Sen. Patrick Diegnan

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's homestead property tax reimbursement program to include disabled residents who receive disability payments under the federal Railroad Retirement Act (45 U.S.C. § 231 et seq.). Currently, only disabled individuals receiving payments under the federal Social Security Act (Title II) qualify for this reimbursement. The bill expands eligibility by adding Railroad Retirement disability payments as a qualifying source, without altering existing income thresholds or residency requirements. This change would allow more disabled New Jersey residents to claim property tax reimbursement on their primary residence if they meet all other program criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows licensed New Jersey audiologists to select, prescribe, and order hearing aids - expanding their current authority to only fit and sell them - if they complete approved training. It directly affects audiologists who must now meet specific educational requirements and New Jersey residents needing hearing aids, particularly for prescription-grade devices under new FDA classifications. The key change aligns state law with updated federal rules that distinguish between over-the-counter and prescription hearing aids. This amendment modifies existing licensing standards under P.L.1983, c.420, requiring audiologists to complete coursework in the full scope of hearing aid services.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 4251 establishes procedures for when health insurance carriers remove healthcare facilities from their provider networks or facilities leave a carrier's network. It requires 15 days of continued coverage for claims after notice is given to both parties and the Department of Banking and Insurance, along with public notices to patients about potential disruptions. If negotiations fail, the bill creates a 30-day special enrollment period for affected patients in small employer or individual health plans to switch coverage. During this period, carriers must cover claims from the former network as if in-network, and continue covering out-of-network claims until the next open enrollment or a new agreement is reached. The law directly affects patients in impacted counties, healthcare facilities, and insurers operating under New Jersey's health insurance regulations.

Maddy summaryS 843 requires New Jersey's Adjutant General (within the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs) to create a program helping veterans access evaluation and treatment for service-connected PTSD, total brain injury, or traumatic brain injury. The program must coordinate support services like transportation, assistance filing disability claims, updating discharge status, and connecting veterans to healthcare resources at local, state, and federal levels. It directly affects New Jersey veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces or Reserve components, including the National Guard. The bill amends state law to mandate this program, which will be developed in coordination with relevant state agencies.

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 summaryS 1242 amends New Jersey law to make the $500 to $1,000 fine and mandatory participation in a compulsive gambling program optional for courts when a person under 21 gambles in a casino. Currently, offenders face a mandatory fine for this violation, which is a disorderly persons offense. Under this bill, courts can choose not to impose the fine and may opt not to require participation in a state-approved program, such as those offered by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. The bill does not change the offense status but provides judicial flexibility in sentencing.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school districts serving grades 9-12 to add instruction about gambling addiction risks to their health and physical education curriculum. The teaching must cover gambling addiction dangers, financial risks from gambling, and the difference between probability and predictability. The state Education Commissioner will provide schools with sample lesson materials and develop teacher training on identifying gambling issues and treatment options. The requirement takes effect for the first full school year after the next state curriculum review, not immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $5 million matching grant program administered by New Jersey's Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology for public research universities. It requires universities receiving certain federal research grants (those needing or prioritizing a financial match) to apply for state funds to cover their required matching share. The program prioritizes projects aligned with state economic development goals and university research capacity, with applications evaluated on economic impact, industry alignment, student opportunities, and equitable funding. The Commission must annually report to state leaders on recipient projects and the program's effectiveness in advancing economic development.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create and maintain an informational pamphlet about operating low-speed electric bicycles and scooters. The pamphlet must include current laws, penalties for violations, and a notice about the distribution requirement, and must be updated annually and translated into at least five languages (including Spanish). The MVC must distribute two copies to food delivery companies within 60 days of creation and annually thereafter, while these companies must provide the pamphlet to all riders using such vehicles within 30 days of receipt and include it in hiring materials. The bill directly affects the MVC, food delivery companies using low-speed electric bicycles or scooters for deliveries, and their riders.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4090) raises the maximum age for residents in New Jersey's pediatric long-term care facilities from 19 to 26 years. It directly affects young adults aged 19-26 who currently cannot access these facilities due to the existing age limit. The key provision amends existing law to allow licensed pediatric long-term care facilities to admit and serve residents up to age 26. The change would take effect immediately upon enactment.