Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to appropriate at least $10 million annually from the state General Fund to the Department of Health for Public Health Priority Funding, starting July 1 after the bill takes effect. It directly affects local health departments by restoring a dedicated, unrestricted state funding source they previously relied on (before it was eliminated in 2011), which previously covered about 15% of their total funding. The bill reinstates the "Public Health Priority Funding Act of 1977," allowing local health departments to use these funds flexibly to address community health needs, emerging threats, and other priorities - unlike current funding, which is often restricted to specific purposes like vaccines. This policy change would shift funding away from reliance on property taxes and narrowly designated federal/state grants.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey casino licensees operating internet gaming platforms to add an interactive educational module about human trafficking. The module must teach users to recognize trafficking tactics and report suspicious activity, developed with input from trafficking prevention experts. It directly affects online casino users and the casinos themselves, mandating this content be integrated into their platforms. The requirement applies to all internet gaming services under casino licenses, with no changes to gambling regulations or user controls.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's electric and gas public utilities to offer warranty programs covering the full cost to repair or replace specific home appliances, including water heaters, HVAC systems, refrigerators, and stoves. It directly affects utilities (not end-users), mandating they implement or maintain these programs with full coverage for covered appliances. Utilities must notify customers via bill inserts every billing cycle for one year after the bill takes effect, explaining program details and how to switch from existing contracts. The bill also prohibits utilities from passing implementation costs to customers through rate increases. The program applies to all contracts entered into after the effective date.
Maddy summaryS 2259 codifies existing regulations that allow a broader range of healthcare providers (including nurse practitioners and physician assistants trained since 2021) to perform abortions in New Jersey, while removing medically unnecessary facility requirements. The bill directly affects abortion providers and patients by eliminating outdated rules that increased costs and created barriers to care. Key provisions include updating statutory language to reflect current practices, removing facility requirements that don’t improve patient health, and ensuring consistent access to abortion services. This legislation secures existing access without expanding new provider types, focusing on streamlining current operational standards. The bill aims to make reproductive healthcare more affordable and accessible within New Jersey communities.
Maddy summaryS 2851 requires New Jersey hospitals and birthing facilities to show new parents (and other adult family members present at birth) a water safety video before discharge. The video covers drowning risks in bathtubs/pools, importance of swimming lessons, life jacket use, and pool safety features like drain covers. This applies to all licensed facilities providing birth and newborn care, with the Department of Health creating and distributing the video via website or electronic means. The bill mandates this as part of standard discharge procedures, aiming to educate families on preventing water-related injuries.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) to create a luggage donation program for children in resource family care (defined as youth under 21 placed by DCF). The program allows individuals to donate new or slightly used, clean luggage (suitcases, backpacks, etc.) for children to use when entering care, moving between homes, attending college, or aging out. DCF must contract with community organizations to accept, store, and distribute donated luggage meeting quality standards, and submit annual reports on the program's effectiveness to the Governor and Legislature.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1644 establishes a loan program through the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to provide low-interest loans to small businesses (under 50 employees) for climate resiliency projects. The program targets businesses implementing projects like flood protection, water system upgrades, broadband expansion, or climate adaptation measures to reduce damage from events like hurricanes or sea-level rise. Loans will be issued from a dedicated revolving fund, replenished by repayments, with priority given to projects benefiting communities with climate vulnerability plans. Businesses must submit applications proving eligibility and outlining how funds will be used, and must provide annual financial reports until loans are repaid.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to create a plan improving access to perinatal mental health services, including screening, referrals, and treatment for mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy and the first year postpartum. It mandates that health insurers cover these screenings at the same level as other medical conditions, using specific CPT codes for counseling and office visits. The law directly affects pregnant people, new parents, and healthcare providers in New Jersey by ensuring coverage for early mental health screening and support services. Key provisions include standardized data collection, provider training requirements, and a resource guide for patients. The bill applies to all health insurance contracts issued or renewed in New Jersey after its effective date.
Maddy summaryThe SAFE Act (S 1915) creates a New Jersey scholarship program to help low-income teens aged 16-17 cover the cost of a required six-hour behind-the-wheel driver education course. It appropriates $1 million from the state General Fund to provide scholarships covering the full course cost or $500 (whichever is less) for eligible residents from households at or below twice the federal poverty level. To qualify, applicants must be NJ residents, pass a written driving exam, and meet income requirements. The program, administered by the Motor Vehicle Commission, will award scholarships on a rolling basis as funds allow, with annual reports to the Governor and Legislature. The bill is pending in the Senate Transportation Committee.
Maddy summaryS 2864 requires all New Jersey municipalities to establish and fund animal control programs that provide services, comply with state animal control laws, and appoint a municipal health officer to oversee operations. Key provisions include mandating certified animal control officers to patrol at least twice weekly, respond immediately to animal safety threats, and follow specific protocols for sick animals, cruelty cases, or stray animals. The Department of Health (DOH) will oversee these programs through municipal health officers, review complaints about inadequate enforcement, and adopt rules to ensure statewide consistency. The bill appropriates $500,000 in grants to help municipalities cover the costs of implementing these new requirements.