Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Medicaid program to reimburse mental health rehabilitation services provided through clubhouse programs. Clubhouse programs are defined as non-residential, community-based programs accredited by Clubhouse International where members, with staff assistance, help operate the program while receiving support for emotional and behavioral challenges. These programs aim to help members transition to less restrictive care, reintegrate into the community, and build social connections beyond clinical settings. The bill specifically adds these services to Medicaid coverage, which currently does not include them, and references Shore House in Long Branch as New Jersey's only accredited clubhouse program serving over 3,500 members annually.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill (A1825) establishes guidelines for health insurance plans regarding "step therapy" protocols, which require patients to try lower-cost medications before coverage is provided for a preferred medication selected by their doctor. It requires insurers to base these protocols on clinical guidelines developed by expert panels with conflict-of-interest safeguards, and creates a clear process for patients to request exceptions when step therapy would be harmful or ineffective. Insurers must grant or deny exception requests within 72 hours (24 hours in emergencies), and must report on exception requests and outcomes to the state insurance commissioner. This affects all health insurance carriers in New Jersey, including those offering SHBP, SEHBP, and Medicaid plans, as well as the patients and healthcare providers who use these plans.
Maddy summaryThis joint resolution designates May 18 of each year as "Six Triple Eight Day" in New Jersey to honor the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-African American, all-female U.S. Army unit that served during World War II. The resolution commemorates their historic achievement in delivering over 14 million pieces of backlogged mail to U.S. personnel in Europe under difficult conditions. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance of the day. The resolution specifically recognizes that 28 New Jersey women served in the unit, including those from Allentown, where one member was born on May 18.
Maddy summaryThis bill would have New Jersey join the Social Work Licensure Compact, allowing social workers licensed in New Jersey to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The compact establishes a system where social workers must meet specific requirements (including passing national exams, holding appropriate degrees, and completing supervised practice) to qualify for a multistate license. It creates a commission to manage the compact, handle data sharing among states, and address disciplinary actions. The compact aims to increase access to social work services, reduce duplicate licensing requirements, and support workforce mobility for social workers across member states. This would directly affect social workers seeking to practice in multiple states and the states' licensing authorities.
Maddy summaryBill A4163 requires health insurers in New Jersey to cover biomarker testing for diagnosis, treatment, management, or ongoing monitoring of diseases when supported by medical evidence such as FDA approvals, drug labels, or clinical guidelines. The bill applies to all health insurance plans including individual, group, Medicaid, and health maintenance organization contracts. Insurers must provide coverage without causing unnecessary disruption (like multiple biopsies) and must make prior authorization decisions within 24 hours for urgent requests or 72 hours for non-urgent requests. This ensures patients can access precision medical testing that's clinically supported without excessive administrative barriers.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a framework for designating a Public Health Institute in New Jersey to strengthen public health infrastructure. It requires the Commissioner of Health to select a nonprofit entity meeting specific criteria (like being a 501(c)(3) organization with public health expertise) to serve as the Institute. The Institute will coordinate with state health agencies, provide administrative support, develop programs to address racial health disparities, and bridge gaps between public and private health services. A new Public Health Institute Fund within the Department of Health will provide dedicated funding for the Institute’s operations and initiatives.
Maddy summaryAJR 166 is a New Jersey legislative resolution urging the U.S. Congress to advance the creation of a National Museum of the American Latino. Introduced by Assembly members Rodriguez, Collazos-Gill, and Quijano, it calls for Congress to reinstate a 2008 commission and establish the museum as part of the Smithsonian Institution on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., while directing copies to federal leaders and New Jersey's congressional delegation.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey State Police to verify whether a person has an unprocessed expungement order before releasing their criminal history background check. If an expungement order exists but hasn't been reflected in the system, the State Bureau of Identification must update the record to show the expungement prior to dissemination. This ensures individuals with court-ordered expungements are not incorrectly listed as having criminal records. The bill directly affects people seeking background checks for employment, licensing, or volunteer opportunities who have had expungement orders granted but not yet processed by the State Police.
Maddy summarySJR 140 designates March of each year as "Amyloidosis Awareness Month" in New Jersey. This symbolic resolution aims to educate the public about amyloidosis - a rare disease involving abnormal protein buildup in organs - and its symptoms, such as fatigue, swelling, and nerve issues. It does not create new laws or provide funding but requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public awareness activities. The resolution directly affects New Jersey residents by promoting early diagnosis, which can help improve outcomes for those with the disease. It is a procedural measure focused on public education, not policy or treatment changes.
Maddy summaryAJR 217 is a commemorative resolution designating April 9 of each year as "Paul Robeson Day" in New Jersey. It honors Paul Robeson, a Rutgers University scholar, athlete, actor, singer, and civil rights activist born in Princeton, NJ, who broke racial barriers in the 1920s-1930s and advocated for global justice. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance of the day through activities and programs. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or affect specific groups but formally commemorates Robeson's legacy.