Sen. Patrick Diegnan

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public school districts serving grades 9-12 to add instruction about gambling addiction risks to their health and physical education curriculum. The teaching must cover gambling addiction dangers, financial risks from gambling, and the difference between probability and predictability. The state Education Commissioner will provide schools with sample lesson materials and develop teacher training on identifying gambling issues and treatment options. The requirement takes effect for the first full school year after the next state curriculum review, not immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $5 million matching grant program administered by New Jersey's Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology for public research universities. It requires universities receiving certain federal research grants (those needing or prioritizing a financial match) to apply for state funds to cover their required matching share. The program prioritizes projects aligned with state economic development goals and university research capacity, with applications evaluated on economic impact, industry alignment, student opportunities, and equitable funding. The Commission must annually report to state leaders on recipient projects and the program's effectiveness in advancing economic development.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to create and maintain an informational pamphlet about operating low-speed electric bicycles and scooters. The pamphlet must include current laws, penalties for violations, and a notice about the distribution requirement, and must be updated annually and translated into at least five languages (including Spanish). The MVC must distribute two copies to food delivery companies within 60 days of creation and annually thereafter, while these companies must provide the pamphlet to all riders using such vehicles within 30 days of receipt and include it in hiring materials. The bill directly affects the MVC, food delivery companies using low-speed electric bicycles or scooters for deliveries, and their riders.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4090) raises the maximum age for residents in New Jersey's pediatric long-term care facilities from 19 to 26 years. It directly affects young adults aged 19-26 who currently cannot access these facilities due to the existing age limit. The key provision amends existing law to allow licensed pediatric long-term care facilities to admit and serve residents up to age 26. The change would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1000) would require New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to add a special designation to a driver's registration if they provide medical verification of significant hearing loss (a pure tone average of 41 dB or greater in the better ear, confirmed by an ENT or certified audiologist). The designation - using an international symbol or numerical code - would only appear when law enforcement accesses registration data through the MVC's secure law enforcement portal, alerting officers that the driver is deaf or hard of hearing. It directly affects drivers with hearing loss who apply for or renew vehicle registrations in New Jersey. The policy change aims to improve communication during police interactions by providing officers with this specific information.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to appoint a State Dementia Services Coordinator within the Department of Human Services. The coordinator will develop a master plan to improve dementia care, coordinate existing state programs (like the Alzheimer's Advisory Commission), prevent service duplication, identify gaps in care, and increase access to quality dementia treatment. The bill appropriates $150,000 from the General Fund to fund this position and its activities. It directly affects people with Alzheimer's and dementia, their families, and state agencies providing related services by mandating better coordination and communication across the system.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners of seasonal rental units (like vacation homes rented for up to 125 days through platforms such as Airbnb) to inform prospective renters before booking if pets are regularly present or will be in the unit within two weeks of their stay. Renters with pet allergies or concerns can cancel and receive a full refund if the owner fails to disclose this, provided they notify the owner within 12 hours of entering the unit. The law takes effect January 1, 2025, and exempts real estate agents acting as owners' representatives from liability for undisclosed pet information. It directly affects seasonal renters and property owners, aiming to prevent unexpected pet exposure.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows trained school bus drivers to administer epinephrine to students experiencing anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions) during school transportation. It requires parental written consent, physician authorization for the student's condition, school notification of no liability, a parental liability waiver, and mandatory training for bus drivers using standardized protocols. The policy affects students with known severe allergies, school bus drivers (who volunteer and complete training), and school districts or contractors. Liability protections apply for good-faith actions, excluding willful misconduct, and the bill takes effect for the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summarySJR 93 designates the first full week of May each year as "Teacher Appreciation Week" in New Jersey, recognizing the contributions of all public school teachers statewide. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation to encourage public observance of this week, aligning with the nationally recognized "National Teacher Appreciation Week" established in 1985. This is a symbolic gesture - no new funding or policy changes are created - and directly affects New Jersey's educators by formally honoring their work each May. The resolution cites teachers' efforts during the pandemic as context for the designation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to update construction codes for parking structures to accommodate the heavier weight of electric vehicles (EVs). For new parking structures, it mandates minimum 10% EV parking spaces, weight requirements for EVs, charger installation standards, and load distribution planning. For existing structures, it requires DCA to review load capacity, establish monitoring systems, and compel owners to fix structural deficiencies within 90 days or face closure. The changes aim to ensure safety as EV adoption grows, affecting all parking structure developers and owners statewide.