Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DHS) to establish a three-year pilot program to prevent and address obstetric discrimination in maternity care. It directly targets Black mothers, who face a maternal mortality rate 2.6 times higher than white mothers (69.9 vs. 26.6 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2021), by mandating that hospitals measure and address discrimination as a factor in care quality - not just clinical outcomes. The program will develop new quality improvement tools that incorporate patient experiences of discrimination, rather than relying on current metrics that overlook racial bias. The pilot aims to reduce preventable maternal deaths and improve care safety during pregnancy, childbirth, and the first year postpartum.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for retirement benefits in New Jersey's state-administered retirement systems. It directly affects current and future retirees, including state employees and teachers, by requiring their benefits to increase each year to match inflation without needing separate legislative action. The key mechanism establishes a permanent automatic adjustment process tied to inflation data, eliminating the need for annual budget amendments. This change ensures retirees' purchasing power remains aligned with rising living costs over time.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "College Child Care Advisory Commission" to study and recommend solutions for New Jersey college students who need child care services. The commission, composed of 15 members including state education officials, legislative appointees, child care providers, and a student parent, will collect data on student child care needs and review existing campus programs and subsidies. It will also explore partnerships between colleges and child care providers, and examine successful models from other states. The commission must issue a final report with recommendations to the Governor and legislature within one year of forming.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2593) prevents New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) from denying child care subsidies to teachers and school employees based on their work hours during periods when schools are not in session for students (e.g., summer break or holidays). It directly affects eligible teachers and school staff who might otherwise lose subsidies due to reduced hours during non-school weeks. The key provision requires DHS to disregard non-school-week work hours when determining eligibility, while still requiring participants to undergo standard redetermination processes. The bill defines "school year" as the period when schools are actively in session for students.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a whistleblower reward program for employees reporting tax law violations by construction industry employers in New Jersey. Whistleblowers who provide specific, credible information leading to an administrative or judicial action against an employer can receive 15% to 30% of recovered taxes, penalties, and interest (or up to 10% if the tip came from public sources like media or audits). The award amount is based on how much the information contributed to the case outcome. It excludes employees who obtained information through their official duties and includes protections against retaliation under existing law.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's school bus stop laws to authorize the use of school bus monitoring systems for enforcement. It directly affects drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses (including those transporting children or individuals with developmental disabilities) and school districts/municipalities that install such systems. Key provisions establish that violations captured by these systems result in a $250 civil penalty (instead of criminal penalties), with collected funds directed to municipal and school safety programs. The bill also clarifies that registered vehicle owners are presumed responsible for violations recorded by the systems.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals moving into an assisted living or long-term care facility to terminate their trash collection contract without early termination fees. It directly affects residents relocating to qualifying facilities (like nursing homes or dementia care homes) and trash collection service providers. Key provisions require a physician’s order or care plan confirming the move, 45 days’ notice (or 48 hours if immediate relocation is medically urgent), and a standard termination form provided by the service provider. Service providers may request written proof of relocation, but the bill ensures no fees are charged for these terminations.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 799) allows high school students aged 16 or older in 12th grade to enroll in career certificate program courses at New Jersey county colleges, provided they are state residents, maintain good academic standing, and have principal approval. It removes the requirement for students to hold a State-endorsed diploma or have passed the GED to take these courses. County colleges must permit enrollment if space is available but are not required to waive existing course prerequisites or application procedures. The bill directly affects eligible high school students seeking career-focused college credits.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2005) changes New Jersey's license plate law to require only one plate per vehicle, displayed on the rear instead of the front and rear. It directly affects all New Jersey vehicle owners currently required to display two plates. The bill amends state law to specify that the single plate must be placed on the rear, and allows owners who received two plates before the law takes effect to return one to the Motor Vehicle Commission. The bill is pending in the Senate Transportation Committee and has not yet been enacted.
Maddy summaryS 1398 (New Jersey) allows families or guardians of individuals up to age 21 with developmental disabilities to save unused after-school care hours provided by contracted agencies for use during holidays or weekends. The bill requires the Division of Children’s System of Care to permit this adjustment to existing family support services, specifically for "agency-after school care" - social/recreational activities offered by community agencies during after-school hours outside the home. It does not create new services but changes how existing authorized hours can be used. The bill was introduced in January 2026 but withdrawn the same day as it was incorporated into another enacted law (P.L.2025, c.360).