Sen. Vince Polistina

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 school districts receiving "commercial valuation stabilization aid" in municipalities under New Jersey's Municipal Stabilization and Recovery Act (like Atlantic City) to report weekly directly to the Director of the Division of Local Government Services. It grants this director authority to approve school district expenditures and oversee fiscal management, including for districts already under a State monitor. The law coordinates existing state oversight of municipal and school district finances in struggling communities. It takes immediate effect upon passage.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2038 creates a pilot program for behavioral health courts, allowing eligible defendants to receive court-ordered treatment instead of prison sentences. The bill applies to individuals convicted of non-violent offenses who need behavioral health services (e.g., mental health or substance abuse treatment), have no prior violent convictions, and meet specific criteria like not possessing firearms during the offense. Courts must order participants into licensed treatment programs and monitor compliance, with probation revoked for violations (permanent revocation after a second violation). The program is limited to counties/municipalities that apply and operates as a pilot in at least two counties and five municipalities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires petition circulators and candidates for public office in New Jersey to swear an oath affirming their candidacy is "bona fide" (in good faith) and not designed to undermine other candidates' campaigns. Violating this oath would be a third-degree crime. It also reinstates pre-election reporting for independent expenditure committees and clarifies that courts have jurisdiction over campaign finance law enforcement. The law directly affects anyone circulating petitions or running for office, with penalties for false oaths and new transparency requirements for campaign spending.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1450) updates New Jersey's NJBEST education savings program to make it more accessible for families. It increases the state income tax deduction for contributions to $15,000 (from $10,000) for taxpayers earning $300,000 or less annually, and creates two new grant programs: a $1,000 one-time match for initial deposits by low-income families ($150,000 income or less), plus a $500 grant for transferring funds from out-of-state 529 plans. The bill also establishes a new NJBEST Advisory Council to guide the program and ensures account balances up to $50,000 won't count against students for state financial aid. These changes directly affect New Jersey families saving for higher education expenses through the NJBEST program.

Maddy summaryS 928 requires NJ Transit to create a two-year pilot program providing additional bus service between Cumberland and Cape May counties and Atlantic City for commuters. The program must include user-friendly access policies to reduce barriers and track ridership through ticket sales. After the pilot, NJ Transit must submit a report analyzing the program's success (based on ticket sales), alternative transportation options, costs, feasibility of expansion, and recommendations for future service. The report will inform whether permanent bus routes should continue. This directly affects residents commuting from these counties to Atlantic City jobs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an independent Office of Inspector General specifically for New Jersey's veterans' facilities, including state-run nursing homes and long-term care facilities serving veterans. The inspector general - appointed by the governor with Senate approval - will investigate complaints about care quality, conduct facility inspections, and subpoena witnesses or documents to ensure safety and standards. The office must operate independently from the Department of Law and Public Safety and can refer criminal matters to prosecutors. It directly affects veterans receiving care in these facilities, as well as facility staff and administrators through enhanced oversight.

Maddy summaryS 2051 establishes a 9-member "School District Shared Services Task Force" to study how New Jersey school districts currently share services (like administration or transportation) and identify ways to improve efficiency. The task force, including state education officials and appointed members from school boards, municipalities, and counties, will examine current arrangements, implementation challenges, funding needs, and potential impacts on district consolidation. It must submit a final report with recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within one year of forming. This bill does not change existing laws or funding but creates a study mechanism to help school districts save costs and expand service options for students.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2044) requires the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) to automatically stop collecting 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 motorists traveling to and from Atlantic City who would otherwise face tolls when U.S. Route 40 - the primary alternative route - is closed due to flooding or other disruptions. The key provision mandates an automatic toll suspension under these specific closure conditions, eliminating the need for manual action by the SJTA. The goal is to provide a cost-free travel option during Route 40 closures, avoiding toll payments for drivers without efficient alternatives.

Maddy summaryS 2060 would amend New Jersey's alcohol licensing law to allow veteran service organizations to obtain a Class C "Plenary retail consumption license," which permits serving alcoholic beverages to members on the organization's premises. This license currently permits businesses like restaurants and hotels to serve alcohol on-site, and the bill would extend this eligibility to veteran service organizations without altering existing fees or requirements. The change would directly affect non-profit veteran organizations seeking to serve alcohol during member events or gatherings at their facilities. The bill does not specify new restrictions but aligns veteran service organizations with existing license categories under state law.