Sen. Jon Bramnick

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1192 requires health insurers to cover prescription drugs for serious mental illnesses without prior authorization or step therapy (where patients must try cheaper drugs first). It applies to conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, and PTSD as defined in the DSM. Insurers must also submit annual reports to the Department of Banking and Insurance detailing how they apply medical necessity standards for mental health coverage to ensure they’re no stricter than for physical health treatments. This bill directly affects health insurers and beneficiaries in New Jersey seeking mental health medication coverage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires juveniles accused of delinquency to appear in court in the county where the alleged incident occurred, rather than their residence county. It directly affects juveniles facing delinquency complaints in New Jersey. The key provision mandates court appearance in the incident county and requires courts to provide reasonable transportation accommodations to ensure attendance. This changes current practice where cases were typically held in the juvenile's home county. The policy change applies to all juvenile delinquency cases under the court's jurisdiction.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the minimum personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for basic auto insurance policies in New Jersey from $15,000 to $20,000 per person per accident. It also establishes a new $50,000 minimum for PIP coverage in standard auto liability insurance policies. These changes apply to all auto insurance policies issued or renewed after the bill takes effect, directly affecting drivers and insurers in New Jersey. The bill updates coverage amounts without altering the existing benefit structure for medical expenses, lost wages, or essential services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all health insurance plans in New Jersey, including Medicaid, to cover treatment for stuttering without cost-sharing. It mandates coverage for both habilitative speech therapy (to help maintain or improve speech skills) and rehabilitative speech therapy (to restore speech skills that have been lost), whether provided in-person or through telehealth. The coverage must be provided without prior authorization, utilization management requirements, or any deductibles, copayments, or annual limits. This applies to all health insurance policies delivered, issued, executed, or renewed in New Jersey on or after the effective date.

Maddy summarySCR 120 proposes a constitutional amendment to grant a 100% property tax exemption on the primary residence of police officers, firefighters, or emergency medical technicians who suffer line-of-duty injuries and qualify for an accidental disability pension. If approved by voters, the New Jersey Legislature would be required to enact a law implementing this exemption. The exemption would apply only to the primary residence of eligible first responders who meet the disability pension criteria. This change would directly affect qualifying first responders and their families by eliminating property taxes on their main homes. The bill does not create new eligibility requirements but mandates legislative action to establish the tax exemption.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes criminal penalties for creating or sharing deepfakes (fake audio or video content that falsely depicts someone doing something they didn't do) intended for illegal purposes like harassment, theft, or invasion of privacy. It also requires clear labeling of such content and allows victims to sue for at least $1,000 per violation, plus additional damages. News media are exempt from penalties unless they knowingly share unmarked deepfakes. The law directly affects individuals whose likeness is misused in deepfakes and those producing or distributing deceptive media for unlawful purposes.

Maddy summaryThis is a Senate Resolution (not a bill), introduced by Senators Bucco and Bramnick on January 14, 2025. It urges the federal government to conduct a rigorous investigation into unidentified drone sightings reported across New Jersey, which have occurred near military installations, critical infrastructure, and President-elect Trump's residence in Somerset County. The resolution states that these sightings - reported by residents, law enforcement, and officials - have caused public concern, and that the federal government has not corroborated the sightings despite some military confirmations. It requests the federal government provide timely information to New Jersey officials to address security concerns.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4007) prohibits operating drones in ways that interfere with airport operations or military activities in New Jersey. It makes it a fourth-degree crime (punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine) for anyone knowingly to operate a drone that disrupts airport functions or military operations. The law specifically defines "military" to include all U.S. armed forces, National Guard, and merchant marine under federal law. This directly affects drone operators near airports or military sites, adding clear criminal penalties for intentional interference beyond existing rules. The bill amends existing law (P.L.2017, c.315) to include these specific prohibitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $50 million in supplemental funding to create a grant program for New Jersey police departments. The funds will help state and local law enforcement purchase radar technology to detect and track unmanned aircraft systems (drones), specifically addressing unexplained drone sightings near critical infrastructure. The program is administered by the Department of Law and Public Safety and directly supports police agencies seeking equipment to monitor drone activity. This funding responds to increased drone usage in airspace, aiming to enhance safety compliance without specifying new regulations.

Maddy summaryS 3962 requires New Jersey to annually pay eligible municipalities $75,000 per low- or moderate-income housing unit they commit to under the state's Fair Housing Act. This compensation, paid to a separate "Local Infrastructure and Planning Fund," covers costs municipalities face from building infrastructure like schools, roads, and water systems due to new affordable housing developments. Municipalities must have certified housing plans (via the Fair Housing Act) to qualify, and funds can be used for infrastructure upgrades, planning services, or legal costs related to housing compliance. The payments are spread equally over 10 years per housing obligation round, starting in the first full year of the round (e.g., 2026 for the upcoming round).