Sen. Patrick Diegnan

Maddy summarySCR 104 is a symbolic resolution (not a law) passed by the New Jersey Senate condemning hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry. It formally declares New Jersey's opposition to prejudice against Hinduism and Hindus, recognizing the religion's global significance and Hindu Americans' contributions to society. The resolution defines hinduphobia as "antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes" toward Hinduism and Hindus, citing documented hate crimes. Copies will be sent to the Governor, New Jersey's Congress members, and the Hindu American Foundation. It has no legal effect beyond expressing the state's stance.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3138 allows emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to administer epinephrine using a standard needle and syringe (not just pre-filled auto-injectors), expanding their current authorization under state law. To use this method, EMTs must complete an approved training program and pass an exam on non-prefilled syringe administration, as set by the Commissioner of Health. The Commissioner will maintain a public registry of certified EMTs and may charge a fee for training/testing if not covered by existing funds. This change directly affects EMTs in New Jersey who provide emergency care for severe allergic reactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 323) requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to conduct unscheduled surprise inspections of school buses in addition to scheduled inspections. It directly affects school bus operators (owners or day-to-day operators) by mandating at least two annual inspections per bus fleet - one scheduled and one surprise - along with emission checks during all inspections. Operators must maintain and provide records of bus maintenance, repairs, and driver compliance during these inspections. Violations, such as failing to provide records or withhold buses without 24-hour notice, incur fines of $50-$500 per violation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires drivers in New Jersey to safely pass pedestrians, cyclists, and users of mobility devices like wheelchairs, scooters, and skateboards. Drivers must either change lanes (if safe), maintain at least four feet of distance, or slow to 25 mph when passing these road users. It specifically defines "personal conveyance" to include devices such as electric scooters, manual wheelchairs, and skateboards, and expands "pedestrian" to cover workers and emergency responders on roadways. Violating these rules results in fines of $100 (without injury) or $500 (with injury), plus penalty points for serious violations. The law, now effective as P.L.2024, c.11, aims to improve safety for vulnerable road users.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health to develop and implement a comprehensive plan to improve access to perinatal mental health services, including screening for mood and anxiety disorders. The plan must establish referral networks, increase peer support services, reduce stigma, and collect standardized data on screening and treatment. Health insurance companies in New Jersey must cover the costs of screening women for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders during preconception, pregnancy, prior to giving birth, and throughout the first year after childbirth. The bill also mandates continuing education for health care professionals in perinatal mental health as part of their licensing requirements. This affects all women planning pregnancy, pregnant women, and new parents within the first year after childbirth.

Maddy summarySJR 107 designates March of each year as "Fibromuscular Dysplasia Awareness Month" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the month with activities promoting awareness of fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). FMD is a rare vascular condition causing abnormal arterial growth, often leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. This is a symbolic designation with no new funding or regulations, aiming to increase public and medical understanding of the disease.

Maddy summaryS 3124 establishes a "Mass Violence Care Fund" with $10 million to help victims of mass violence events cover health care and related expenses not paid by insurance or other sources. The fund, administered by the Victims of Crime Compensation Office, will use investment earnings (not the $10 million principal) to pay for eligible costs like medical bills, mental health services, funeral expenses, and lost wages for victims and their families. Payments cannot be made sooner than three years after an event, cannot replace insurance coverage, and require rules developed by a state working group within nine months. The fund will only cover costs not otherwise paid for by public or private sources, with eligibility criteria to be set by the working group before any payments are made.

Maddy summaryS3092 limits annual reductions in New Jersey state school aid for public school districts to no more than 5% compared to the previous year's funding. It ensures districts receive either their calculated aid amount under existing law or last year's amount minus up to a 5% cut, whichever is greater. County vocational school districts are included, receiving the larger of the new calculation or their prior year's aid with vocational stabilization. The bill applies starting the 2024-2025 school year and remains in effect for all future years.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates September 11 of every year as "September 11 Remembrance Day" in New Jersey. It requires all state flags to fly at half-staff on this day and mandates a one-minute silence in all public schools at 10 a.m. Local governments and organizations are encouraged to hold ceremonies honoring victims and first responders. The law directly affects New Jersey public schools, state government operations, and community groups through these observance requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to provide customers with specific documents in-person on the same day as their appointment at any MVC office, provided they complete the application and pay fees. It directly affects residents seeking standard or REAL ID driver's licenses, permits, non-driver ID cards, commercial licenses, or vehicle registration certificates. The MVC must ensure each office has cameras and printers to enable same-day issuance of the 12 listed documents, including standard and REAL ID licenses, probationary licenses, and vehicle registrations. The policy change eliminates the need for customers to return for these documents after their initial visit.