Sen. Joe Pennacchio

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans to include any licensed clinical laboratory in their provider networks on the same terms as other network labs, preventing insurers from excluding qualified labs. It directly affects health insurers and clinical laboratories by mandating equal access to provider networks for all licensed labs that accept standard contract terms. The law ensures insurers cannot deny participation based on lab type, only on licensing and contract compliance. The Commissioner of Banking and Insurance will create implementing rules, and the law takes effect two months after enactment.

Maddy summarySJR 17 establishes the New Jersey Pharmacogenomics Commission to study how a person's genetic makeup affects medication effectiveness and safety. The 13-member commission - appointed from healthcare institutions, government agencies, and professional groups - will examine costs, patient benefits, applications (like addressing the opioid crisis), and potential reductions in adverse drug reactions. Within six months of forming, the commission must hold public hearings in northern and southern New Jersey and submit a report with recommendations to the Governor and Legislature. The commission expires after submitting its report, which will inform future state policy on pharmacogenomics.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 25) urges New Jersey to fully fund extraordinary special education aid for school districts starting in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, as required by the 2008 School Funding Reform Act (SFRA). It addresses the current shortfall where districts were entitled to $585.4 million in reimbursements for high-cost special education services but received only $420 million (71.7%) for the 2022-2023 school year. The resolution does not create new law but calls on the state to meet its existing obligation to cover 90% of costs over $40,000 (public schools) or 75% over $55,000 (private schools) for students with the highest needs.

Maddy summaryS 374 requires bidders on public construction projects (including state buildings, public works, and school projects funded with public money) to submit detailed information about all fire safety features in their bid proposals. If a bidder proposes an alternative to sprinkler systems for fire suppression, they must provide a written explanation and cost-benefit analysis comparing the alternative to sprinklers. The bill aims to ensure all fire safety options are evaluated before project approval. It applies to all public construction contracts paid for with state, local, or public funds. The requirement takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated "Flood Protection and Home Elevation Fund" using up to $5 million annually from realty transfer fees. It directly helps homeowners in flood-prone areas by reimbursing 25% of annual loan interest paid for elevating their primary residence (single or two-family homes), capped at $750 per year, provided the homeowner also secures matching county funds. Key requirements include obtaining zoning approvals before starting the project, completing the elevation, and submitting proof to both the state and county. The fund is administered by the Department of Environmental Protection, with reimbursement available yearly as long as the homeowner continues paying interest on their elevation loan.

Maddy summarySR 21 establishes a special Senate committee titled "Senate Select Committee on the Executive Branch’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic" to review how New Jersey’s executive branch managed the pandemic. The committee, composed of six Senate members appointed by the Senate President (with no more than three from one party), will investigate the state’s response - including emergency measures, resource allocation, and economic impacts - and develop strategies for future health crises. It has standard investigative powers (like issuing subpoenas with approval from the chair, vice-chair, and Senate President) to gather evidence and hold hearings, but does not create new laws or directly affect residents. The resolution takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires ticket issuers (like venues, promoters, or sports teams) to offer purchasers a transferable ticket option at the time of initial sale if they use a non-transferable system, allowing tickets to be resold or given away without penalty. Exceptions apply for targeted promotions (e.g., discounted group tickets based on specific affiliations), which may remain non-transferable if clearly marked and not offered publicly. It prohibits penalizing or discriminating against ticket holders solely for reselling tickets or using specific resale platforms. The bill exempts venues in certain cities with hotel occupancy fees and retail sales taxes, and aligns with similar New York State rules already in effect.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 18) urges the Biden Administration to lift its regulatory freeze on four 2020 executive orders issued by President Trump aimed at lowering prescription drug costs. The orders targeted life-saving medications like insulin and epinephrine, seeking to end "kickback" systems that increase costs, require health centers to pass drug discounts directly to patients, and allow safe importation of drugs from Canada where prices are lower. The resolution states these policies would benefit millions of Americans, particularly seniors, the uninsured, and low-income patients struggling with high drug prices. It does not create new law but formally requests the administration implement these specific Trump-era policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that spitting in a law enforcement officer's food or beverage constitutes aggravated assault under New Jersey law. It mandates a $15,000 fine for this specific act (in addition to potential prison time) and requires restaurant employers to immediately suspend any employee charged with this offense and terminate them if convicted. Restaurants failing to comply face civil penalties of up to $500 for the first violation and $1,000 for subsequent violations. The law applies to all restaurants (defined as facilities serving food on-premises, excluding mobile vendors) and directly affects law enforcement officers, restaurant employees, and restaurant employers.

Maddy summaryS 406 designates May 15 as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" in New Jersey and encourages all citizens, local governments, and communities to wear blue on that day to honor law enforcement officers. The bill amends existing law to specifically promote wearing blue as a visible sign of appreciation for officers who protect public safety, including those killed or injured in the line of duty. It also maintains existing provisions for flying the U.S. flag at half-staff and organizing commemorative ceremonies. This is a symbolic measure focused on recognition, not new policy or funding.