Sen. Patrick Diegnan

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to appropriate at least $10 million annually from the General Fund to the Department of Health for Public Health Priority Funding, starting July after the bill takes effect. It directly affects local health departments across the state, which lost this dedicated, unrestricted funding when it was eliminated in 2011 (previously accounting for about 15% of their budget). The funding must be spent as outlined in the existing "Public Health Priority Funding Act of 1977," restoring a flexible resource for local health needs. Currently, local health departments rely on fragmented funding sources like property taxes and purpose-limited grants, which this bill aims to supplement.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a $10,000 annual salary threshold for retired public school teachers returning to teaching positions at New Jersey's public colleges and universities. Currently, these retirees avoid having their retirement benefits canceled only if their new salary exceeds $10,000 per year. The bill eliminates this specific dollar amount, meaning the exemption applies automatically regardless of salary. It directly affects retired educators who return to teaching roles at public higher education institutions. The change simplifies the rule by removing an outdated reference, aligning with legislative intent.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health to launch a mobile cancer screening program using staffed vehicles deployed across all three regions of the state within 180 days. The program must be staffed by licensed healthcare professionals who perform screenings for various cancers based on their expertise and available equipment. The state appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund to fund this initiative, with the Department required to submit a report on program results and recommendations to the legislature within two years. The bill directly affects residents in underserved communities by expanding access to preventive cancer screenings.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill S 1032 requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Children’s Services (DCS) to study workforce conditions for service providers in mental health, substance use disorder, and developmental disability programs, as well as child welfare services. It mandates annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for these providers based on the Consumer Price Index, effective October 1 each year. The studies must examine workforce vacancy rates, demographics, geographic distribution, care needs, and future supply-demand gaps. DHS and DCS must report findings and COLA evaluations to the Governor and Legislature annually, with public access to reports online. The bill directly affects contracted service providers delivering Medicaid-funded care in these sectors.

Maddy summaryS 2535 establishes a new minimum Medicaid reimbursement rate for structured day program services provided to Medicaid beneficiaries with brain injuries. The bill requires that these services be reimbursed at the average rate of $9.09 per 15 minutes (currently $3.65), aligning with reimbursement rates for similar services under the Division of Developmental Disabilities. This change directly affects approved brain injury service providers who deliver structured day programs to Medicaid beneficiaries. The policy applies to services provided on or after the bill's effective date, ensuring consistent reimbursement for brain injury care.

Maddy summaryS 3346 requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Transportation to create and maintain a searchable website displaying information about federally funded transportation infrastructure projects. The website must include project details like cost, dates, responsible entities, and data on minority and women-owned business participation and employment impacts. The State Comptroller will monitor the website's operation and publish annual reports on its effectiveness and the employment statistics related to these projects. This bill applies to all state agencies administering federal transportation funds and aims to increase transparency in how these funds are allocated and spent.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds boardwalks to New Jersey's definition of "public highways" under transportation funding programs, making them eligible for state support. It creates a new "Local Aid Infrastructure Fund" specifically for grants to municipal boardwalk projects, including construction and repairs. The change directly affects coastal and recreational municipalities (like Atlantic City or Asbury Park) that maintain boardwalks as part of their transportation infrastructure. Key provisions allow these communities to access state transportation funds previously reserved for roads, bridges, and pedestrian pathways. The policy formally recognizes boardwalks as critical transportation infrastructure, not just tourist amenities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Transportation (DOT) to consult with the Department of Agriculture and local County Agriculture Development Boards when creating the state's annual transportation capital project list. It mandates DOT to develop a method for incorporating agricultural transportation needs identified through these consultations into its infrastructure evaluation systems. The policy directly affects farmers and agricultural businesses by ensuring their infrastructure concerns are considered in project selection. DOT must then integrate these needs into its standard processes for identifying and prioritizing transportation projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to issue special windshield stickers for electric vehicles (EVs) that are exempt from emission inspections. The stickers will indicate to law enforcement that the vehicle qualifies for this exemption, and there will be no fee for obtaining them. Owners or lessees must display the stickers visibly and return them to the MVC within 30 days if they no longer own or lease the EV. The bill defines "electric vehicle" as any vehicle powered solely by electricity without an on-board engine or generator, including plug-in electric vehicles but excluding plug-in hybrids.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school districts to maintain nasal rescue medication (like diazepam or midazolam spray) and portable oxygen devices in accessible locations throughout school buildings for students with seizure conditions. It mandates that school nurses designate trained staff to administer these treatments during emergencies when the nurse is unavailable, following standardized training protocols. Parental written consent and a liability waiver are required for staff to administer medication, with school districts reimbursed for related costs. The policy applies to all schools during regular hours and school-sponsored events, focusing on immediate response to seizure emergencies.