Maddy summaryThis bill establishes New Jersey's "Virtual Currency Kiosk Consumer Protection Act," requiring virtual currency kiosk operators to provide clear, written disclosures about the risks of virtual currency transactions, including that it's not legal tender and lacks government insurance protection. Operators must obtain a money transmitter license, employ full-time compliance and consumer protection officers, maintain anti-fraud policies, use blockchain analytics to detect fraudulent transactions, and display scam warnings at kiosks. The law mandates quarterly location reporting to the Department of Banking and Insurance, live customer service during business hours, and detailed transaction receipts containing fee and exchange rate information. These requirements aim to protect consumers from financial loss and fraud while standardizing operations for virtual currency kiosks in New Jersey.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2952 amends the state's rooming and boarding house regulations to specifically address cooperative sober living residences, which are facilities for people recovering from alcohol or drug addiction. The bill increases civil penalties for licensing violations to $25,000, requires two unannounced annual inspections of these facilities (compared to one for regular rooming houses), and establishes new reporting requirements for serious incidents like overdoses, fires, or communicable disease outbreaks. It mandates that these residences employ staff who live on-site and are qualified to assist with addiction recovery, prohibit alcohol and drug use within the facilities, conduct random testing of residents, and provide individual counseling and group recovery meetings. The bill appropriates $100,000 for implementation and requires the Department of Community Affairs to maintain a public list of licensed cooperative sober living residences with their locations and contact information.
Maddy summaryThis bill exempts community gardens from needing certain environmental permits to operate on-site composting systems, directly affecting community gardens across New Jersey. It removes the requirement for permits under the Solid Waste Management Act, Recycling Act, Air Pollution Control Act, and Water Pollution Control Act, provided the garden uses only its own vegetative waste (like plant scraps and leaves) and applies all compost on-site. The exemption does not apply if the composting system is deemed a significant pollutant discharger under water pollution rules. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires all health insurance plans in New Jersey to cover the full cost of organ donation after death, with no out-of-pocket expenses for the insured. It applies when the deceased person was registered as an organ donor in New Jersey's official registry, or when a designated family member (like a spouse, adult child, sibling, or legal guardian) authorizes the donation. The coverage includes all necessary medical procedures related to organ donation following a declaration of death under New Jersey's Death Act. This policy directly affects insured individuals and their families who choose to donate organs after death.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1192 requires health insurers to cover prescription drugs for serious mental illnesses without prior authorization or step therapy (where patients must try cheaper drugs first). It applies to conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, and PTSD as defined in the DSM. Insurers must also submit annual reports to the Department of Banking and Insurance detailing how they apply medical necessity standards for mental health coverage to ensure they’re no stricter than for physical health treatments. This bill directly affects health insurers and beneficiaries in New Jersey seeking mental health medication coverage.
Maddy summaryThis bill repeals a 1995 law (P.L.1995, c.63) that restricted how public college student groups could fund legislative advocacy. Currently, the law prohibited mandatory fees for student groups working to influence legislation from appearing on tuition bills, though optional fees with student approval were permitted. The repeal removes these restrictions, allowing student organizations to assess fees for legislative activity without the prior approval requirements. This directly affects students at New Jersey's public colleges and universities who participate in or support student-led advocacy groups.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey county welfare agencies to offer free financial planning services during their regular operating hours when requested by clients, provided by qualified staff. If staff isn't available, agencies must direct clients to the Department of the Treasury's free online NJ FinLit platform or future state alternatives. Agencies must also promote both their in-person services and the NJ FinLit platform on their websites and in physical offices. The bill appropriates state funds from the General Fund to cover the costs for county welfare agencies to implement these requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill codifies New Jersey's current Medicaid policy of providing coverage for eligible pregnant women for a 365-day period (one year) beginning on the last day of pregnancy, rather than the previous 60-day postpartum period. It applies to pregnant individuals whose income does not exceed the highest income eligibility level established for pregnant women under New Jersey's Medicaid plan. The bill formalizes a policy that has been implemented through budget language and the NJ FamilyCare 1115 Demonstration since fiscal year 2022. This aligns with a federal option established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which was made permanent by the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023, allowing states to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey public schools to incorporate cybersecurity education into the curriculum for grades 9-12, with guidelines developed by the Commissioner of Education to provide age-appropriate instruction. It directs the Office of Secretary of Higher Education to create model curricula for cybersecurity degree programs at colleges and universities, including course sequences and career pathway information. Two loan redemption programs are established: one providing $1,000 per year for up to four years to cybersecurity professionals working in New Jersey, and another for cybersecurity teachers in New Jersey schools. These programs are available to graduates of approved cybersecurity degree programs who maintain New Jersey residency and work in qualifying cybersecurity occupations within the state.
Maddy summaryAJR 159 designates November 14 of each year as "Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging schools and communities to observe the day with educational activities. It commemorates Ruby Bridges' 1960 integration of William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, highlighting her courage during school desegregation. The bill has no binding requirements beyond the annual proclamation request.