Sen. Patrick Diegnan

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey State Police to create a maternity leave policy for troopers who provide proof of pregnancy. It mandates at least eight weeks of continuous paid leave after childbirth, with full pay and benefits that do not count against sick leave balances. The policy also prohibits residency restrictions or integrity checks during this leave period. The Superintendent must post clear details about the policy - including required forms, FAQs, and contact information - on the State Police intranet. The policy applies directly to pregnant State Police troopers and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires manufacturers of firefighting gear containing PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) to provide written notice to purchasers at the time of sale. The notice must state that PFAS is present, explain why it's included, and list the specific chemicals by name. Beginning two years after the bill takes effect, the sale, manufacture, and distribution of firefighting gear with intentionally added PFAS will be banned in New Jersey. The law directly affects manufacturers and purchasers of firefighting personal protective equipment (like jackets, helmets, and gloves) and enforces compliance through New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2380) allows school counselors, psychologists, and other mental health professionals in New Jersey school districts to refer students to licensed private mental health counselors for assessments and services. It requires parental consent for minors who cannot consent independently and prohibits referrals to providers with whom the school staff has a financial interest. The bill clarifies that school districts do not cover the cost of these private services, which remain the responsibility of the student or their family. It does not change existing school district mental health services but expands referral options for students needing external support.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires ferry operators, public transit agencies (like NJ Transit and the Port Authority), and commuter rail services to create and publish clear route schedules. Specifically, it mandates that these providers post schedules at transportation facilities, on their websites, and update them within 30 days of any changes. Failure to comply could result in daily fines (e.g., $1 per day for ferry operators). The law directly affects riders by ensuring accessible, up-to-date transit information for bus, rail, ferry, and commuter routes across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health care professionals in New Jersey - such as doctors, nurses, and specialists who diagnose or treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) - to confidentially report all known ALS cases to the state Department of Health. Reports must protect patient and provider privacy, with data shared only in de-identified form for research purposes, including with the National ALS Registry. Within 12 months of the bill’s effective date, the Department must create and post online educational materials about joining the National ALS Registry, including eligibility and contact details. The law aligns with federal privacy rules and prohibits disclosing any personal identifying information.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a permanent New Jersey-India Commission to strengthen economic, cultural, and educational ties between New Jersey and India. It formalizes a commission previously created by Governor Murphy’s 2024 executive order, requiring the Governor to appoint 35-45 members: eight recommended by legislative leaders (with party balance rules), and the rest as public members serving three-year terms. The commission will foster trade, investment, and exchanges, directly supporting New Jersey’s Indian-American community (approximately 400,000 people) and India’s status as the state’s second-largest foreign investor. The bill does not create new programs but ensures ongoing coordination through a structured, permanent body.

Maddy summaryS 4989 establishes a provisional license for new motor vehicle dealers in New Jersey, allowing them to operate temporarily while meeting full licensing requirements. The bill sets specific standards for the physical facilities dealers must use, including requirements for location and condition. This directly affects new car dealers seeking to open or expand a dealership, as they must comply with these facility standards to transition from a provisional to a permanent license. The provisional license provides a temporary pathway for dealers to begin operations without waiting for full approval.

Maddy summaryS 4996 establishes a new Justice Center to handle complaints and investigations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation against individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) in State-licensed or operated residential and day habilitation facilities. The bill centralizes these investigations under an independent Justice Center, replacing the current system where the Department of Human Services and Department of Children and Families manage such cases. It also creates a Medical Review Board to address disability-related mortality and abuse prevention. This bill directly affects IDD individuals living in these facilities by improving oversight and safety protections through a streamlined, independent process.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires commercial vehicles with large loads extending above the vehicle body (such as trailers, semitrailers, or flatbed trucks) to use the right lane on highways. It applies specifically to motor-drawn vehicles and towed vehicles as defined by existing law, with exceptions only when entering or exiting the roadway from the left lane. Violations would result in a $500 fine per occurrence.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a permanent "Civil Air Patrol Fund" within New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, requiring an annual $100,000 appropriation from the state General Fund. The fund supports New Jersey's Civil Air Patrol Wing by financing specific programs like cadet STEM/aviation training, search and rescue readiness, disaster relief equipment (including a Redbird Simulator), and volunteer training. Unspent funds carry forward annually, and the fund may also accept federal grants and public donations. The bill directly affects the Civil Air Patrol's operations in New Jersey, providing dedicated state funding for its community and emergency services programs.