Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits health insurers, third-party administrators, pharmacy benefits managers, and state health benefit programs (like the State Health Benefits Program and School Employees’ Health Benefits Program) from requiring pre-approval or precertification for covered medical tests, procedures, or prescription drugs. It directly affects patients and healthcare providers by removing insurance company barriers that previously delayed care. The key provision states that payment for covered services must be made without pre-approval if the service is prescribed by a licensed provider and included in the plan. The bill applies to all health and prescription drug plans issued or purchased on or after its effective date. It aims to streamline access to medically necessary treatments by ensuring insurers pay for doctor-recommended care without bureaucratic delays.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill, now law as P.L.2025, c.296, establishes a regulated system for psilocybin use in New Jersey to treat behavioral health conditions. It authorizes licensed psilocybin service centers to provide supervised sessions for adults 21+ with conditions like depression or anxiety, requiring trained facilitators and mandatory follow-up therapy sessions. The law creates licensing requirements for service centers, manufacturers, and facilitators, and mandates a state advisory board to oversee implementation. It directly affects New Jersey residents aged 21+ with behavioral health needs seeking this treatment option, while prohibiting access for minors and preventing illegal diversion.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Commission on Efficiency and Regulatory Review within New Jersey's Office of Administrative Law. The commission reviews state agency rules and executive orders to assess their economic impact on businesses, workers, and local governments, determining if costs outweigh benefits. It holds public hearings twice yearly and annually recommends rule amendments, rescissions, or repeals to the governor - though these recommendations are advisory only and do not change existing regulations. The commission includes 12 agency representatives, legislative leaders, and a public chairperson appointed by the governor.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a four-year "New Jersey STEM Scholars Grant Pilot Program" to provide competitive grants to school districts for enhancing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. Grants would support three specific program types: project-based learning (student-driven STEM projects), after-school STEM activities (like clubs and workshops), and out-of-school STEM experiences (non-classroom learning). School districts applying must demonstrate how funds will supplement existing STEM programs (not replace them), include student recruitment plans, and detail program sustainability beyond the grant period. The program would be funded through state appropriations, private donations, and federal STEM-related funds, managed via a dedicated "STEM Scholars Grant Fund" within the Department of Education.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Reproductive Health Care Access Fund" in New Jersey's General Fund to address gaps in abortion provider availability and enhance clinic security. The fund will directly support three programs: (1) clinical training for health care professionals to expand access, (2) security grants for facilities facing threats like violence or cyberattacks, and (3) loans for reproductive health care facilities. It targets providers in underserved areas, including southern counties with no abortion clinics, as highlighted in a 2023 Rutgers report. The fund will finance these programs using state appropriations and interest earnings, aiming to sustain providers and protect patients.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3144) allows workers' compensation claimants and employers to submit testimony via video, phone, deposition, or sworn affidavit instead of appearing in person at hearings, when approved by a judge of compensation. It directly affects workers filing claims, their attorneys, and employers in New Jersey when disputes involve jurisdiction, liability, or disability extent. The key provision requires "good cause" and mutual consent from both parties to use alternative testimony methods. This change streamlines the process without altering the legal standards for approving settlements or determinations.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Cannabis Regulatory Commission to oversee both medical and personal cannabis markets in New Jersey, transferring regulatory authority from the Department of Health to the Commission. It creates a 5-member Commission with specific appointment rules: one member by the Senate President, one by the Assembly Speaker, and three by the Governor (including the chair), all requiring residency and relevant expertise in areas like public health or criminal justice. Members serve 5-year terms with annual salaries capped at $165,000 for the chair and $160,000 for others, and the law prohibits members from holding cannabis business ownership or accepting donations from such businesses. The Commission also sets rules for conflict of interest, including restrictions on members holding local elected office if it conflicts with their duties. (Note: This bill was withdrawn after being enacted as P.L.2025, c.325.)
Maddy summaryS 3156 requires owners of low-speed electric bicycles (max 20 mph, under 750 watts) and scooters (max 19 mph) in New Jersey to register these vehicles with the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and carry insurance, which were not required under previous law. The bill mandates registration with the MVC and proof of insurance, amending existing insurance and registration laws to include these vehicles. This applies to all current and future owners of such vehicles, changing their operational requirements on public roads. Additional provisions include manufacturer labeling requirements and restrictions on where these vehicles can be operated, such as on bicycle paths or trails.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3120) requires all motor vehicle owners registered or garaged in New Jersey to maintain minimum liability insurance coverage with significantly higher limits than currently required. Specifically, it raises the minimum coverage to $100,000 per person and $200,000 per accident for bodily injury/death (from $15,000/$30,000), while keeping $5,000 for property damage. The bill deletes existing provisions that allowed owners to meet requirements through lower-coverage "basic" or "special" policies, effectively eliminating those options. This directly affects all New Jersey vehicle owners by mandating higher insurance minimums for liability coverage. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Commerce Committee after introduction on January 13, 2026.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3143) modifies New Jersey's auto insurance law to clarify coordination between automobile and health insurers after accidents. It allows auto insurers to pay for medical expenses upfront (acting as "primary insurer") when a policyholder has chosen health insurance as primary coverage, then seek reimbursement from the health insurer for amounts the health insurer should have covered. Auto insurers must notify the health insurer of this coverage selection and can recover reimbursed costs plus reasonable legal fees. The law applies to policies where the insured selected health insurance as primary and provides proof of health coverage, directly affecting auto and health insurers handling accident medical claims.