Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New Jersey Innovation Authority, a new state agency within the Department of the Treasury, to lead technology innovation across state government. The authority will consist of 13 members, including nine public members with expertise in digital technology, data science, and public engagement, and will be led by a Chief Innovation Officer appointed by the Governor initially and then by the authority. The authority's key responsibilities include advising state agencies on modernizing government services, developing metrics to measure innovation progress, and preparing annual reports to the Governor and Legislature. It will have the authority to contract directly with technology providers without standard public bidding requirements under certain circumstances and can transfer funds to nonprofit organizations like the National Center for Civic Innovation to support its work.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySCR 128 is a New Jersey Senate Concurrent Resolution (not a binding law) urging school districts to form concussion management teams. These teams would include school nurses, psychologists, athletic trainers, and administrators to support students recovering from concussions during school hours. The resolution highlights that such teams help coordinate care with families, ensure safe return to academics and sports, and provide immediate professional support - complementing existing district concussion policies. It does not create new legal requirements but encourages districts to adopt this approach using resources like the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for New Jersey fire departments to stop using firefighting foam containing PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from January 1, 2027, to January 1, 2028. It appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Environmental Protection to fund a grant program that reimburses municipalities for replacing PFAS-containing firefighting foam with safer alternatives. The funding is intended to help local governments transition to PFAS-free foam that complies with existing regulations. This extension and financial support aim to facilitate the switch to safer firefighting equipment while providing time for necessary equipment upgrades.
Maddy summaryS 2392 amends New Jersey's existing medical cannabis law to add sickle cell anemia as a qualifying condition for treatment. This allows patients diagnosed with sickle cell anemia to access medical cannabis under the state's current program, following the same registration and physician authorization process as other qualifying conditions. The bill expands the list of approved medical conditions without creating new infrastructure or changing dispensary rules. It directly affects sickle cell anemia patients seeking alternative treatment options within New Jersey's regulated medical cannabis system. The policy change integrates sickle cell anemia into the existing framework established by P.L.2009, c.307.
Maddy summaryS 3153 prohibits New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) from using federal benefits - such as Social Security or veterans' payments received by children in foster care - to cover the state's costs for their care. Instead, DCF must use these benefits to pay for the child's unmet needs (like medical or educational expenses) beyond what the state is obligated to cover, or save them in a dedicated account for the child's future. DCF is also required to apply for federal benefits on behalf of eligible children, notify the child, parents, and courts, and provide annual reports on how the funds are managed. This ensures children's federal benefits are preserved for their direct benefit rather than being used to reimburse the state.
Maddy summarySJR 100 designates every July as "Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month" in New Jersey to raise public awareness about cleft lip and palate birth defects. The resolution requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging community organizations, medical institutions, and advocacy groups to collaborate on educational programs and research about these conditions. This symbolic measure does not create new laws or funding but aims to foster understanding and support for individuals and families affected by cleft lip and palate.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an independent Office of the Veteran Advocate within New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), to serve as a dedicated advocate for veterans receiving services from the department. The Veteran Advocate, appointed by the Governor with Senate consent, will investigate complaints about veterans' services, monitor facilities for abuse or neglect, conduct site visits (with proper authorization), and issue subpoenas for investigations. The Advocate will serve as an ombudsman for veterans and their families, make recommendations for improving services, and monitor implementation of corrective actions when systemic issues are identified. The office will submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature, and the bill appropriates funds from the General Fund to support these operations. This new office directly affects veterans receiving services under the DMVA's supervision and ensures their concerns are addressed through a dedicated, independent oversight mechanism.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's State Board of Medical Examiners to allow physicians to count one optional continuing medical education (CME) credit toward their license renewal for training on menopause. The training covers menopause's physiological and psychological aspects, treatments, related health risks (like heart health and osteoporosis), and communication strategies. Physicians who complete this training would earn a credit that counts toward their required 100 CME hours for license renewal. The bill defines menopause as the natural process where a woman permanently stops having menstrual periods after 12 months without one. It does not mandate the training but offers it as an optional credit.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates New Jersey's licensing definitions for cosmetic services, clarifying which practices require specific licenses. It defines key terms like "barber" (primarily for male customers), "beautician" (primarily for female customers), "cosmetologist-hairstylist," and "manicurist," specifying exactly which cosmetic services each license covers. The bill affects salons, barbershops, and individual practitioners who must now operate under these clarified licensing categories. It also establishes rules for student-run "clinics" where supervised senior students provide services, requiring clear fee posting and consumer notices.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey colleges and universities to collect and publicly report detailed data about student outcomes and costs on their websites. Specifically, institutions must provide annual updates including graduation rates (broken down by demographics and majors), cost of attendance, student loan debt (disaggregated by race, income, and other factors), and employment/earnings data for graduates from the three most recent academic years. The report must show full-time employment in a graduate's field, overall employment rates, graduate school enrollment, and average salaries one year after graduation. These requirements aim to help prospective students and families compare institutions based on concrete financial and career outcomes. The data must be updated annually and made accessible via each institution's website.