Sen. Doug Steinhardt

Maddy summaryS 3398 prohibits transportation network companies (like Uber or Lyft) from charging different fares for the same type of ride based on factors unrelated to the service itself. The bill requires companies to charge all riders the same fare rate for a specific ride category (e.g., standard car service), regardless of circumstances like a rider’s phone battery level or payment method selected. This directly affects ride-hailing companies operating in New Jersey and their riders by banning discriminatory pricing practices. The law amends existing regulations to ensure consistent pricing for prearranged rides through digital networks. It does not address surge pricing during high demand, which is defined separately in the bill.

Maddy summarySCR 96 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase New Jersey veterans' property tax deductions from $250 to $2,500 over four years. It directly affects honorably discharged veterans who are New Jersey residents, with the deduction amount rising incrementally: $1,000 in 2025, $1,500 in 2026, $2,000 in 2027, and $2,500 starting in 2028. The bill does not change eligibility but phases in the higher deduction amount annually. Surviving spouses of veterans and veterans in continuing care retirement communities would retain existing benefit structures under this amendment. This is a policy change to enhance property tax relief for veterans, not a new benefit.

Maddy summaryS 1379 (New Jersey) creates a presumption that illnesses or injuries suffered by public safety workers (firefighters, police, EMTs) who responded to the September 11, 2001 attacks are compensable under workers' compensation law, regardless of when a claim is filed. It requires workers to participate in the federal World Trade Center Health Program to qualify for benefits. The bill also specifies that benefits paid through federal programs (like the WTC Health Program) will be credited against future state benefits, preventing double payment. This directly affects New Jersey public safety workers exposed to 9/11 hazards who later developed related illnesses or injuries.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1228) requires public schools to create emergency policies for students with seizure disorders. It mandates schools to train at least two non-nurse staff members (in addition to the school nurse) to administer nasal seizure rescue medication and use a manual vagus nerve stimulator during emergencies, with parental consent and written documentation. Schools must also develop individualized emergency plans in collaboration with parents and healthcare providers, and ensure students receive hospital evaluation after treatment. The bill protects school staff from liability for good-faith actions under these protocols, provided they follow training and consent requirements. The bill was introduced to the Senate Education Committee in January 2026.

Maddy summaryS 323 requires New Jersey's Director of the Division of Taxation to study how the state's business income taxes affect businesses leaving (out-migration), starting new businesses (formation), and hiring workers (employment). The study will examine tax return data from corporations and partnerships for eight years before and after the bill's effective date. The Director must submit a first report by January 15, 2028, detailing findings and recommendations for potential tax law changes to improve New Jersey's business climate, followed by annual reports for seven years. This bill directly affects state tax policy analysis but does not change tax rates or laws itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to issue special Boy Scouts of America (BSA) license plates for each local BSA council in the state. Motorists who apply for these plates pay a $50 one-time fee and a $10 annual fee, with all collected fees deposited into a special fund for each council. The fund supports local Scouting programs and programs, with administrative costs deducted before funds are distributed. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission manages the plate design, issuance, and fee collection in consultation with BSA councils.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the requirement for certain individuals and entities to list their home addresses on specific election filings submitted to New Jersey's Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC). It directly affects campaign committees, recall groups, and other filers who previously had to provide residential addresses. The bill also grants ELEC authority to set document submission rules for gubernatorial candidates seeking public funding. This simplifies disclosure requirements for some filings while giving ELEC flexibility to establish new rules for public funding applications. The change focuses on streamlining reporting without altering contribution limits or other core campaign finance rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in New Jersey to cover medically necessary ovarian cancer screening for symptomatic women or those at high risk. It mandates coverage for specific tests including annual pelvic exams, ultrasounds, and blood marker tests, on the same terms as other medical conditions. The law applies to individual/group health insurance policies, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and state health benefit plans purchased by the State Health Benefits Commission. It takes effect for policies issued or renewed after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryS 368 upgrades the criminal penalty for auto theft when committed during specific burglaries. It makes auto theft a second-degree crime if linked to residential burglary (breaking into a home) and a first-degree crime if connected to home invasion burglary (typically involving weapons or injury). Currently, auto theft is a third-degree crime (3-5 years in prison), but this bill increases penalties to 5-10 years for second-degree and 10-20 years for first-degree offenses. The law also ensures auto theft convictions do not merge with separate burglary convictions, requiring separate sentencing for both crimes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a voluntary, three-year pilot program in New Jersey to provide Medicaid-covered remote maternal health services for eligible pregnant beneficiaries. It allows access to tele-ultrasound, remote patient monitoring (like digital blood pressure checks), and remote non-stress tests via secure digital tools, with services offered only upon a healthcare provider's referral. Eligibility includes those with high-risk pregnancies (e.g., due to diabetes, age, or previous preterm births), residents in areas lacking obstetric providers, or individuals facing socioeconomic barriers like transportation issues. Participation is strictly voluntary and requires federal reimbursement approval before implementation.