Sen. Angela McKnight

Maddy summaryThis bill requires licensed healthcare providers offering prenatal care to offer postpartum depression screening to pregnant patients with a history of depression, upon their request. It directly affects pregnant individuals with prior depression diagnoses who receive prenatal care in New Jersey. Key provisions mandate providers to discuss postpartum depression risks during prenatal visits and provide screening when requested, while also expanding existing requirements for broader patient education and routine postnatal screenings. This amendment builds on current law that already mandates provider education about postpartum depression and screening for all new mothers.

Maddy summaryS 1787 requires New Jersey's Attorney General to review and update the statewide use-of-force policy every even-numbered year (or sooner if needed), ensuring it prioritizes de-escalation, limits force to what's necessary and proportional, and treats deadly force as a last resort. It mandates public reporting of all law enforcement use-of-force incidents through a publicly accessible online database and establishes specific protocols for handling barricaded persons - especially those in mental health crises - requiring crisis intervention training for officers. The bill also requires the Police Training Commission to include barricaded-person response training in all officer basic courses. Note: This bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, after being approved as part of P.L.2025, c.243.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a two-year guaranteed income pilot program in seven New Jersey cities (Paterson, Passaic City, Jersey City, Plainfield, Newark, Trenton, and Camden). It would provide $500 monthly for 18 months to 500 randomly selected low-income residents per city - those with household income under $80,000 in the prior year and no more than one participant per household. The program requires the state Treasury and Labor departments to collect economic data and voluntary participant surveys on spending habits and financial changes. A final report detailing findings and recommendations must be submitted to the Governor and Legislature within 10 months of the pilot’s conclusion. The bill focuses on studying the program’s effects without imposing conditions on recipients.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Civil Service Commission to create a free mentoring program for civil service firefighter applicants living in municipalities with a median income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. The program provides guidance through the application, exam, and hiring process via workshops, study groups, and resources to help overcome barriers, particularly to compete with applicants from wealthier areas using private study groups. Mentors - current or former firefighters in good standing - volunteer without pay, and applicants can use the program up to three times within a decade. The Commission must annually review the program’s effectiveness and ensure no fees are charged to participants.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the New Jersey Department of Children and Families' (DCF) FY2026 budget by $16.7 million to raise the monthly reimbursement rate for care management organizations (CMOs) serving youth with complex health needs. The rate will jump from $1,032 to $1,200 per client in 2026, with annual $100 increases until reaching $1,500 per client. CMOs - county-based agencies that coordinate care for youth with behavioral health, substance use, or developmental disabilities - will directly benefit from this funding change. The policy ensures CMOs receive higher payments for services provided through the NJ FamilyCare program.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to hire at least one full- or part-time certified nutrition specialist, registered dietitian, or registered dietitian nutritionist. It directly affects school districts (which must comply with staffing requirements) and students (who gain access to nutrition expertise). The key mechanism is a mandatory staffing provision, effective three school years after enactment. The bill cites CDC research linking student nutrition (e.g., intake of fruits, vegetables, and key nutrients) to academic performance, attendance, and grades, positioning nutrition staff as a tool to support these outcomes.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1447 establishes a state heat stress safety standard and prevention program for workers. It requires employers across all industries (including agriculture, construction, and indoor settings without climate control) to implement written heat safety plans by June 1, 2025. Key provisions include providing potable water under 59°F, mandatory rest breaks in shaded/cool areas, heat exposure monitoring, emergency response protocols, and heat alert systems for forecasted heatwaves. The law mandates employer-developed plans to prevent heat-related illness, requiring worker input and language accessibility for non-English speakers.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-funded program to help employers increase wages for direct support professionals (DSPs) who assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Department of Human Services will distribute funds from the General Fund to employers, requiring them to use the money solely to raise DSP pay for existing or new staff. Employers must apply through a process established by the department, with guidelines for compliance. The program takes effect immediately but ends once all allocated funds are distributed. This directly affects employers of DSPs across New Jersey, aiming to address staffing shortages by enabling wage increases.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance carriers in New Jersey to create a 60-day special enrollment period when a provider leaves their network. It directly affects insured individuals who would lose access to their current healthcare providers due to a network change. The special period begins 60 days before the carrier-provider contract expires, giving enrollees time to switch plans. The Department of Banking and Insurance will determine how carriers notify affected individuals about this window. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3072) modifies New Jersey's certification rules for minority-owned and women-owned businesses seeking to bid on government contracts. It specifically prevents disqualification for businesses engaged in procuring materials/supplies solely because they don’t hold physical inventory on hand, provided they: (1) order products from manufacturers/distributors, (2) pay for and take possession of items, (3) assume ownership risk, and (4) ship products to customers. The bill also requires the state’s certification process to include safeguards against shell companies designed to evade ownership rules. This directly affects small businesses seeking state contract opportunities under existing minority/women-owned business programs.