Sen. Patrick Diegnan

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $250,000 in supplemental funding to the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS) for pediatric services at the Tourette Syndrome Clinic of Rutgers University. The funds will directly support diagnostic assessments and counseling services for children with Tourette Syndrome, particularly for families with financial need who use the clinic's sliding-scale fees. The clinic offers psychological evaluations, social-emotional skills groups, and therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. This appropriation is a direct financial commitment to expand access to specialized care for pediatric patients in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create an electronic system for salvage processors to handle salvage certificates of title. It directly affects insurers, salvage processors, and vehicle owners involved in total loss claims where the owner fails to surrender a title within 30 days. Key provisions include mandating insurers to provide 30-day notice to owners and lienholders before applying for a salvage title, requiring electronic submission of proof (like claim payment and notice), and establishing clear steps for the MVC to issue titles in the insurer's name. The bill streamlines the current paper-based process by requiring an electronic system, reducing delays in title transfers for totaled vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 15-member School Safety and Security Task Force in New Jersey to study and recommend improvements for public school safety. The task force includes education officials, security experts, and public members with specialized knowledge, and will examine security practices like entrance screening, emergency response protocols, and accessibility for students with disabilities. It must issue final recommendations to the Governor, Legislature, and State Board of Education within six months of forming. The task force expires after submitting its report, with no direct policy changes enacted by the bill itself.

Maddy summaryS 2263 creates a $750,000 grant program through New Jersey's Department of Education to help public school districts, charter schools, and renaissance schools maintain after-school activities that supplement students' academic learning (like debate clubs, theater, and music programs). Schools can apply for funds to cover costs for specific activities they offer, with priority given to those most impacted by pandemic-related revenue losses. The program requires schools to specify which activities will receive funding and allows the Education Commissioner to set application rules and criteria. This is a direct funding mechanism for non-academic school activities, not a policy change affecting broader education systems.

Maddy summaryS 351 requires drivers in New Jersey to either change lanes or slow down when approaching a disabled vehicle displaying hazard lights or road flares, as well as emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and maintenance vehicles with warning lights. Drivers must move to a non-adjacent lane if safe, or reduce speed below the posted limit and be prepared to stop if lane-changing is impossible. Violations carry fines of $100-$500, with two additional license penalty points for three or more offenses within a year. The bill also mandates a public awareness campaign to educate drivers about these safety rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey's Historical Commission to create a website program promoting historic sites and organizations' projects while collecting donations for them. It establishes a platform where the Commission will feature projects on its website, allowing visitors to donate directly to specific historic sites or projects. The Commission sets eligibility criteria, reviews projects for promotion, and handles donations - but the historic sites retain full control over how funds are used for their designated projects. This affects all New Jersey historic sites, museums, societies, and organizations seeking public exposure and funding support. The program does not involve financial returns, equity, or project management by the Commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all public and nonpublic school students in grades six through twelve to undergo a physical examination using a standardized "Preparticipation Physical Evaluation" form that includes cardiac screening. It expands current law, which previously applied only to student-athletes, to cover all students in these grades. Healthcare providers performing the exams must complete a cardiac screening training module and certify their qualifications on the form, which schools must retain. The policy takes effect for the 2023-2024 school year.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires new construction or substantial renovations (costing $40,000 or more) of public spaces - such as theaters, libraries, banks, medical waiting areas, and restaurants - to include an assistive listening system that transmits sound directly to hearing aids and cochlear implants with telecoil features. Owners must display visible signage indicating the system's availability and verify its functionality every two years via a self-certification form. Exceptions allow owners to skip installation if a local agency determines it would be impractical, following a formal request. The law applies to spaces regularly open to the public, aiming to improve accessibility for people with hearing loss.

Maddy summaryS 320 allows religious corporations in New Jersey to hold member meetings remotely during a state of emergency declared by the Governor, directly affecting religious organizations that typically require in-person gatherings. The bill amends existing law to permit remote meetings if the board of trustees adopts specific guidelines for verification, participation, and voting, treating remote attendees as physically present with full voting rights. Key provisions require religious corporations to implement measures ensuring remote members can participate equally, verify membership, and have votes recorded. This change provides flexibility during emergencies while maintaining procedural safeguards for member engagement.

Maddy summaryS 853 establishes a two-year Mental Health Awareness Pilot Program within New Jersey's Department of Education, targeting mental health support for middle and high school students. School districts applying for participation must submit detailed data on student demographics, current mental health staff, and existing services; six districts will be selected statewide across urban, suburban, and rural areas in all three geographic regions. The program requires selected districts to develop innovative methods to increase mental health awareness and teach stress-management coping skills. After two years, the Commissioner of Education must report to the Governor and Legislature on the program's implementation and whether it should continue or expand.