Maddy summaryThe Pet Insurance Act establishes a regulatory framework for pet insurance in New Jersey, requiring insurers to clearly define key terms like "preexisting condition" and "hereditary disorder" in policies. It mandates specific disclosures to consumers about exclusions (e.g., for hereditary disorders, congenital conditions, or chronic illnesses) and limits waiting periods to 30 days for illnesses or orthopedic conditions (with no waiting period for accidents). The bill also prohibits requiring veterinary exams for policy renewals and mandates that wellness programs be clearly labeled as non-insurance, separate from coverage. Additionally, it requires insurance producers to complete training on policy terms and consumer disclosures before selling pet insurance.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's child labor laws specifically for minors working in theatrical productions. It establishes age-based work hour limits: minors aged 6-9 may work up to 6 hours daily (with up to 8 hours on set), those aged 9-16 may work up to 7 hours (up to 9 hours on set), and those aged 16-18 may work up to 8 hours (up to 10 hours on set). Employers must provide three hours of daily tutoring per workday (with possible additional hours counting toward this requirement), and the bill creates a new one-year registration system allowing parents/guardians to apply for permits covering multiple productions or employers. The bill also permits extended work hours (5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.) on days preceding non-school days.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires public transportation employees in New Jersey (specifically those working for NJ Transit) to complete a one-time training course on recognizing and responding to suspected human trafficking. The training must include information about known signs and signals used by trafficking victims seeking help or observed in public spaces. Current employees must complete the training within two years of the bill's effective date, while new employees must complete it within six months of starting their position. The New Jersey Transit Corporation will develop the training, establish which staff must complete it, and ensure materials are provided to employees.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a preference in New Jersey state funding for municipalities that adopt specific housing strategies to increase residential density. Municipalities must amend their master plans and development regulations to allow for options like accessory dwelling units, multi-unit buildings in single-family zones, reduced parking requirements, and higher density housing near transit. Qualifying municipalities would receive preferential treatment in competitive state grant programs, including the Main Street New Jersey Program and Neighborhood Preservation Program. The bill also allows school districts in qualifying municipalities to receive up to a 10% increase in district aid percentages for school facilities projects.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires family members or caregivers who operate compensated vlogs on social media platforms and feature minors under 16 in their content to provide financial compensation to those minors. It defines when a minor is considered "engaged in work as a vlogger" (when at least 30% of compensated video content features them and the content meets certain view thresholds). Vloggers must set aside a portion of earnings from videos featuring minors into a trust account that becomes accessible to the minor when they reach age 18. The bill exempts these minor vloggers from standard child labor laws while ensuring they receive compensation for their work. This legislation is modeled after Illinois' similar law enacted in 2023.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates the overpass of Stelton Road on Interstate Highway Route 287 in South Plainfield as the "Officer Conklin-Officer Cady Memorial Overpass" to honor two South Plainfield police officers who died in the line of duty - Richard Conklin in 1972 and William Cady in 1975 - while serving near this location. The bill requires the Commissioner of Transportation to officially name the structure and erect signs bearing this designation. Crucially, it specifies that public funds cannot cover the costs of the signs; instead, the Department of Transportation may accept private funding from non-governmental organizations for producing, installing, and maintaining the signage. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows families or guardians of individuals up to age 21 with developmental disabilities to save unused after-school care hours provided by their contracted service agency for use during holidays or weekends. It directly affects families receiving family support services through agencies contracted with New Jersey's Division of Children's System of Care. The key provision requires the Division to permit setting aside unused "agency-after school care" hours - defined as social/recreational activities provided by community agencies during non-school hours outside the home - for holiday and weekend use. The bill does not create new services but changes how existing unused hours may be utilized. It takes immediate effect upon passage.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a system where municipalities that update their zoning regulations to allow for more housing options receive priority for state funding. Municipalities that adopt specific housing strategies - such as permitting accessory dwelling units, reducing parking requirements, or allowing multi-unit developments in commercial zones - can qualify for preference in state grants, including the Main Street New Jersey Program and Neighborhood Preservation Program. School districts in these municipalities may also receive up to a 10% increase in state aid for school construction projects. The bill requires municipalities to review and potentially amend their master plans and zoning regulations to incorporate these housing strategies, with planning boards required to report findings and recommend changes.
Maddy summaryThis bill (A5358) revises New Jersey's Secure Choice Savings Program to require **all employers with at least one employee** in New Jersey to offer automatic payroll deductions for retirement savings, replacing the current threshold of 25+ employees. It directly affects private-sector employers (excluding state government) by mandating they set up payroll arrangements allowing employees to contribute to the program, with automatic enrollment at 3% of wages unless employees opt out. Key provisions include allowing employees to choose contribution levels (up to IRA limits) and investment options, with employers retaining the ability to offer alternative retirement plans. The bill removes the prior "small employer" category to reflect this expanded requirement.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates group disability insurance for disabled members of New Jersey's Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) and Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). It provides monthly income benefits equal to 60% of a member's base salary (minimum $50) while they are totally disabled, payable until age 70 if disability began before age 60. Members must have completed one year of continuous service to qualify, and coverage excludes pregnancy, war injuries, self-harm, imprisonment, or time outside the U.S. Canada. The State Treasurer purchases the insurance through a special fund, with premiums paid from employer contributions.