Maddy summaryS 506 requires public school students in New Jersey who sustain a concussion to receive an evaluation and written clearance from a physician or licensed health care provider trained in concussion management before returning to school or participating in any physical activity at school (including recess, physical education, or sports). The bill mandates that school districts implement any restrictions recommended by the physician through their 504 team and notify all relevant staff. It prohibits students from engaging in physical activities until they have the required clearance. This bill directly affects all public school students in New Jersey who experience concussions and requires school districts to follow specific health protocols.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 681, the "Electronic Cigarette Extended Producer Responsibility Act," requires e-cigarette manufacturers and distributors in New Jersey to form a producer responsibility organization (PRO) within two years. This PRO must manage the collection, recycling, reuse, and environmentally sound disposal of discarded e-cigarettes, including single-use devices and batteries. The law directly affects e-cigarette producers and distributors by shifting end-of-life waste management costs and responsibilities from local governments and consumers to the industry. Key provisions mandate the PRO to follow environmental standards, maintain financial accountability, and operate under state approval to ensure effective waste handling.
Maddy summaryThis bill automatically enrolls New Jersey residents who lose Medicaid due to income changes (but lack employer-based health coverage) into a state health insurance plan through the NJ FamilyCare exchange. It requires the Department of Human Services to share eligibility data with the Department of Banking and Insurance, triggering enrollment in the lowest-cost silver plan (for incomes ≤200% of federal poverty level) or best-value plan (for higher incomes) before Medicaid ends. The bill also mandates that the state publicly post monthly data on NJ FamilyCare renewal processing times, call center wait times, and eligibility termination reasons. These changes directly affect individuals transitioning from Medicaid to private coverage due to income shifts.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3006) would require New Jersey Medicaid to cover fertility preservation services (like egg or sperm freezing) for individuals who develop infertility as a direct result of medically necessary treatments, such as cancer therapy. It would specifically apply to New Jersey Medicaid beneficiaries who experience iatrogenic infertility (infertility caused by medical care) due to treatments deemed necessary by their healthcare providers. The bill amends existing Medicaid coverage rules to add these fertility preservation services to the list of covered medical benefits under the program. The bill was introduced on January 13, 2026, and referred to the Senate Health Committee for review.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to appropriate at least $10 million annually from the state General Fund to the Department of Health for Public Health Priority Funding, starting July 1 after the bill takes effect. It directly affects local health departments by restoring a dedicated, unrestricted state funding source they previously relied on (before it was eliminated in 2011), which previously covered about 15% of their total funding. The bill reinstates the "Public Health Priority Funding Act of 1977," allowing local health departments to use these funds flexibly to address community health needs, emerging threats, and other priorities - unlike current funding, which is often restricted to specific purposes like vaccines. This policy change would shift funding away from reliance on property taxes and narrowly designated federal/state grants.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows registered medical cannabis patients in New Jersey to grow their own cannabis at home for personal medical use. It specifically authorizes cultivation within a patient's residence by the patient or their designated caregiver, as defined in the law. The provision applies only to individuals already registered under New Jersey's medical cannabis program and does not permit commercial cultivation or distribution. The bill amends existing statutes to clarify that home cultivation is permitted under the medical program, distinct from licensed dispensary operations. It does not create new registration requirements but expands access for existing registered patients and caregivers.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Health Benefits Commission and School Employees’ Health Benefits Commission to study and implement "reference-based pricing" for state and school employee health insurance programs. The commissions must evaluate cost impacts, effects on medical services (like radiology and surgery), and compare models used elsewhere, all while using Medicare rates as the reference point for reimbursement limits. Within 180 days, they must issue a report with recommendations, and by one year after the bill's effective date, they must implement this pricing model for all new insurance contracts. The change directly affects state and school employees covered under these health programs by potentially altering how healthcare providers are reimbursed.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires automatic enrollment in New Jersey's Immunization Information System (NJIIS) for individuals receiving vaccines, unless they or their parent/guardian provides a written opt-out. It directly affects all New Jersey residents getting vaccinated, including newborns (automatically enrolled unless parents opt out) and others (enrolled at time of vaccination unless they or their parent/guardian opt out). Key provisions include: mandatory enrollment upon vaccine administration for non-registered individuals, written opt-out requirements, and allowing the health commissioner to override opt-outs during public health emergencies. The registry aims to track vaccination records for public health purposes like outbreak response and school enrollment verification, while ensuring access to health providers and allowing individuals to review/correct their records.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state-funded program to support nursing transition-to-practice initiatives for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered professional nurses (RNs) at healthcare facilities. It requires facilities to apply for NJCCN support to create structured 12-month programs with mentorship, full-time schedules, and data tracking, prioritizing veterans' homes, long-term care, and home care providers. The New Jersey Board of Nursing will allocate up to $2 million annually for financial, material, and technical assistance to approved facilities based on their applications. The bill also updates governance for the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN), including board composition and appointment processes.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a process for New Jersey's Department of Human Services to seek court-appointed receivers (temporary managers) when service providers for people with developmental disabilities repeatedly fail to meet safety or care standards. The department must document violations, give providers time to fix issues, and only request a receiver if problems persist. If appointed, the receiver takes control of facilities to maintain services, pay staff, and address safety concerns while protecting recipients' continuity of care. This provides a structured intervention option without immediately closing facilities.