Sen. Patrick Diegnan

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Medicaid program to reimburse providers at the same rates for certain primary care and mental health services as the federal Medicare program. Starting July 1, 2023, Medicaid rates must equal or exceed Medicare Part B rates for services provided by family doctors, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, midwives, and mental health professionals like psychologists and social workers. The law ensures current Medicaid rates won't decrease and applies to both fee-for-service and managed care Medicaid systems. It also mandates a report within one year to the Governor and Legislature on how these rate changes affect access to care and service quality for Medicaid beneficiaries.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 237, the "Clean Energy Act of 2024," requires all retail electricity sales in the state to come from clean sources by 2035. This affects electric utilities and power suppliers, who must meet the standard through a new certificate program tracking clean energy generation. The bill establishes "clean electricity certificate" (CEAC) credits for zero-emission sources like nuclear, solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. It replaces some existing renewable energy certificate systems and directs the Board of Public Utilities to implement the program, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting existing nuclear and offshore wind projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a civil cause of action for minors and adults with disabilities who experience abuse, neglect, exploitation, or bullying. It extends the statute of limitations for filing such lawsuits: for minors, up to 37 years after reaching adulthood or seven years from discovery of the injury, whichever is later; for adults, seven years from discovery of the injury. The bill requires health care professionals, first responders, and others to report bullying of vulnerable adults to adult protective services, which can then investigate and refer cases to law enforcement. A "vulnerable adult" is defined as someone 18 or older who lives in a community setting and lacks capacity to make decisions due to disability or illness.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's state pension and annuity funds must stop investing in the 200 largest publicly traded fossil fuel companies, defined by carbon content in their oil, gas, and coal reserves. Funds must divest from these companies within one year (two years for coal companies), though they may temporarily pause divestment if fund values drop below 99.5% of their hypothetical value without divestment. Annual reports on progress and investments sold will be required, with transparency mandated to the Governor, Legislature, and Attorney General. The bill directly affects New Jersey's public employee retirement funds and their investment management.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurance companies in New Jersey to send written notices of policy cancellation or nonrenewal (for both auto and homeowners insurance) via certified mail with a return receipt requested, plus regular mail with a date-stamped proof of mailing from the post office. It directly affects insurers (who must follow this process) and policyholders (who receive the notice). The key provision mandates that notices sent without certified mail and proof of mailing will not be valid, meaning the insurance policy remains in effect. This ensures policyholders receive verifiable notice of potential coverage changes.

Maddy summaryS 744 removes a restriction that previously limited local governments (counties, municipalities, and other local units) to providing broadband service only through "wireless community networks." The bill amends New Jersey law to allow these entities to offer broadband telecommunications using any technology - wireline or wireless - without the prior requirement. This change gives local governments flexibility to choose the most effective infrastructure method for their communities. The policy shift directly affects how local units can develop and operate public broadband services.

Maddy summaryS 2807 requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to waive the knowledge test for military service members and veterans with an honorable discharge who apply for a commercial driver license (CDL) and have operated commercial vehicles during military service. To qualify, applicants must submit proof of military service or veteran status, a military CDL or documentation of their driving experience, and meet federal conditions like having no recent license suspensions or serious traffic violations. The waiver does not apply to applicants seeking licenses for vehicles carrying 16+ passengers, hazardous materials, or school buses. This change aligns with federal regulations (49 C.F.R. §383.77) that permit states to waive testing for qualified military drivers.

Maddy summaryS 1210 requires owners of venues hosting large public gatherings (1,000+ people) and youth athletic events to keep an automatic external defibrillator (AED) on-site and accessible at all times. It mandates that these venues store the AED in a central, unlocked location near seating, train staff in CPR and AED use, and ensure at least one certified person is present during events to respond to cardiac emergencies. The bill also requires venues to create a cardiac response protocol, notify emergency services of the AED’s location, and mark it with visible signage. Non-compliance results in civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation, with immunity from liability for proper AED use.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 325) requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) rail stations and bus/rail terminals to install historical markers describing significant local history. The markers must highlight New Jersey historic sites and memorials located near stations, covering all eras and diverse cultural aspects of the state's history in a geographically representative way. NJT must identify these sites, design the markers, and maintain them - potentially collaborating with local historical groups. The bill applies directly to NJT facilities and aims to educate travelers about the historical context of their surroundings.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) to automatically suspend tolls on the Atlantic City Expressway east of the Garden State Parkway whenever U.S. Route 40 is closed east of that point. It directly affects drivers traveling between Atlantic City and surrounding areas who would otherwise face toll charges when U.S. Route 40 - frequently closed due to flooding - is unavailable. The suspension is automatic and takes effect immediately upon U.S. Route 40 closure, eliminating toll fees during these disruptions. This policy change ensures motorists have a toll-free alternative route during closures of the main thoroughfare.