Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill S 1032 requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Children’s Services (DCS) to study workforce conditions for service providers in mental health, substance use disorder, and developmental disability programs, as well as child welfare services. It mandates annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for these providers based on the Consumer Price Index, effective October 1 each year. The studies must examine workforce vacancy rates, demographics, geographic distribution, care needs, and future supply-demand gaps. DHS and DCS must report findings and COLA evaluations to the Governor and Legislature annually, with public access to reports online. The bill directly affects contracted service providers delivering Medicaid-funded care in these sectors.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 2535 establishes a new minimum Medicaid reimbursement rate for structured day program services provided to Medicaid beneficiaries with brain injuries. The bill requires that these services be reimbursed at the average rate of $9.09 per 15 minutes (currently $3.65), aligning with reimbursement rates for similar services under the Division of Developmental Disabilities. This change directly affects approved brain injury service providers who deliver structured day programs to Medicaid beneficiaries. The policy applies to services provided on or after the bill's effective date, ensuring consistent reimbursement for brain injury care.
Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's film and digital media tax credit program to expand eligibility for tax credits. It increases the credit rate to 40% for qualified digital media content production expenses related to post-production services performed at New Jersey film-lease production facilities (requiring at least $500,000 in such expenses). The bill also expands eligible expenses to include wages paid to workers not subject to New Jersey income tax due to reciprocity agreements with other states, such as Pennsylvania. This change directly affects film and digital media production companies operating in New Jersey that meet the program's requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires public employers to provide free cancer screenings every three years for firefighters who are eligible for the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) but have waived enrollment in it. The screenings must cover 11 specific cancers, including colon, lung, and breast cancer, and must be conducted without any out-of-pocket cost to the firefighter. Employers can be reimbursed by the state up to $1,250 per firefighter per three-year period for these screenings. This extends existing coverage and reimbursement requirements to firefighters who are eligible for SHBP but chose not to enroll, ensuring they receive the same preventive care as those enrolled in the program.
Maddy summaryThe "Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act" (S 3340) would withhold New Jersey state funding from colleges and universities that support antisemitic events or organizations, fail to enforce anti-harassment policies, or do not appropriately punish antisemitic behavior. It defines antisemitism using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's 2016 working definition and requires institutions to address such incidents through academic, professional, or legal consequences. This law directly affects all New Jersey institutions of higher education receiving state aid, including public and private colleges. The bill aims to ensure campuses uphold safety for Jewish students, faculty, and staff by linking state funding to compliance with these standards.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3344 requires the Division of Gaming Enforcement, in collaboration with the Health Commissioner, to create a public awareness campaign about gambling risks and resources for compulsive gamblers. The campaign must cover gambling risks, consequences, addiction rates, and available help through media like TV, radio, social media, and newspapers within 180 days of the bill's enactment. The bill appropriates $200,000 from the General Fund to fund this initiative. The campaign's director must report to the Governor and Legislature on its progress within 24 months of the law taking effect.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's electric utilities to create and submit detailed infrastructure improvement plans to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) within 90 days of enactment. The plans must enable more renewable energy projects (like solar installations) by reopening distribution circuits currently closed or limited to 100 kW capacity, through specific measures such as allowing electricity flow between grid systems, requiring solar inverters and storage to manage power flow efficiently, and adjusting solar output based on weather forecasts. The BPU must review and approve these plans within 120 days, mandating that utilities complete the required work as soon as possible. The policy directly affects utilities and aims to accelerate renewable energy integration into the state's grid.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "New Jersey Migrant and Refugee Assistance Act," creating a program within the Department of Human Services to help migrants and refugees access public assistance programs. The program connects individuals (including those from Haiti, Venezuela, and the Democratic Republic of Congo) with resources like housing, healthcare, job training, education, and legal services. It requires the Department to collaborate with local governments and community groups, run multilingual outreach campaigns, and submit annual reports tracking program effectiveness and service details. The law takes effect immediately.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all sports wagering advertisements (including print, digital, and broadcast) and mobile applications or websites offering sports betting to display a specific warning: "Gambling is risky and can become addictive, resulting in catastrophic life consequences. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 GAMBLER." It directly affects sports betting operators, casinos, racetracks, and online platforms in New Jersey. The warning must appear in all promotional materials and upon opening any sports betting app or website. The bill amends existing gambling regulations (P.L.2018, c.33) to update the required language, replacing the current simpler warning with a more detailed message about gambling risks.
Maddy summaryS 3283 requires sports wagering licensees (including casinos and racetracks operating sports betting) to pay an annual $250,000 fee. This fee is split: $140,000 goes directly to the Council on Compulsive Gambling, and $110,000 funds other gambling addiction treatment programs. The bill amends existing law to establish this new fee structure, separate from current licensing costs. It directly affects licensed sports betting operators in New Jersey, directing dedicated funding toward prevention and treatment services for problem gambling.