directly into Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) services. It allows residents to register to vote when applying for or renewing a driver's license at an MVC office, requiring the MVC to transmit registration details to the state's voter system. The bill also expands automatic voter registration to other state agencies (like the Medical Assistance and Health Services Program), which will automatically send eligibility information for voter registration (with an opt-out option) when individuals apply for services. These changes directly affect New Jersey residents interacting with MVC or participating in state social services programs, aiming to increase registration rates through routine state agency visits.

Maddy summaryS 4018 requires health insurance plans and Medicaid to cover screening, prevention, and treatment services for behavioral health issues in children under 18. It mandates that providers can bill for these services using an "at-risk diagnosis" (which considers factors like family circumstances without requiring a formal mental health diagnosis) and alternative codes like Social Determinants of Health Z-codes. The coverage must be provided at the same level as other medical services for all covered children. This applies to all health insurance carriers, the State Health Benefits Program, the School Employees' Health Benefits Program, and New Jersey's Medicaid program (NJ FamilyCare).

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey food service businesses from automatically providing single-use plastic utensils and condiments to customers. Instead, businesses must only provide these items upon explicit customer request. Restaurants and similar establishments with 50 or more on-site seats must offer reusable, washable utensils for dine-in customers, who must return them after use. Businesses that exclusively use eco-friendly alternatives are exempt, and violations could result in fines up to $5,000 per offense, with penalty funds going to litter prevention programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires licensed health care facilities in New Jersey to confidentially report all known and suspected cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and motor neuron disease to the state Department of Health. It affects hospitals, clinics, and other health care facilities licensed under New Jersey law. The Department of Health must collect these reports while complying with federal and state privacy laws, and can only use the information for research purposes - no other use is permitted. The bill takes immediate effect upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DHS) and the State Board of Medical Examiners to create a faster process for reviewing applications from doctors who want to join NJ FamilyCare (the state's Medicaid and children's health insurance program). Specifically, the medical board must share a physician's license number with DHS within 5 days of issuing it (or provide denial documentation within 5 days if licensure is denied), and DHS must begin processing applications immediately if they include license details or proof of pending licensure. DHS must also notify applicants within 10 days of receiving the license number if additional documents are needed. The bill does not change existing licensing or enrollment requirements and clarifies that approval cannot be granted before DHS receives a National Provider Identifier number.