Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2262) requires health care providers and insurers to obtain a patient’s explicit written consent before sharing medical records related to reproductive health care services - including pregnancy, contraception, or abortion care - with anyone outside the care team, unless specific exceptions apply. Patients must be informed of their right to withhold consent before receiving care or when sharing information about past services. Limited exceptions allow disclosure during medical emergencies, for legal compliance (like court orders), to protect against liability claims, or for investigations into abuse. Violations could trigger $1,000 penalties per incident, but the law explicitly preserves existing HIPAA protections.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an independent Office of the Child Advocate within New Jersey's Executive Branch (allocated under the Department of Children and Families but operating autonomously). It directly affects children at risk of abuse or neglect, as well as state agencies and private entities providing child welfare services. Key provisions include appointing a Governor-selected attorney to investigate child welfare cases, access records (with limitations) to monitor agency responses, operate a 24-hour hotline for public reports, and issue subpoenas for investigations. The office will evaluate agency performance, review facilities like juvenile detention centers, and make recommendations to improve child protection systems.
Maddy summaryS 803 creates a program for New Jersey to acquire development easements on privately-owned woodlands, permanently restricting future development to protect land for farming, forestry, and conservation. Woodlands must be at least 20 acres, used for agriculture or forestry production, and managed under approved stewardship plans to qualify. The program will use existing farmland preservation funds and coordinate with federal agencies to access additional support, such as the federal Forest Legacy Program. Landowners who sell these easements retain ownership but lose development rights, with restrictions recorded to last indefinitely.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 670, the "Toxic Packaging Reduction Act," requires plastic packaging producers to gradually reduce plastic use by 50% over 10 years (starting at 90% of baseline after 2 years). It mandates that cardboard packaging sold in the state must contain 75% recycled content after 2 years. The bill creates a Toxic Packaging Task Force to identify harmful chemicals in packaging and recommend restrictions. This directly affects plastic producers selling packaging or products in New Jersey, excluding medical devices, food packaging, and certain industrial materials.
Maddy summaryS 2623 allows surviving spouses of retired police and fire personnel (PFRS members) who died while receiving accidental disability retirement benefits to enroll in New Jersey's State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) with all premiums paid by the state. It also permits these surviving spouses to continue receiving their pension benefits after remarriage - normally a reason for termination - without losing this benefit. To qualify, the surviving spouse must provide documentation proving the retired member's disability or related complications were a significant factor in their death. This applies to spouses of members who died before, on, or after the bill's effective date, and allows previously terminated pensions due to remarriage to be reinstated upon application.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2285 requires large warehouse operators (those with over 50,000 sq. ft. of operations in facilities exceeding 100,000 sq. ft.) to reduce air pollution from their truck traffic and operations. Starting 36 months after the law takes effect, these operators must implement a department-approved plan earning "air pollution reduction points" through specific actions like purchasing zero-emission trucks, installing solar power, or funding air filtration systems near schools. Points are calculated based on previous truck traffic, with a phased approach where the required points decrease in the first four years. Operators can use a standard plan template or create a custom plan, with an option to pay $1,000 annually into an electric vehicle fund instead of meeting points. The Department of Environmental Protection must develop the program rules within 24 months.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2291) allows New Jersey municipalities to require that all new buildings be "solar ready" by ordinance. It mandates that construction permits for new buildings cannot be issued unless the plans include design elements enabling future rooftop solar panel installation and, if applicable, solar water heating systems. The law defines "solar ready" as incorporating structural features (like roof load capacity and space) to easily add solar equipment later, without requiring immediate installation. This affects developers and builders constructing new buildings in municipalities that adopt such ordinances, promoting future solar adoption through building design standards.
Maddy summarySJR 42 designates June of each year as "Gun Violence Awareness Month" in New Jersey. The bill requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials, organizations, and citizens to observe the month with awareness activities. It is a symbolic resolution with no new funding, regulations, or policy changes - merely commemorating the issue through designated observance. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 13, 2026, and referred to committee.
Maddy summaryS 2302 updates New Jersey's organ donation policy for driver's licenses and ID cards by requiring an active opt-out. Individuals must explicitly choose to decline organ donation when applying for or renewing a license or ID card; if they do not, they remain an organ donor by default. The bill also formalizes the Donate Life NJ Registry as the official online system for registration and ensures the Motor Vehicle Commission provides public information about organ donation. This affects all New Jersey residents obtaining or renewing driver's licenses or ID cards, with exceptions for minors under 18 who have not registered as donors.
Maddy summarySCR 65 is a symbolic resolution passed by New Jersey's Senate condemning Hinduphobia - defined as prejudice or hatred against Hinduism and Hindus - and anti-Hindu bigotry. It declares New Jersey a welcoming state for Hindu Americans, recognizing their contributions to U.S. society and citing documented hate crimes against the community. The resolution has no binding legal effect but directs copies to the governor, New Jersey's congressional delegation, and the Hindu American Foundation. It serves as a formal statement of support, not a policy change.