Sen. Patrick Diegnan

Maddy summaryS 1300 establishes a New Jersey state loan program administered by the State Treasurer to help health insurance companies facing insolvency due to pandemic-related coverage costs. The program provides interest-free loans to eligible entities offering health benefits plans that cannot cover coronavirus-related claims (like large numbers of severe cases or premium shortfalls), with loans limited to the exact amount needed to prevent insolvency. Loans must be applied for within nine months of the bill's effective date, and repayment terms are set by the Treasurer, who may extend or forgive repayment if needed to maintain the company's solvency. Funding for the program comes from the state General Fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey teachers in public or nonpublic elementary or secondary schools to deduct up to $1,200 annually from their gross income tax for unreimbursed classroom supply costs. Eligible educators can claim deductions for expenses like books, pencils, computers, lab equipment, and other daily classroom materials. The deduction applies to expenses incurred during the taxable year, with the law taking effect immediately for tax years starting after enactment. This policy directly benefits educators covering out-of-pocket classroom costs, reducing their taxable income.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public employees in New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) who lost their jobs without fault due to the COVID-19 pandemic to buy back retirement service credit if they return to a PERS-eligible job within 12 months. To qualify, members must repay all retirement contributions they withdrew during their pandemic-related job loss. The bill permits purchasing credit by paying an actuary-calculated amount based on their salary, in installments over up to 10 years. It applies retroactively to January 1, 2021, and restores members to their original retirement tier upon returning to work.

Maddy summaryS 233 establishes the New Jersey Wind Institute for Innovation and Training to support the state's offshore wind industry. The institute, governed by a 9-member board (including agency heads and three gubernatorial appointees with expertise in clean energy and workforce development), will coordinate education, research, and workforce training programs focused on offshore wind. It directly affects New Jersey's clean energy workforce, aiming to help meet the state's goal of 7,500 megawatts of offshore wind capacity by 2035. The institute will prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in developing training pipelines for this emerging industry.

Maddy summaryS 164 requires health insurance plans in New Jersey to cover medically necessary hearing aids (for each ear) and cochlear implants for insured individuals under age 21. It applies to hospital service, medical service, health service corporation contracts, and individual health insurance policies. Insurers must cover the full cost of cochlear implant procedures and devices, while limiting hearing aid coverage to $1,000 per hearing aid per ear every 24 months - allowing patients to pay the difference for more expensive devices without penalty. This bill directly affects families of children and young adults needing hearing devices, ensuring insurance coverage for essential hearing healthcare under 21.

Maddy summaryS 429 establishes a state certification program for businesses owned and controlled by people with disabilities in New Jersey. To qualify, a business must be at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by individuals with disabilities, with management responsibilities held by them (not just ownership documents). The Division of Revenue will process applications online, requiring documentation of ownership, organizational structure, and business registration. Certified businesses gain access to state contracting opportunities through the SAVI database, helping them compete for government contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires annual cost-of-living adjustments for contracts between New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) and social service organizations providing child and family services. It mandates that contract payments increase each October 1 based on the previous year's Consumer Price Index (CPI), as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor. The adjustment applies to organizations delivering services through DCF contracts, including those partially or fully funded by state Medicaid. This change aims to ensure these organizations can maintain staff compensation as living costs rise, without altering existing service delivery structures.

Maddy summaryS 906 allows New Jersey residents to voluntarily indicate on their motor vehicle registration that they or an immediate family member who regularly drives their vehicle has special needs (defined as a physical, mental, or developmental disability substantially limiting major life activities). Drivers can add this designation during registration, renewal, or online via the MVC website, including optional communication assistance details for law enforcement. The information is accessible only to specific MVC staff and police during traffic stops to aid communication - never for other purposes - and is not treated as a public record, except under subpoena in criminal cases. Residents can update or remove the designation at any time.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 5-year property tax exemption for homeowners in New Jersey who elevate their homes after natural disasters. It directly affects residents in areas declared disaster zones by the Governor or President, specifically for value increases tied to elevation work (like raising homes above flood level) to prevent future damage. The exemption prevents these specific value increases from raising annual property taxes during the 5-year period, though other property value changes remain taxable. This applies only to elevation-related improvements, not other home repairs or upgrades.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1534) would increase New Jersey's annual property tax deduction for eligible senior citizens (65+) and permanently disabled residents from $250 to $500 per year. It directly affects low-income homeowners or tenant shareholders aged 65+ or disabled with annual income under $10,000 who own or reside in their primary home. The deduction amount would rise incrementally: $300 in 2023, $350 in 2024, $400 in 2025, $450 in 2026, and $500 starting in 2027. The change requires voter approval of a constitutional amendment before taking effect, as specified in the bill.