Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health to develop and implement a comprehensive plan to improve access to perinatal mental health services, including screening for mood and anxiety disorders. The plan must establish referral networks, increase peer support services, reduce stigma, and collect standardized data on screening and treatment. Health insurance companies in New Jersey must cover the costs of screening women for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders during preconception, pregnancy, prior to giving birth, and throughout the first year after childbirth. The bill also mandates continuing education for health care professionals in perinatal mental health as part of their licensing requirements. This affects all women planning pregnancy, pregnant women, and new parents within the first year after childbirth.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySJR 107 designates March of each year as "Fibromuscular Dysplasia Awareness Month" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the month with activities promoting awareness of fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). FMD is a rare vascular condition causing abnormal arterial growth, often leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. This is a symbolic designation with no new funding or regulations, aiming to increase public and medical understanding of the disease.
Maddy summaryS 3124 establishes a "Mass Violence Care Fund" with $10 million to help victims of mass violence events cover health care and related expenses not paid by insurance or other sources. The fund, administered by the Victims of Crime Compensation Office, will use investment earnings (not the $10 million principal) to pay for eligible costs like medical bills, mental health services, funeral expenses, and lost wages for victims and their families. Payments cannot be made sooner than three years after an event, cannot replace insurance coverage, and require rules developed by a state working group within nine months. The fund will only cover costs not otherwise paid for by public or private sources, with eligibility criteria to be set by the working group before any payments are made.
Maddy summaryS3092 limits annual reductions in New Jersey state school aid for public school districts to no more than 5% compared to the previous year's funding. It ensures districts receive either their calculated aid amount under existing law or last year's amount minus up to a 5% cut, whichever is greater. County vocational school districts are included, receiving the larger of the new calculation or their prior year's aid with vocational stabilization. The bill applies starting the 2024-2025 school year and remains in effect for all future years.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates September 11 of every year as "September 11 Remembrance Day" in New Jersey. It requires all state flags to fly at half-staff on this day and mandates a one-minute silence in all public schools at 10 a.m. Local governments and organizations are encouraged to hold ceremonies honoring victims and first responders. The law directly affects New Jersey public schools, state government operations, and community groups through these observance requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to provide customers with specific documents in-person on the same day as their appointment at any MVC office, provided they complete the application and pay fees. It directly affects residents seeking standard or REAL ID driver's licenses, permits, non-driver ID cards, commercial licenses, or vehicle registration certificates. The MVC must ensure each office has cameras and printers to enable same-day issuance of the 12 listed documents, including standard and REAL ID licenses, probationary licenses, and vehicle registrations. The policy change eliminates the need for customers to return for these documents after their initial visit.
Maddy summaryThe John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey establishes new protections for voters in racial, color, and language-minority groups. It requires that all voting policies be interpreted in favor of protecting voting rights and prohibits policies that burden these voters. The law creates a preclearance process for certain political subdivisions needing Attorney General approval before implementing voting changes. It also mandates language assistance for limited English proficient voters and establishes a New Jersey Voting and Elections Institute to maintain public voting data.
Maddy summaryThis bill exempts sales of materials, supplies, and services used in building or improving affordable housing projects from New Jersey's sales and use tax. It specifically applies to projects where all housing units are intended for moderate, low, or very low-income residents, as defined by state law. The exemption covers transactions with contractors or repairmen for these projects, reducing development costs for housing sponsors. This expands existing tax exemptions to include a new category of affordable housing developments.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 87) is a ceremonial acknowledgment by the New Jersey Senate of the 100th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Ireland, established on October 7, 1924, when Irish Ambassador Timothy Smiddy presented credentials to President Calvin Coolidge. It recognizes Ireland’s status as the first country to appoint an ambassador to the U.S. after gaining independence and highlights the deep historical and cultural ties between Irish-Americans and the U.S., including New Jersey’s large Irish-American population (1.3 million residents). The resolution has no binding effect; it simply expresses recognition and will be sent to Irish leaders (Taoiseach, President, and U.S. Ambassador to Ireland). It focuses on historical significance, not new policies or obligations.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows licensed and certified social workers in New Jersey to earn up to four hours of required continuing education credit by volunteering as poll workers on election days. Social workers can receive two credits for each election they serve (either a primary or general election), but cannot exceed four credits per license renewal period. To claim the credits, they must provide proof of service, such as a certified letter from their local election office. The bill does not require social workers to volunteer - it simply offers this as an optional way to meet standard continuing education requirements.