Sen. Angela McKnight

Maddy summaryS3409 prohibits New Jersey hospitals from billing patients for facility fees when services are provided at outpatient facilities affiliated with the hospital. The bill defines "facility fee" as charges covering hospital operational costs (distinct from professional fees charged by doctors). This directly affects patients receiving outpatient care at hospital-affiliated clinics, preventing additional billing for facility costs. The law applies to all licensed general acute care hospitals in New Jersey and takes effect immediately.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey residents with hearing impairments - identified by a specific code on their driver's license - to apply for a free windshield placard displaying the international symbol of the deaf. The placard must be displayed as directed by the Motor Vehicle Commission and cannot be used to access disability parking spaces, which require a separate placard under existing law. Drivers using the placard properly cannot be cited or fined for violating parking laws. The measure ensures clear identification for hearing-impaired drivers without altering existing disability parking eligibility.

Maddy summaryS 3410 establishes the "Entry-Level Home Development Fund" with a $300 million appropriation to provide gap financing for developers building low- to middle-income housing. The fund, administered by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, covers financing shortfalls that prevent developers from constructing housing affordable to households earning up to 120% of the area median income. This program directly supports developers of qualifying projects and aims to increase housing supply for low- to middle-income residents who face affordability challenges due to high prices and limited inventory. The bill defines "low- to middle-income housing" as units reserved for households meeting specific income thresholds, without mandating additional requirements for project locations or developer types.

Maddy summaryS 3455 establishes a "Student Mental Health Task Force" to examine mental health challenges faced by New Jersey students, including depression, anxiety, and trauma. The task force, composed of 17 members (including state agency heads and appointed representatives from education, mental health, and community organizations), will survey existing mental health resources in schools and communities across all counties and regions. It must develop recommendations to improve students' access to mental health services and support, focusing on identifying needs, assessing provider networks, funding sources, and potential partnerships with colleges. The bill does not create new programs but mandates a study to inform future policy. (S 3455, introduced February 9, 2026)

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey law enforcement agencies to confidentially share information about juveniles involved in family crises with their school principals. The principal can then use this information, along with appropriate staff, to develop educational and social programs tailored to the juvenile's needs. The bill prohibits schools from maintaining records of this shared information (except as authorized by the State Board of Education) and explicitly states that this information cannot be used to impose school discipline. It directly affects law enforcement agencies, school principals, and juveniles experiencing family crises.

Maddy summaryBill S 3384 establishes a state program requiring New Jersey contracting agencies to set aside certain state contracts (for goods, equipment, construction, or services) so that only businesses with union workforces can bid on them. To qualify, a business must have a union workforce, be based in New Jersey, hire apprentices, and make a good-faith effort to maintain a diverse workforce. The bill sets a goal that contracting agencies award at least 22% of their contracts to these "union business enterprises," either through direct awards or by requiring subcontracting portions of contracts. The Department of the Treasury will administer the program and verify business qualifications, with contracting agencies needing to ensure at least three qualified bidders are available before setting aside a contract.

Maddy summaryS 3394 requires all New Jersey food service businesses - including restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, food trucks, and movie theaters - to provide clear written notice of major food allergens (like milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, soy, wheat, and sesame) for every menu item, including temporary offerings. Businesses must display this information directly on menus, via a scannable QR code linking to an online resource, or on separate written materials like charts or booklets, using common allergen names or approved symbols. The law excludes prepackaged foods already covered by federal labeling rules. Enforcement will be handled by the Department of Health or local health boards upon complaint.

Maddy summarySCR 96 proposes a constitutional amendment to increase New Jersey veterans' property tax deductions from $250 to $2,500 over four years. It directly affects honorably discharged veterans who are New Jersey residents, with the deduction amount rising incrementally: $1,000 in 2025, $1,500 in 2026, $2,000 in 2027, and $2,500 starting in 2028. The bill does not change eligibility but phases in the higher deduction amount annually. Surviving spouses of veterans and veterans in continuing care retirement communities would retain existing benefit structures under this amendment. This is a policy change to enhance property tax relief for veterans, not a new benefit.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3013 imposes a $0.40 monthly fee per mobile line on residents using commercial mobile or IP-enabled voice services (excluding Lifeline program participants). Telecom companies collect this fee from customers and remit it quarterly to a new "9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Hotline Trust Fund Account" in the state Treasury. Funds in the account will finance specific crisis services including 9-8-8 call center operations, mobile crisis response teams, crisis stabilization centers, and public awareness campaigns. The bill mandates annual reporting on fund usage and requires the Legislature to review fee adjustments based on service needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new licensing requirements for emergency medical responders (EMRs) and emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and creates certification standards for mobility assistance vehicle operators. It directly affects EMS professionals, ambulance services, and providers of non-emergency medical transportation for individuals with disabilities. Key provisions include setting minimum staffing rules for different transport units (like mobile intensive care units and basic life support vehicles), requiring all crew members to hold valid licenses or certifications, and defining specific roles like "mobility assistance vehicle operator." The bill also clarifies that non-emergency transport providers must be licensed to serve patients who need medical transportation but do not require ambulance-level care.