Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health to create two online platforms: one for employers to list job openings for behavioral health care workers (treating mental illness, emotional disorders, or substance use) and another for employers to post internship/externship opportunities that provide academic credits for health care students. It directly affects in-state employers posting positions, behavioral health care workers seeking jobs, and health care students pursuing licensure or certification. The portals must be maintained online, with the department allowed to hire third parties to develop them. The bill defines "behavioral health care" specifically and mandates that internship postings must qualify for academic credits toward health care professional training.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 428 creates a New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) loan program providing low-interest loans (max 3%) to businesses owned or operated by individuals with disabilities. To qualify, businesses must be located in New Jersey, employ at least five full-time staff (with 50% being NJ residents), and demonstrate business viability. The program is funded by a $5 million General Fund appropriation into a revolving loan fund, which replenishes with repayments. Businesses must submit annual reports tracking loan use and business performance until full repayment.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows drivers cited for certain minor traffic violations (like equipment issues or registration lapses) to avoid fines by fixing the problem and providing proof within 30 days. Acceptable documentation includes repair receipts, insurance records, or photos/videos showing corrections. Exceptions include safety hazards, fraud, suspended licenses, or unapproved vehicle modifications. If corrected, courts may collect only $33 or 25% of the original fine - whichever is less - instead of full penalties.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires psychiatric facilities and outpatient mental health providers in New Jersey to implement specific suicide prevention protocols. It mandates daily suicide risk assessments and individualized counseling for at-risk patients (those with suicidal ideation or attempts), with providers ensuring 24/7 availability of certified suicide prevention counselors. Key mechanisms include "rapid referrals" for immediate outpatient appointments within 48 hours of discharge, "warm hand-offs" connecting patients directly to new providers, and "supportive contacts" (like texts or calls) when patients miss appointments or disengage from care. The bill directly affects mental health facilities, outpatient providers, and patients experiencing suicidal crises, aiming to improve continuity of care during critical transitions. (Note: The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 9, 2024, and is pending committee review.)
Maddy summaryS 694 establishes a one-year pilot program in New Jersey for individuals aged 21-30 with intellectual or developmental disabilities who meet specific criteria (e.g., no aggressive behavior, not dual-diagnosed with mental illness). The program provides at least six hours weekly of recreational, social, and vocational activities - including skill-building workshops, mentorship, and community volunteering - through trained direct support professionals. It requires data collection on participant progress, quarterly reports to guardians (with consent), and a final evaluation report to the legislature within three months of completion. The state appropriates up to $85,000 to fund this initiative, which expires upon submission of the final report.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 768) eliminates the position of constable in New Jersey by removing all statutory references to constables from state law. It revises 11 specific legal provisions - covering property distraints, court procedures, arrests, and officer authority - to replace "constable" with "sheriff" or delete the reference entirely. The bill directly affects all state laws and court processes that previously authorized constables, transferring their duties to sheriffs or other designated officers. The bill was introduced in January 2024 but was withdrawn on the same day.
Maddy summaryS 352 requires motor fuel distributors, refiners, wholesalers, or suppliers in New Jersey to set tank wagon prices (the invoice cost to retailers) using a negotiated formula. The price must not exceed five cents per gallon above the terminal's listed price at the time of purchase. It exempts retailers who own their property or lease directly from third parties, consignment sales, and pre-existing contracts. Violations would result in a $5,000 fine per affected fuel delivery. The bill is pending legislative action and would apply to new contracts after its effective date.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 772) clarifies that individuals in New Jersey can voluntarily surrender both firearms and ammunition to law enforcement without facing prosecution for prior unlawful possession, provided they give written notice to the local police chief or state police superintendent beforehand. It explicitly requires gun buyback programs authorized by the Attorney General or county prosecutors to accept surrendered ammunition alongside firearms and permits offering rewards for surrendered weapons. The bill ensures these programs operate under existing practices by confirming law enforcement may host anonymous, voluntary surrender events for firearms, ammunition, and weapons. It does not create new penalties or alter criminal liability beyond the specified surrender process.
Maddy summaryThis bill exempts the value of certain reparations received by Holocaust survivors and their eligible descendants from New Jersey's transfer inheritance tax when those payments are passed to beneficiaries after the survivor's death. It applies to payments made for assets stolen or lost during Nazi persecution (including legal settlements, government reparations, or insurance proceeds), defined as "eligible restitution payments" under the law. The exemption covers the full market value of these payments as determined on the date the survivor received them. This directly benefits Holocaust survivors who received reparations and their descendants who inherit those funds, removing a tax burden on historically significant compensation.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires certified school nurses in New Jersey to create two specific plans for students with life-threatening allergies or anaphylaxis: an individualized health care plan (IHP) and an individualized emergency health care plan (IEHCP). Parents must provide annual written authorization for these plans, which must include allergy symptoms, treatment protocols, activity accommodations, and staff training requirements. The school nurse coordinates all care, ensures staff are trained to recognize and respond to reactions (including during after-school activities), and updates plans annually or as a student's health changes. The bill directly affects students with severe allergies, their parents, school nurses, and all school personnel who interact with these students.