Maddy summaryThis bill excludes the first $5,000 earned annually in a calendar year from income calculations for three New Jersey assistance programs: NJ FamilyCare (health insurance), Work First New Jersey (WFNJ), and NJ SNAP (food assistance). It specifically applies to community outreach workers employed by non-profits, health systems, or local health departments who earn hourly wages or stipends while conducting health promotion or disease prevention activities. The exclusion directly benefits low-income workers in these roles by making them eligible for benefits they might otherwise lose due to modest earnings. The bill requires state agencies to adjust eligibility determinations and seek necessary federal approvals to implement this change.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary Medicaid coverage pathway for New Jersey residents needing home and community-based services or the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). It allows the Department of Human Services to grant "presumptive eligibility" to individuals likely to qualify for Medicaid and home care services while they await full eligibility determination. During this temporary coverage period (starting when they request services), providers receive payment for services rendered regardless of final eligibility status. Applicants must submit a full Medicaid application within one month of receiving presumptive eligibility.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows medical cannabis costs to be covered through four existing New Jersey state programs: the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund, the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) program, the Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program, and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act (VCCO). It specifically enables reimbursement for registered qualifying patients (including children under 21 with catastrophic illnesses) who pay for medical cannabis through licensed dispensaries. The reimbursement covers the purchase price after discounts, as listed on dispensary websites, using the same process as for other covered medications. This change expands eligibility under current programs without creating new funds or altering cannabis regulations.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1966) requires health insurance plans in New Jersey to cover specific medically necessary infertility treatments, directly affecting insurers and patients seeking fertility care. It mandates coverage for services like IVF, genetic testing, medications, and diagnostic procedures as defined by medical guidelines, while limiting IVF coverage to cases where less expensive treatments have failed, capping egg retrievals at four per person, and requiring coverage for those who've reversed sterilization. Religious employers may opt out of covering certain procedures (like IVF) if it conflicts with their beliefs, but must disclose this in writing. The bill was introduced in January 2024 but was withdrawn on January 9, 2024.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 682 bill adopts the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, allowing licensed audiologists and speech-language pathologists from member states to practice across state lines without obtaining separate licenses. The compact enables practitioners to serve patients in New Jersey (the "remote state") using their home state license, with care governed by the patient's location. Key provisions include mutual license recognition, enhanced sharing of disciplinary information between states, support for military families relocating, and integration of telehealth services. This preserves each state's authority to regulate practice while expanding access to these healthcare services for patients and professionals.
Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates a $50 fee for filing a certified copy of a name change order in New Jersey. It directly affects residents who need to officially document a name change for legal purposes, such as after marriage, divorce, or other personal reasons. The key provision removes the fee from the state's fee schedule, making this administrative process free for individuals. The change applies immediately upon the bill's enactment.
Maddy summaryThis proposed New Jersey bill (S 1960) requires all riders under age 17 to wear a certified helmet while operating bicycles, scooters, or motorized scooters on public property. It mandates that bike shops post clear signs about the helmet law and provide helmets for minors renting bikes, with fines for noncompliance. Exemptions apply for riding on trails or closed roads designated for bicycles only, but not near active traffic. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (introduced January 9, 2024).
Maddy summaryS 702 adopts the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact, allowing licensed dentists and dental hygienists in New Jersey to practice in other participating states without obtaining full separate licenses. The bill establishes a "compact privilege" that eliminates redundant licensing requirements, facilitates interstate mobility for professionals, and increases public access to dental services. Key provisions include sharing disciplinary records between states, maintaining each state's scope-of-practice rules, and enabling military members and their spouses to relocate more easily. This directly affects licensed dental professionals seeking to practice across state lines and patients in participating states. The compact does not change individual state licensing standards but creates a streamlined process for cross-state practice.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public school students who suffer a concussion to get a medical evaluation and written clearance from a physician trained in concussion management before returning to school or school-related physical activities. It directly affects students, school districts, and healthcare providers, mandating that schools cannot allow concussed students to participate in recess, physical education, sports, or other physical activities until cleared. Schools must also implement any restrictions recommended by the physician and inform all relevant staff about these limitations. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.
Maddy summaryThis bill, S 1393, would allow registered medical cannabis patients in New Jersey to grow cannabis at home for their personal medical use. It specifically permits registered qualifying patients or their designated caregivers (who must be 18+, registered with the Cannabis Regulatory Commission, and not currently serving as a caregiver for more than one patient) to cultivate cannabis in their residence. The law explicitly excludes commercial entities, as home cultivation would not apply to permit holders like dispensaries or clinical registrants. This change would amend existing medical cannabis laws to add a personal cultivation option while maintaining registration requirements and background checks for caregivers.