Sen. Patrick Diegnan

Co-sponsor S 1283

In committee · New Jersey Senate · Co-sponsor

Establishes Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Addiction Services.

Maddy summaryS 1283 establishes an independent Office of the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Addiction Services within New Jersey's Department of the Treasury. The office directly serves individuals with mental illness and addiction by helping them find treatment options, ensuring proper care in facilities, providing counseling and job assistance, and offering public education. The Governor appoints an ombudsman with specific qualifications to carry out these duties, maintain confidentiality, and annually report to the Human Services Commissioner, Governor, and Legislature. This bill creates a dedicated advocate to improve access to and quality of mental health and addiction services across the state.

HealthcareSupports HealthcareS 1283 establishes an ombudsman office to improve access to treatment, ensure proper care, and provide counseling for individuals with mental illness and addiction, directly supporting healthcare.95% confidence

In committee Jan 9, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Primary S 1469

In committee · New Jersey Senate · Lead sponsor

Authorizes use of school bus monitoring systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's school bus safety laws to authorize using school bus monitoring systems for enforcement. It changes penalties for drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses: violations captured by these systems will result in only a $250 civil penalty (instead of potential fines or jail time), with funds directed to municipalities and school districts for safety programs. The law applies to buses transporting children or individuals with developmental disabilities when stopped to load/unload. It does not create new monitoring systems but specifies how existing systems can be used to enforce stop laws through civil penalties.

EducationSupports EducationBill directs penalty funds from school bus violations to school districts for safety programs, enhancing student safety and providing financial support for educational environments.90% confidence TransportationSupports TransportationThe bill enhances transportation safety by authorizing school bus monitoring systems for enforcement and directing penalty funds to safety programs, improving vehicle regulations.95% confidence

In committee Jan 9, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Co-sponsor S 304

In committee · New Jersey Senate · Co-sponsor

Expands Medicare health care coverage to all New Jersey residents.

Maddy summaryS 304 would expand Medicare coverage to all New Jersey residents, regardless of age, health, or disability, by requiring the state to seek a federal waiver to replace current health programs like Medicaid with a unified New Jersey Medicare program. The bill mandates that the state apply to CMS for necessary waivers, with CMS adjusting costs and premiums based on existing Medicare and Medicaid payments. It also prohibits private insurers from offering duplicate coverage for services already provided by Medicare to ensure full participation in the new system. This would provide comprehensive health coverage to all New Jersey residents meeting the 30-day domicile requirement, including those currently uninsured or facing restrictive private insurance plans.

HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill S 304 explicitly expands Medicare health care coverage to all New Jersey residents, unifying health programs and improving access.95% confidence

In committee Jan 9, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor A 3677

Vetoed · New Jersey General Assembly · Co-sponsor

Prohibits sale, distribution, import, export or propagation of certain invasive species without permit from Department of Agriculture; establishes NJ Invasive Species Council.**

Vetoed Jan 8, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Primary S 930

In committee · New Jersey Senate · Lead sponsor

Exempts certain motor vehicles that are owned by certain nutrition programs and certain nonprofit organizations that offer social services from motor vehicle registration fees.

In committee Jan 8, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Co-sponsor S 4212

In committee · New Jersey Senate · Co-sponsor

Makes supplemental appropriation of $650,000 to New Jersey Division of State Police for trooper recruitment and retention.

In committee Jan 8, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor S 3080

Passed · New Jersey Senate · Co-sponsor

Establishes position of Youth Disconnection Prevention and Recovery Ombudsperson; establishes "School Disconnection Prevention Task Force."; appropriates $200,000.**

Passed Jan 8, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor S 2716

Signed into law · New Jersey Senate · Co-sponsor

Requires NJ FamilyCare to reimburse claims for covered services submitted by clinical social workers, professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists under certain circumstances.*

Signed into law Jan 8, 2024 1 co-sponsor

Co-sponsor S 2764

Signed into law · New Jersey Senate · Co-sponsor

Establishes "VETeach Pilot Program" in DOE to facilitate teacher certification of veterans.

Signed into law Jan 8, 2024 1 co-sponsor

Co-sponsor S 1472

In committee · New Jersey Senate · Co-sponsor

Authorizes DOT to establish and administer toll collection and enforcement system on behalf of NJ toll authorities and to enter into reciprocal agreements for enforcement of toll violations with toll authorities from other states.

In committee Jan 8, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track