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.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 4298, the "Healthy Smiles Act," increases NJ FamilyCare's fee-for-service reimbursement rates for pediatric dental services by 20% starting July 2025, directly affecting dental providers and the 20% of New Jersey residents enrolled in NJ FamilyCare (primarily low-income children). It requires managed care organizations to pay providers at least the same rate as the new fee-for-service rate for identical services. The bill mandates annual rate adjustments based on the Northeast region's Consumer Price Index to keep pace with inflation. These changes aim to improve access to dental care by addressing historically low reimbursement rates that limited provider participation.
Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a 1995 law (P.L.1995, c.63) that restricted how public college student groups could fund legislative advocacy. Currently, the law prohibited mandatory fees for student groups working to influence legislation from appearing on tuition bills, though optional fees with student approval were permitted. The repeal removes these restrictions, allowing student organizations to assess fees for legislative activity without the prior approval requirements. This directly affects students at New Jersey's public colleges and universities who participate in or support student-led advocacy groups.
Maddy summaryS 2974 reduces parking space requirements for new residential developments in New Jersey based on proximity to public transportation. It mandates a 20% reduction for projects ½ to 1 mile from transit, 30% for ¼ to ½ mile, and 50% for developments within ¼ mile of transit stations, bus routes (with 5+ regular routes or 15+ bus stops), or ferry terminals. The bill directly affects residential developers by lowering mandated parking spaces in areas near public transportation infrastructure. It amends statewide site improvement standards to prioritize transit accessibility over parking capacity. The changes take effect immediately upon passage.
Maddy summaryS 4253 establishes the "Artificial Intelligence Innovation Partnership" to support emerging AI technology businesses across New Jersey through regional nonprofit organizations. The bill creates four regional partnerships focused on specific AI applications: financial technology/cybersecurity in the north, healthcare/biotech in the center, agriculture/aviation in the south, and renewable energy/autonomous vehicles on the shore. These nonprofit partners will provide business incubation, technical assistance, access to capital, and support for underrepresented AI businesses, with priority given to those demonstrating diversity in ownership or leadership. Partners must match state funding with private investment and will be required to submit annual reports on their activities and outcomes to the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology.
Maddy summarySCR 127 is a non-binding legislative resolution expressing the New Jersey Legislature's support for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives in the state's higher education institutions and private businesses. It encourages colleges to implement programs that improve student success - such as mentorship, culturally inclusive curricula, and support services - and urges businesses to prioritize DEIA in hiring, training, and workplace culture. The resolution highlights New Jersey's diverse population (over 45% people of color, large immigrant community) and cites evidence that DEIA efforts strengthen student outcomes and economic competitiveness. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but formally endorses existing DEIA work as a priority for the state.
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 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 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 summaryNew Jersey's S 1610 requires all outdoor lighting fixtures installed or replaced by State agencies or on state-funded projects to meet strict energy and light pollution standards. The bill mandates fully shielded fixtures with a maximum 2% light emission above 80 degrees, a BUG rating of U0, and a color temperature no higher than 2,700 Kelvin (with limited exceptions for sports fields or nature preserves). It also requires motion sensors to automatically adjust lighting, limits unnecessary brightness, and prohibits light trespass beyond property lines. These changes directly affect State agencies, public projects, and contractors working with state funds, aiming to reduce energy use and protect night skies. The law takes effect three months after enactment.