Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's law to allow all human trafficking victims and witnesses to testify via closed-circuit television in criminal trials, removing a current limitation that only applied to trafficking involving sexual activity. Courts may order this testimony only after finding by clear evidence that the person would suffer severe emotional distress testifying in person, with specific requirements to protect cross-examination rights and allow observation of demeanor. Victims, prosecutors, defendants, or judges may request this option, and the law specifies rules for recording, confidentiality (especially for minors), and access to testimony records. The change aims to reduce trauma for vulnerable witnesses while maintaining legal safeguards.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 1608 removes specific date and location requirements for New Jersey veterans to qualify for civil service and pension benefits. Currently, veterans must prove service during defined conflicts (like WWII or Vietnam) with exact dates and minimum service periods. This bill broadens eligibility by replacing those restrictions with a simpler standard: any veteran honorably discharged from federal active military service. It directly affects all New Jersey veterans who served in any conflict, regardless of when or where they served, making it easier to access benefits. The bill is pending in the Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee after introduction on January 9, 2024.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 669) extends Medicaid reimbursement rates for telehealth-based partial care behavioral health and substance use disorder services for 180 days after the federal waiver expires, while permanently eliminating prior authorization requirements for these services. It directly affects Medicaid providers and beneficiaries receiving non-residential behavioral health care, including psychiatric care, counseling, and case management. Key provisions require providers to submit progress reports on transitioning to in-person services and cover up to five hours daily (five days weekly) without prior approval. The bill ensures continued access to critical care during the pandemic recovery period while reducing administrative barriers for providers.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's Traumatic Brain Injury Fund to cover transportation costs for eligible individuals with traumatic brain injuries to attend support group meetings. Currently, the fund covers transportation for medical appointments, treatment facilities, and vocational programs. The bill defines "support group meetings" as gatherings where individuals with traumatic brain injuries share information and perspectives about their injuries to improve their well-being. This change ensures the fund can now support transportation to these community-based meetings, which are part of the support network for TBI survivors.
Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Disability Savings Act (S 804) provides two state tax incentives for individuals with disabilities and their families: a one-time, dollar-for-dollar match of up to $750 for initial deposits into a New Jersey ABLE account (for taxpayers with gross income of $150,000 or less) and a state tax deduction for all contributions to these accounts. These incentives aim to help cover disability-related expenses like housing, education, medical costs, and assistive technology. The matching grant is subject to annual state funding, meaning it may be reduced or unavailable if appropriations fall short.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create and provide blue envelopes for people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The envelopes must hold driver's licenses, registration, and insurance cards, feature a distinctive color for police recognition, clearly state the holder's diagnosis, and include communication guidance for officers. To obtain an envelope, individuals or their caregivers must submit documentation verifying the autism diagnosis. The bill aims to improve interactions between autistic drivers and law enforcement during traffic stops. It takes effect 12 months after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill, S 1393, would allow registered medical cannabis patients in New Jersey to grow cannabis at home for their personal medical use. It specifically permits registered qualifying patients or their designated caregivers (who must be 18+, registered with the Cannabis Regulatory Commission, and not currently serving as a caregiver for more than one patient) to cultivate cannabis in their residence. The law explicitly excludes commercial entities, as home cultivation would not apply to permit holders like dispensaries or clinical registrants. This change would amend existing medical cannabis laws to add a personal cultivation option while maintaining registration requirements and background checks for caregivers.
Maddy summaryS 1275 exempts sales of reusable carryout bags from New Jersey's sales and use tax. The bill defines "reusable carryout bags" as those made from machine-washable materials (like polypropylene, cloth, or hemp), featuring stitched handles, and designed for multiple uses. This directly affects retailers selling qualifying bags and consumers purchasing them, as these bags will no longer incur the state sales tax. The exemption applies to all sales made on or after the fourth month following the bill's enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill permits licensed organizations in New Jersey, such as charities, veterans' groups, and churches, to conduct a new raffle game called "Queen of Hearts." The game uses a board with 54 shuffled cards; participants who win a raffle ticket select a card, receiving a cash prize for non-Queen cards or 50% of the prize (with the rest retained by the organizer) if they select the Queen of Hearts, with drawings held weekly until the Queen is chosen. The Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission must create regulations for these raffles, and organizers may use the net proceeds as allowed by law. The bill does not change existing eligibility for raffle licenses but adds a specific game format to permitted activities.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 292) removes a past conviction for a serious criminal offense as a barrier to serving on a jury in New Jersey. It directly affects individuals with prior convictions under New Jersey, state, or federal law who were previously disqualified from jury service. The bill amends state law by deleting the disqualifying clause in N.J.S.2B:20-1, making these individuals eligible for jury duty. The change applies immediately upon enactment, updating jury selection lists to include qualified citizens with past convictions.