Sen. Renee Burgess

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1927) extends New Jersey's $6,000 gross income tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans to their surviving spouses. Currently, the exemption applies only to the year a veteran dies (if filing jointly), but the bill would allow the spouse to continue claiming it in all subsequent years until they remarry. It directly affects spouses of deceased veterans who were eligible for the exemption during the veteran's lifetime. The change modifies the existing tax code (N.J.S.54A:3-1) to add this ongoing benefit, with no other policy changes described in the bill text.

Maddy summaryS 3457 establishes a New Jersey Out-of-School Time Advisory Commission to review before-school, after-school, and summer programs. The 20-member commission includes state agency leaders, legislative appointees, and community representatives from child care, education, and parent organizations. It will assess current programs, develop statewide quality standards, examine funding sources, and evaluate program access across urban, suburban, and rural areas. The commission must submit an interim report within one year and a final report within two years to the Governor and legislative education committees, then expire 30 days after the final report.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1067) requires the state's Department of Human Services to conduct a landscape analysis of mental health services accessible to deaf and hard of hearing residents. It mandates that mental health services be provided in a client's primary communication method (like sign language or speech), delivered by professionals certified in that method and trained in culturally appropriate care for the deaf community. The bill also requires the creation of a resource guide listing providers meeting these standards and defines key terms like "culturally affirmative mental health services." It directly affects deaf and hard of hearing individuals seeking mental health care across New Jersey.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1939 requires chain restaurants (with 20+ locations) to meet specific nutritional standards for children's meals sold at a single price. The bill limits meals to 550 calories, 700mg sodium, 15g added sugar, and 10% saturated fat, while mandating at least 0.5 cups of fresh fruits or vegetables or a lean protein option. It also restricts beverages to water, milk, or 100% fruit/vegetable juice without added sweeteners. Restaurants must display the meal's nutritional content prominently on menus or signage. This bill directly affects chain restaurants operating in New Jersey and aims to improve childhood nutrition through concrete dietary requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all menstrual product packages sold in New Jersey to list every ingredient in descending order of prevalence, displayed clearly for consumers. It applies directly to manufacturers selling tampons, pads, discs, cups, or underwear (both disposable and reusable) in the state. The law mandates this labeling on retail packaging, excluding shipping containers, and establishes civil penalties for noncompliance (up to 1% of annual in-state sales per noncompliant package, capped at $1,000). The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes it a crime for unlicensed individuals to possess digital instructions that could be used to 3D print firearms, firearm receivers, magazines, or components. The law targets digital files in computer-aided design or similar electronic formats that could program 3D printers to create these items. Possessing such digital instructions without a firearms manufacturing license would be a third-degree crime punishable by up to five years in prison or a $15,000 fine. The bill implements a recommendation from the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation to address a gap in existing law regarding digital firearm manufacturing instructions.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "New Jersey Menopause Coverage Act," requires health insurance plans in New Jersey to cover medically necessary treatments for perimenopause and menopause. It mandates coverage for specific treatments including hormone therapies, non-hormonal medications, behavioral health services, pelvic floor therapy, bone health treatments, preventative care for related conditions like osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, and counseling. Insurers must provide clear information about these covered services to their members. The law applies to all health insurance plans in New Jersey, including individual policies, group plans, and state health benefit programs. It defines "menopause" as the natural end of menstrual cycles after 12 consecutive months without a period, and "perimenopause" as the transitional period leading to menopause.

Maddy summaryS 4337 allows New Jersey adults (18+), emancipated minors, or their authorized representatives (like parents or legal guardians) to create a written directive stating they do not want opioids administered or prescribed. The directive must use a form developed by the New Jersey Department of Health and can be revoked anytime. Health care providers are protected from liability or disciplinary action if they follow the directive in good faith, though opioids may still be prescribed if medically necessary. This bill establishes a simple, accessible system for patient choice regarding opioid use.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A3802) clarifies that certain legal service plans are not considered "legal insurance" under New Jersey law. It defines "legal insurance" as payment for specified legal services over time, while explicitly excluding common arrangements like retainer contracts, basic consultation plans, union-provided legal help, and services from legal aid offices. The law ensures these excluded services remain outside traditional insurance regulations, which require claims payments and risk assumption. This directly affects legal service providers, insurers, and consumers by preventing misclassification of routine legal assistance as insurance.

Maddy summarySCR 38 is a New Jersey legislative resolution urging the Governor to direct state agencies to reduce fatalities from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). It specifically requests departments to review policies, collaborate on cardiovascular screening programs, and update the state's cardiovascular plan to improve screening and treatment. The resolution directly affects New Jersey residents with ASCVD, including an estimated 566,100 adults diagnosed with related conditions (e.g., heart attack, stroke) as of 2019. As a procedural resolution - not a binding law - it encourages agency action but does not create new legal requirements.