Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "New Jersey Target Zero Commission" within the Department of Transportation to develop strategies for eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2040. The 13-member commission - including agency heads from transportation, public safety, health, and environmental departments - will create a statewide action plan, promote data transparency through a public safety portal, and advise state and local governments on equitable road safety improvements. It requires annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature on progress, including traffic crash data and demographic information. The commission focuses on "safe system approach" strategies like roadway design, speed management, and expanding accessible transportation options for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and people with disabilities.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's licensing rules for elevator, escalator, and moving walkway mechanics by removing a requirement that out-of-state applicants' home states must provide equal reciprocity to New Jersey licensees. It allows the licensing board to grant licenses without exams to mechanics from other states if those states' standards are comparable to New Jersey's, regardless of whether the home state reciprocates. The change directly affects mechanics seeking to work in New Jersey who hold valid licenses in another state. This simplifies the process for qualified out-of-state mechanics without requiring reciprocal agreements from other states.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends New Jersey's telemedicine pay parity requirement through December 31, 2025. It requires health insurance plans in New Jersey to pay telemedicine providers the same rate as in-person visits for covered services, ensuring equal reimbursement. The extension applies to all health benefits plans, including Medicaid and private insurers, covering services delivered via video or audio telehealth. Exceptions remain for audio-only visits (at 50% of in-person rates) and services not offered in-person by the provider.
Maddy summarySJR 50 designates November each year as "Caregivers Awareness Month" in New Jersey, focusing on unpaid family caregivers who support loved ones of all ages with health needs. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public awareness events and honors caregivers who provide an estimated 20.4 hours weekly of care - often without formal training - and contribute $450 billion in annual unpaid services. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but aims to recognize caregivers' challenges, including health impacts reported by 17% of them.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Children and Families (DCF) to each hire a full-time Director of Medical Services within their respective offices. These directors, who must be licensed physicians with specific qualifications, will advise on complex medical aspects of abuse, neglect, or death investigations and review medical care standards at facilities serving vulnerable populations. The bill appropriates $480,000 total ($240,000 per agency) from the General Fund to fund these new positions. It directly affects DHS and DCF operations by mandating specialized medical oversight for investigations and facility care quality.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2245) proposes to modify New Jersey's regulations for student permits in cosmetology and hairstyling programs. It clarifies that "registered students" - those enrolled in licensed cosmetology schools under instructor supervision - may provide services in school clinics, but explicitly excludes students in public school vocational programs (approved by the State Board of Education) from this permit category. The key mechanism defines "registered student" to distinguish between licensed school programs and public school programs, ensuring only the former qualify for student permit services. This change directly affects cosmetology students in licensed educational institutions seeking supervised practice opportunities. The bill is currently pending in the Senate (last updated December 2024).
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey county clerks to automatically mail an application for a mail-in ballot to any registered voter who turns 18. It specifically applies to 17-year-old registered voters who will be 18 by the next general election, as permitted under current law. The key mechanism is sending the application on the voter's 18th birthday, rather than requiring them to request it. The state will reimburse counties for any additional costs related to implementing this change.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2295) amends New Jersey law on reckless vehicular homicide to strengthen penalties for drivers causing death while operating vehicles under the influence (DUI), with a suspended license, or near schools. It mandates a license suspension of 5 years to life for these offenses, requires courts to consider pretrial detention for certain DUI-related cases, and allows vehicle forfeiture unless hardship is proven. The law also increases penalties to a first-degree crime for driving under the influence near schools (within 1,000 feet or through designated crossings), with no defense for ignorance of school zones. These changes directly affect drivers convicted of vehicular homicide involving DUI, license violations, or school zone offenses.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 3927) prohibits real estate appraisers from considering protected characteristics like race, religion, gender identity, or national origin when valuing properties. It establishes penalties for discriminatory appraisals, including restitution for affected parties, mandatory anti-bias training, and escalating fines up to $50,000 for repeat violations. The bill requires real estate professionals to provide free information about reporting discriminatory appraisals to the Division on Civil Rights within three days of key interactions, such as mortgage applications or property sales. Additionally, it mandates that the Division on Civil Rights collect and report demographic data from complainants to the Governor and Legislature by July 2026. The bill directly affects licensed appraisers, real estate brokers, and mortgage professionals in New Jersey.
Maddy summaryThis bill redirects a portion of worker contributions from the unemployment compensation trust fund to the unemployment compensation administration fund. Currently, workers contribute 0.3825% of wages to the trust fund, which funds unemployment benefits. The bill would reduce this to 0.3625% for the trust fund while directing 0.0200% of wages to the administration fund instead. This reallocation aims to address chronic underfunding in the administration fund, which handles system operations but lacks sufficient resources. The change would take effect for wages paid on or after January 1, 2024.