Sen. Nick Scutari

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3151) requires the New Jersey Cannabis Commission to report to the Governor and Legislature on interstate cannabis agreements, including their terms, implementation, and impact on the state's industry. It does not create new agreements but mandates transparency for existing or future interstate commercial cannabis partnerships. The bill specifically adds this reporting requirement to annual cannabis industry reports, affecting state agencies and the Governor’s authority to authorize such activity. This is a procedural change focused on oversight, not policy implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies New Jersey's child custody procedures to prioritize children's safety and well-being. It requires courts to consider a child's preferences when they are old enough to reason, mandates scientifically valid proof for court-ordered therapy (including restrictions on forcing therapy to reunite resistant children without consent), and demands detailed written justifications for custody decisions that override parental agreements or a child's expressed wishes. The law directly affects courts, parents, and children involved in contested custody cases by standardizing how decisions are made and documented. The bill was enacted as P.L.2025, c.316 and is now part of state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to offer electronic access to address and record searches for specific professionals, including attorneys, medical providers, and similar service providers, beginning within six months of the bill's enactment. It mandates that the MVC establish an electronic payment system for fees charged for this access. If the MVC fails to implement these electronic services within six months, its Chief Administrator must explain the delay to the relevant legislative transportation committees. The bill applies directly to the MVC and the specified professionals who currently rely on MVC data for their work.

Maddy summaryS 2257 requires all health insurance plans and Medicaid in New Jersey to cover family planning and reproductive health care services - including abortion, contraception, counseling, and related medical care - without cost-sharing. It directly affects health insurers, Medicaid, and medical providers by mandating comprehensive coverage and prohibiting medical malpractice insurance companies from penalizing providers for offering legally protected reproductive care. The bill defines covered services to include abortion procedures, emergency care, genetic testing, and well-baby care, while explicitly excluding childbirth. This policy aims to remove financial barriers, particularly for low-income individuals, people of color, and those in rural areas, ensuring access to reproductive health services without insurance restrictions.

Maddy summaryS 3147 prohibits most people in New Jersey from owning or possessing body armor without registering it. It requires existing owners to register within 90 days of the law taking effect and mandates a permit for new purchases. Eligible individuals (including law enforcement, military personnel, and those with documented job-related risks) can obtain permits, while sellers must register each sale and face fines for non-compliance. Exceptions apply to government employees using armor for work and licensed body armor dealers.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Senate Resolution (SR 54) urges the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and CMS to reconsider federal rules requiring organ procurement organizations (OPOs) to compete for service areas through bidding and face potential decertification based on performance metrics. The resolution argues these rules could disrupt the national organ donation system by forcing OPOs to bid for their existing geographic areas, increasing administrative burden, and potentially reducing organ transplants - disproportionately impacting racial minorities who already face lower transplant rates. It cites concerns that the rules ignore regional differences in healthcare access and could worsen existing inequities, rather than improving donation rates. As a non-binding resolution, SR 54 does not change policy but formally requests federal agencies delay or revise the CMS rule.

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers investigative responsibilities from the Office of the State Comptroller to the State Commission of Investigation (SCI). Specifically, it moves the functions previously handled by the Inspector General (under P.L.2005, c.119) to the SCI, which already oversees public corruption, waste, and fraud investigations. The SCI will now coordinate all state-level investigations, while the Comptroller retains its core duties like Medicaid fraud oversight and audits. The change aims to eliminate overlapping oversight and leverage the SCI’s existing expertise in public accountability.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a monthly tax on commercial data collectors (businesses that gather personal data for business purposes) based on the number of New Jersey consumers whose data they collect. Tax rates range from $0.05 to $0.50 per consumer, with higher tiers for larger data volumes. The first $60 million in annual tax revenue will be dedicated to the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Trust Fund, specifically to support New Jersey’s 9-8-8 crisis hotline and behavioral health services. The tax applies to data collected from consumers with New Jersey addresses or IP connections, and businesses may claim credits for similar taxes paid to other states.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires auto insurers in New Jersey to ensure customers consult with a licensed insurance producer before purchasing a motor vehicle liability insurance policy, unless the insurer provides a cost-benefit analysis instead. It directly affects auto insurers, licensed insurance producers, and consumers buying auto insurance. The key mechanism is a mandatory consultation requirement with an exception for online sales where a cost-benefit analysis is provided prior to purchase. The Department of Banking and Insurance will define what constitutes a valid consultation and cost-benefit analysis through regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3170) changes New Jersey's medical cannabis permit application process. It requires the Cannabis Regulatory Commission to issue new medical cannabis cultivator, manufacturer, and dispensary permits, with at least one permit in each of the state's three regions (north, central, south). The bill establishes "conditional permits" for new applicants (making up at least one-third of all permits), requiring proof of New Jersey residency for two years, income limits ($200,000 individual/$400,000 joint), background checks, and restrictions on financial ties to other cannabis businesses. These changes directly affect new medical cannabis businesses applying for permits in New Jersey.