Sen. Raj Mukherji

Maddy summaryS 4983 extends the deadline for enrolling newborn infants in health benefits coverage from 60 days to 90 days after birth. This change applies to both family health plans (covering parents and dependents) and individual plans that include newborns. Parents will now have 90 days, instead of 60, to submit birth notification and required payments to maintain continuous coverage for their infant. The bill does not alter the initial coverage start date (which remains effective at birth) but provides additional time to complete enrollment paperwork.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2034, the "Pet Insurance Act," establishes clear rules for pet insurance policies sold in the state. It requires insurers to define key terms like "preexisting condition" and "hereditary disorder" in policies and disclose specific exclusions (e.g., for genetic conditions or chronic illnesses) using plain language. The bill mandates a 30-day "free look" period, allowing pet owners to return policies for a full refund if unsatisfied, and requires clear disclosure of coverage limits, deductibles, and how claims history might affect premiums. This directly affects pet insurance companies operating in New Jersey and the pet owners purchasing these policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's solid waste management districts to create and implement strategies reducing food waste by 50% by 2035 (compared to 2022 levels), with plans integrated into existing waste management frameworks. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) must publish a list of practical methods for achieving this, including food donation programs, composting, and public education. Additionally, the DEP must develop new rules to streamline regulations for composting facilities, exempting small operations (like community gardens) from strict permitting requirements. These provisions directly affect waste districts, composting facilities, and entities generating food waste, aiming to reduce landfill disposal and methane emissions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes two key programs in New Jersey. First, it creates an Air Traffic Controller Loan Redemption Program that allows eligible NJ resident air traffic controllers (employed by the FAA at approved sites) to repay up to $100,000 of their student loans in exchange for 4 years of service (16% repayment for year one, increasing to 30% for year four). Second, it appropriates $2.5 million to fund grants for public colleges to establish aviation training programs, including a Center for Unidentified Aerial Phenomena research, non-engineering aviation degrees, and participation in federal air traffic training initiatives. The total appropriation is $3.5 million, with $1 million for the loan program and $2.5 million for college grants. The bill directly affects NJ air traffic controllers and public institutions of higher education.

Maddy summaryS 4290 allows registered businesses in New Jersey to opt for email notifications instead of paper mail for new regulations and economic incentives affecting their operations. It applies to all business entities (excluding nonprofits and government agencies) required to register with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. Businesses can provide an email address during registration or renewal, after which the Division will send updates electronically and stop paper communications. They may later switch back to paper by submitting a request to the Division. The bill requires the Division to coordinate these notifications with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey retail food establishments (like restaurants and cafes) to clearly display a "High caffeine" warning or approved symbol next to any beverage containing 150 milligrams or more of caffeine per serving on all menus - including digital, printed, and drive-through displays. It applies to all such beverages offered as standard or temporary menu items. Violations result in fines of $200-$500 for the first offense and $500-$1,000 for repeat offenses, enforced by state or local health authorities. The law also prohibits local governments from creating their own caffeine disclosure rules, making this a statewide requirement.

Maddy summaryS 1188 lowers the age at which minors in New Jersey can consent to behavioral health care for mental illness or emotional disorders from 16 to 14 years old. Minors aged 14 or older may now authorize temporary outpatient mental health treatment (excluding medication) without parental consent, under licensed professionals like psychologists or social workers. The consent is confidential and cannot be later challenged due to the minor’s age. This change directly affects adolescents seeking mental health services in New Jersey, expanding their autonomy for outpatient care.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to review and update the statewide use of force policy for law enforcement officers at least every two years. It mandates the Attorney General to consider four core principles during reviews: prioritizing de-escalation before force, using only reasonable/necessary force (with deadly force as a last resort), respecting human life, and requiring officers to intervene, provide aid, and report force incidents. The updated policy must be sent to all county/municipal police departments, prosecutors, and the State Police. This directly affects every law enforcement agency in New Jersey by establishing a regular, structured process for evaluating and improving use-of-force standards.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 4000 requires drivers to change lanes or reduce speed below the posted limit when approaching any stationary vehicle displaying flashing lights, hazard signals, or warning devices (like road flares). This applies to all drivers near stationary vehicles - such as emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or disabled cars - regardless of whether the vehicle is actively displaying lights. The bill also mandates a public awareness campaign to educate drivers about these rules, the risks of not following them, and the penalties: fines of $100-$500 per violation, plus two penalty points for three or more offenses within 12 months. The law directly affects all drivers operating vehicles on New Jersey roads who encounter stationary vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3864) allows families or guardians of individuals aged 19-21 with developmental disabilities to save unused after-school care hours provided by contracted agencies. Specifically, it permits redirecting unused hours from regular after-school service schedules to holiday or weekend hours without needing new authorization. The policy applies only to existing agency-provided after-school care services (defined as social/recreational activities outside the home during non-school hours) already authorized for these individuals. It requires the Division of Children’s System of Care to implement this change, effective immediately.