Sen. Patrick Diegnan

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a $10 annual fee for New Jersey residents who are honorably discharged veterans or active duty members of the U.S. military to obtain a recreational shellfish license. It directly affects eligible veterans and service members by removing a cost for harvesting shellfish like clams, oysters, and mussels for personal use. The law amends existing licensing rules to add this exemption, maintaining the current fee structure for all other residents under 62.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to accept five specific documents - birth certificates, marriage certificates, social security cards, divorce decrees, or court orders - as valid proof of a legal name change for driver's licenses. It directly affects New Jersey drivers who have legally changed their names through marriage, divorce, or court order. The bill extends the deadline to update a driver's license from two weeks to six months after a name change (or until the next license renewal, whichever comes first) and clarifies that digitized signature images count as handwritten signatures for this purpose. It also specifies that failing to update within the new timeframe won't trigger a surcharge under New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Violations Surcharge System.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates two new NJ Transit programs. The "NJpass Program" provides discounted group transit fares for eligible organizations like training providers, schools, government agencies, and nonprofits when purchasing tickets for their employees or clients. The "GO NJ Transit Card Program" establishes a reloadable card system that can be used for any NJ Transit service, requires a $10 minimum balance, and has no expiration date. Both programs require NJ Transit to develop application processes, publish eligibility details online, and report annually on their effectiveness. The bill is pending in the Senate Transportation Committee and has not yet been enacted.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1399 allows county election officials to begin processing early in-person votes and mail-in ballots before Election Day under strict conditions. County clerks may start counting early votes (excluding provisional/emergency ballots) 24 hours after early voting ends, while mail-in ballots can be opened five days prior and counted three days before the election. The bill requires security measures, including following Secretary of State guidelines, keeping results confidential until polls close, and prohibiting public disclosure of results before Election Day - violations are punishable as third-degree crimes. This directly affects county election boards and ensures pre-election processing occurs securely without premature result release.

Maddy summaryS 1420 establishes New Jersey's "VETeach Pilot Program" to help veterans become public school teachers. The program targets veterans who served after September 11, 2001, by enrolling them in a 36-month teacher preparation track at up to four selected public universities. Upon completion, participants earn a teaching certification (with advanced standing) allowing them to teach in grades K-8 and certain secondary subjects. The pilot requires participating universities to design the program, with the Department of Education reporting on outcomes like veteran enrollment and hiring rates after four years.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) and county transit agencies to provide free one-time transit passes to individuals seeking to access One Stop Career Centers. The pass covers up to three round-trips and must be offered upon application, with applicants needing to demonstrate their intent to use the career center. It applies to all NJT services and county transit services (including those for seniors/disabled residents), though counties are encouraged to align their application process with NJT's. The policy aims to remove transportation barriers for job seekers accessing workforce services. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary Medicaid coverage pathway for New Jersey residents needing home and community-based services or the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). It allows the Department of Human Services to grant "presumptive eligibility" to individuals likely to qualify for Medicaid and home care services while they await full eligibility determination. During this temporary coverage period (starting when they request services), providers receive payment for services rendered regardless of final eligibility status. Applicants must submit a full Medicaid application within one month of receiving presumptive eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires new flooring installations in schools (K-12 public or private) and licensed child care centers to be certified mercury-free before construction permits are issued. Manufacturers must provide certification confirming materials contain no mercury, and falsely claiming mercury-free status carries fines of $10,000 for a first offense and $25,000 for repeat violations. The law applies to all new construction, reconstruction, repair, or upgrades of flooring in these facilities. It takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryS 326 requires physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice nurses to obtain electronic or written informed consent from patients (or their legal guardians) before prescribing psychotropic medications with FDA "black box warnings" - such as those for ADHD or attention disorders - after explaining potential serious side effects. If written consent isn't possible, prescribers must document oral consent in the patient's file. Violations could lead to disciplinary action by New Jersey's medical or nursing licensing boards. The bill specifically targets medications requiring the FDA's strongest warning for significant health risks.

Maddy summaryS 348 prohibits public disclosure of personal identifying information - including names, addresses, and contact details - in appeals documents related to unemployment, temporary disability, and family leave claims. The bill amends New Jersey's public records laws to make this information confidential, directly protecting individuals who file such claims. Key provisions require government agencies to redact or withhold these details from public access in claim appeals. This policy change applies specifically to appeals processed under unemployment, disability, and family leave programs. The bill does not alter eligibility rules or benefit amounts, only restricting public access to personal identifiers in related documents.