Sen. Doug Steinhardt

Maddy summaryThis bill increases annual funding for cancer research in New Jersey by directing $10 million in cigarette and tobacco tax revenues to the New Jersey Commission on Cancer Research (NJCCR), up from the current $1 million. It establishes a permanent, non-lapsing "Cancer Research Fund" in the state Treasury, ensuring these funds cannot be diverted to other state budgets. The fund must allocate at least $5 million annually to general cancer research and at least $5 million specifically to pediatric cancer research, with all spending requiring approval by the NJCCR. The State Treasurer manages the fund, and any interest earned is reinvested into the fund for ongoing research support.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 2996, eliminates physician collaboration requirements for advanced practice nurses (APNs) in New Jersey, allowing them to practice independently without supervision or joint protocols. It directly affects APNs - registered nurses with specialized training in primary and specialty care - and aims to improve healthcare access, particularly in underserved communities and for populations facing barriers like low income or transportation challenges. The key provision removes statutory restrictions that previously limited APNs' scope of practice, aligning New Jersey with 24 states that grant full practice authority. The bill cites pandemic-era waivers (Executive Order No. 112) that allowed similar independent practice without adverse incidents, and notes APNs could reduce healthcare access disparities by over 38% if restrictions are lifted.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new New Jersey program to improve lung cancer screening awareness and access for first responders and veterans. The Department of Health will coordinate outreach and referrals to help these high-risk groups learn about and access low-dose computed tomography screening, which is recommended for adults aged 50 to 80 with significant smoking histories. The program will work with existing public and private coverage options to remove barriers to screening for these populations.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1583 requires free cancer screenings every three years for volunteer firefighters through the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) network. The screenings cover 11 specific cancers (including colon, lung, prostate, and breast) with no out-of-pocket costs for firefighters. Physicians providing these screenings can be reimbursed up to $1,250 per three-year period by the state, and fire districts must maintain records to facilitate payment. This extends an existing benefit for paid firefighters to volunteer firefighters, who previously did not have guaranteed access to such screenings.

Maddy summaryS 1796 requires New Jersey health insurance plans to cover prostate cancer screening without cost-sharing (like deductibles or copays) for men aged 40-75 with specific risk factors, including family history of prostate cancer. The bill mandates that group health insurance policies (for groups over 49 people) cover annual screenings - such as digital rectal exams and PSA tests - as well as follow-up tests like imaging or lab work. This applies to all health service, hospital service, and medical service corporation contracts in New Jersey. The law affects insurance carriers by expanding existing coverage requirements and directly benefits men in the specified age group with risk factors.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires volunteer firefighters in New Jersey to receive state-funded cancer screenings at least once every three years, covering specific types of cancer including colon, lung, and prostate. The program reimburses up to $1,250 per three-year period for exams not covered by personal health insurance, with no co-pays or deductibles required. Funding comes from a dedicated state revolving fund that also receives additional revenue from a 0.1% tax on fire insurance premiums paid by out-of-state insurers. The tax revenue is split between the New Jersey Firemen's Home and the new firefighter screening fund, with the remainder returned to the State Firemen's Association.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends foreclosure protections for homeowners in New Jersey who were impacted by Hurricane Ida by allowing them to apply for a forbearance period on their mortgage payments. To qualify, homeowners must meet specific criteria including having a mortgage on their primary residence and submitting an application with required documentation to the Department of Community Affairs. Once approved, eligible homeowners receive a certification that pauses foreclosure proceedings for up to two years, giving them time to recover financially from storm damage. The bill also establishes a clear application process with timelines for review and includes provisions for appeals if an application is denied.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3710) expands an existing New Jersey property tax exemption to cover veterans with specific service-connected permanent total disabilities. It exempts the primary residence of qualifying veterans - those with disabilities like permanent paralysis, blindness, or amputations from service-related injuries - from "payments in lieu of property taxes" imposed by municipalities. Surviving spouses of eligible veterans or those who died in service also qualify for the exemption under defined conditions. The exemption applies only to the veteran’s or spouse’s primary residence, excluding homeowner association fees. It amends an existing law (P.L.1948, c.259) to include additional qualifying disabilities while excluding cases involving syphilis, alcohol misuse, or self-inflicted injury.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCR 106) declares that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) "Protecting Against Climate Threats" rules - adopted January 20, 2026, and known as NJPACT-REAL - are inconsistent with legislative intent. The resolution argues the DEP overstepped its authority by adopting these rules without explicit legislative approval, as the DEP claimed authority under outdated laws that never intended to cover climate regulations. The rules significantly expand flood hazard areas, restrict development rights for property owners, and impact housing costs and property values. This resolution does not change the rules but formally states the Legislature’s position that the DEP must await future legislative action on climate policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a permanent "Civil Air Patrol Fund" within New Jersey's Department of Military Affairs, requiring an annual $100,000 appropriation from the state General Fund. The fund supports the New Jersey Civil Air Patrol Wing by financing specific programs like cadet STEM/aviation training, search and rescue preparation, disaster relief equipment (including a Redbird flight simulator), and volunteer training. Unspent funds carry forward annually, and the fund may also accept federal grants and public donations. It directly affects the Civil Air Patrol's operational capacity for emergency services and youth development in New Jersey.