Sen. Patrick Diegnan

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a minimum daily reimbursement rate of $950 for pediatric special care nursing facilities (SCNFs) participating in New Jersey's Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs. It directly affects SCNFs providing specialized long-term care to children and youth up to age 21 who require medical services beyond standard nursing care. Facilities must comply with state and federal regulations on licensure, patient safety, and care quality to qualify for this rate. The state will appropriate funds from the General Fund to cover the increased reimbursement costs, and the Department of Human Services must seek necessary federal approvals for implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A560) requires all New Jersey transportation network company (TNC) drivers - like those for Uber or Lyft - to complete an anti-human trafficking training course approved by the Attorney General. The training, which can be taken online, covers human trafficking definitions, how drivers can report it, and steps to respond to suspected cases. Drivers must certify completion to their TNC; failure to do so results in being blocked from using the app until certified. TNCs must also track and document completion in driver records within 90 days of the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5018) gives juveniles aged 14 or older (or younger for murder charges) the right to request being tried as adults in criminal court, subject to court approval. Before approving such a request, the court must hold a hearing to ensure the juvenile understands the differences in sentencing between juvenile and adult systems and that their decision is made knowingly and voluntarily. If approved, the case proceeds as an adult case, but the juvenile is presumed to serve any prison time in a juvenile facility until age 21, with limited exceptions for safety or age. The court may also allow the case to return to juvenile court later if it serves the juvenile's best interests and public safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a $15 fee for special license plates designated for firefighters and members of first aid or rescue squads in New Jersey. It directly affects compensated, partially compensated, and volunteer members of fire departments or first aid/rescue squads who currently pay this fee in addition to standard vehicle registration costs. The bill amends existing law (P.L.1977, c.369) to remove the $15 charge, meaning applicants will only pay standard vehicle registration fees. The special plates (featuring a Maltese Cross with "F.D." for firefighters or a similar design for first aid/rescue members) remain available under the same eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey local units (such as municipalities) to accept electronic payments - via card or electronic funds transfer - for construction code fees. It directly affects contractors who pay these fees and local governments that collect them. The bill mandates that construction contracts under the Local Public Contracts Law must allow electronic payment of fees imposed by the State Uniform Construction Code Act. Local units must establish these payment systems by passing a governing body resolution, specifying which fees can be paid electronically (excluding delinquent payments or lien redemptions).

Maddy summaryThis bill (A4436) requires New Jersey local governments to accept online or card payments for construction code fees. It directly affects contractors paying these fees and local units (towns, cities, counties) that must implement payment systems. Local units must pass a resolution to establish electronic payment systems for fees under the State Uniform Construction Code Act, but cannot use credit cards for overdue payments or lien redemptions. The law takes immediate effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale, distribution, import, export, and propagation of 31 specific invasive plant species (including Japanese barberry, English ivy, and Japanese wisteria) in New Jersey, directly affecting nurseries, garden centers, landscapers, and anyone importing or selling these plants. It establishes a New Jersey Invasive Species Council to advise state agencies and develop rules for future prohibitions, with key timelines starting 13 months after enactment for propagation/import and 49 months for sales. Certain exempt cultivars (like specific Japanese barberry varieties) may still be sold but must include educational labels about invasive species. The law aims to protect New Jersey's ecosystems, natural resources, and public health by preventing the spread of harmful non-native plants.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale of cosmetics, carpets, and fabric treatments containing intentionally added PFAS (forever chemicals) starting two years after enactment. It also requires cookware manufacturers to notify consumers if their products contain PFAS. The law directly affects manufacturers of these consumer goods and aims to reduce human exposure to PFAS, which accumulate in the environment and are linked to health issues like cancer. The bill mandates state-funded research and educational programs about PFAS to protect public health.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the overpass of Stelton Road on Interstate Highway Route 287 in South Plainfield as the "Officer Conklin-Officer Cady Memorial Overpass" to honor two South Plainfield police officers who died in the line of duty - Richard Conklin in 1972 and William Cady in 1975 - while serving near this location. The bill requires the Commissioner of Transportation to officially name the structure and erect signs bearing this designation. Crucially, it specifies that public funds cannot cover the costs of the signs; instead, the Department of Transportation may accept private funding from non-governmental organizations for producing, installing, and maintaining the signage. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryS 3447 establishes a Special Education Transportation Task Force to study and recommend best practices for transporting students receiving special education services in New Jersey. The 18-member task force includes education officials, disability advocates, school staff, and parents, and will examine safety protocols, medical emergency response, equipment access, and staff training for these students. It must issue recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 12 months of forming, focusing on reviewing current policies and identifying areas for improvement. The bill does not change existing laws but directs the task force to study transportation challenges without implementing immediate changes.