Sen. Parker Space

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 New Jersey bill mandates that all health insurance plans and Medicaid programs cover medically necessary tests and FDA-approved treatments designed to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. The law requires these benefits to be treated the same as coverage for other conditions, specifically exempting them from step therapy requirements that often delay access to medications. These provisions apply to hospital, medical, and health service corporation contracts, as well as individual and group health insurance policies issued or renewed in the state. The coverage must be determined by a physician and align with the official labeling approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

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 increases financial aid to New Jersey municipalities within the Highlands Region that host watershed lands, ensuring they receive compensation similar to those already eligible for watershed moratorium offset aid. It also directs that at least 25% of these funds be used for school funding purposes. Additionally, the bill adjusts how money from the Global Warming Solutions Fund is allocated, specifying that 60% supports energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, 20% assists low- and moderate-income residential electricity programs, and 10% helps local governments reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The legislation requires the State Treasurer to include these funding amounts in annual budget requests and mandates the Legislature to appropriate the necessary funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows high school students in grades 11-12 at New Jersey public schools to miss up to three days per school year for college visits, visits to technical institutions, or military recruitment activities without penalty. Students must provide documentation to their school, and these absences will not appear on transcripts, job applications, or affect perfect attendance records. Military recruitment-related activities include required testing, medical evaluations, interviews, and fingerprinting for enlistment. The law aims to support students exploring college or military career paths while maintaining attendance accountability.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1773) requires New Jersey school districts to include specific post-graduation data in annual school performance report cards. It mandates reporting the number and percentage of graduates placed in employment or further education, including apprenticeships, as part of the required school profile. The change applies to all high schools and districts, adding this metric to existing report card requirements like graduation rates and student test scores. The bill aims to provide families and communities with clearer insights into student outcomes after high school.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the existing capacity limit for ammunition magazines in New Jersey, allowing individuals to legally possess and use magazines that hold more than the current maximum number of rounds. The legislation directly affects firearm owners and sellers by amending state definitions and regulations related to high-capacity ammunition magazines. Key provisions include repealing specific sections of the current statutory law that restrict magazine capacity and updating legal definitions to reflect the removal of these limits. The bill focuses solely on changing the legal framework governing ammunition magazine capacity without addressing other firearm regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents New Jersey towns and cities from passing or enforcing rules that ban hunting, fishing, and other wildlife activities on private property. It directly affects local governments and residents who engage in lawful outdoor recreation by limiting municipal authority over these activities on non-municipal land. The law specifically prohibits ordinances that either explicitly ban these activities or have the practical effect of stopping them, provided the activities are already authorized under state wildlife laws. This measure ensures that local rules cannot override state regulations regarding hunting and fishing on private or non-municipal land. The bill takes effect immediately upon introduction.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates continuing education requirements for licensed electrical contractors, Class A journeyman electricians, and Class B wiremen in New Jersey. It mandates that these licensees complete specific training on the most recent edition of the National Electrical Code adopted by the state at the time of their license renewal. The legislation requires 10 hours of code-related study for contractors and 15 hours for journeyman electricians and wiremen, with the state's Commissioner of Community Affairs determining which code edition applies. The bill amends existing state laws to formalize these updated training standards for the upcoming triennial registration periods.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the current restriction that prevents individuals from buying more than one handgun in a single month in New Jersey. It directly affects firearm dealers and consumers by eliminating the specific limit found in the state's handgun sales regulations. The change allows eligible buyers to purchase multiple handguns within a 30-day period, while maintaining existing requirements for permits, identification, and secure storage. The provision does not alter other gun control measures such as licensing, background checks, or restrictions on rifle and shotgun sales.