Sen. Raj Mukherji

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey to award "Edna Mahan trauma credits" to inmates incarcerated at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women during the specific investigation period (April 26, 2018, to the bill's effective date) into allegations of sexual abuse by staff. These credits reduce both the maximum and minimum sentence terms, including mandatory minimums, at a rate of 183 days for each full or partial year served during that period, with a maximum total of 365 days. The credits apply in addition to existing sentence credits under state law. The bill directly affects inmates held at Edna Mahan during the DOJ and state-led investigation into systemic sexual abuse allegations that began in 2018.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes legal protections for minors receiving gender-affirming healthcare in New Jersey by clarifying court jurisdiction. It directly affects courts making child custody decisions, parents, and healthcare providers when a minor travels to New Jersey for care unavailable in their home state. The key provision states that a child's presence in New Jersey for gender-affirming care satisfies jurisdictional requirements for custody cases, ensuring courts can address custody matters without delaying access to necessary healthcare. The bill amends existing child custody laws to prioritize a minor's health needs over jurisdictional disputes when care is unavailable in their home state.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates and permanently preserves the 21.5-acre Caven Point Peninsula within Liberty State Park in Jersey City as natural habitat. It specifically protects the peninsula’s estuarine ecosystem, critical bird breeding grounds, and urban environmental education resource. The legislation overrides conflicting laws to ensure the area - identified on Hudson County tax maps - remains preserved for wildlife and public education. The bill directly affects this specific coastal habitat by prohibiting development or alteration that would disrupt its ecological function.

Maddy summaryS 1156, the "Desegregate New Jersey Act," requires New Jersey municipalities to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - secondary housing units on single-family lots - without imposing additional restrictions. The bill prohibits municipalities from mandating passageways between units, minimum occupancy ages, extra parking fees, or separate utility billing for ADUs, while requiring permit decisions within 65 days. It directly affects local governments (which must update zoning rules by June 2022) and property owners seeking to add ADUs. The law also mandates that utilities cannot charge extra fees for ADUs and prohibits municipalities from blocking ADU development through non-compliant zoning. These changes aim to increase housing options in single-family zones without altering existing affordable housing requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Banking and Insurance to create a single, standardized form for healthcare providers (like doctors and pharmacies) to request insurance approval for prescription drugs. Insurance companies must accept this uniform form in both paper and digital formats from all network providers. The law aims to simplify the prior authorization process - where insurers must approve coverage before certain drugs are dispensed - by eliminating varying forms from different insurers. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires insurers to provide small employers with at least 90 days' written notice before canceling or not renewing stop loss insurance policies for their health benefits plans. It directly affects small employers that self-fund health coverage (using stop loss insurance to cover high medical costs) and their insurers. The key provision mandates that insurers send this notice to the plan sponsor (typically the employer) in a specific format approved by New Jersey's Insurance Commissioner. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment, applying to policies issued or renewed after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 1176 ("MarcAnthony's Law"), creates new criminal offenses for using stolen or defaced firearms to harm police officers. Specifically, it makes using such a firearm to cause *serious bodily injury* a first-degree crime and *bodily injury* a second-degree crime. The law defines "defaced" as altering or removing identification marks (like serial numbers), excluding normal wear and tear. Convictions under this law cannot merge with other charges related to the same incident. It directly affects individuals who commit violent acts against officers with altered or stolen weapons.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets 14 years old as the minimum age for a juvenile to be charged with delinquency in New Jersey, meaning children under 14 generally cannot face juvenile court charges for most offenses. It affects minors under 18 by excluding those under 14 from delinquency proceedings for crimes, disorderly conduct, or most violations (except specific traffic, curfew, or safety offenses). The bill requires the Attorney General to create a Juvenile Justice working group - including mental health experts, law enforcement, civil rights advocates, and court officials - to advise on implementing these changes. The working group will help develop policies for how the new age standard affects juvenile justice practices across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires companies and research facilities in New Jersey that use cats, dogs, or ferrets for product testing or research to assess these animals for adoption suitability after testing ends. If deemed suitable, they must offer the animals to animal rescue organizations or private individuals for adoption, following specific procedures. Facilities must report details like animal numbers, assessment results, and adoption outcomes to the Department of Health, with penalties of up to $50,000 for noncompliance. The law directly affects testing facilities, research institutions, and animal rescue organizations, aiming to provide a pathway for animals used in testing to find new homes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1181) requires New Jersey correctional facilities and private facilities to provide inmates with a voter information packet upon release. The packet must include voter registration forms, instructions, and a certification form for inmates to sign, confirming they were informed of their voting rights. Facilities must supply packets in English and Spanish in designated bilingual counties, prohibit staff from influencing political views, and undergo annual audits to ensure compliance. The bill directly affects incarcerated individuals transitioning back into communities, aiming to streamline post-release voter registration.