Sen. Brian Stack

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 386 requires fire barriers with a 3-hour fire-resistance rating in common attic areas of apartment buildings with three or more stories and two or more dwelling units. This applies to both new construction (where permit applications must include the barrier requirement) and existing buildings, which must install barriers within 180 days of new safety rules being finalized. The bill aims to slow fire spread between units by preventing flames from rapidly moving through unprotected attic spaces, improving evacuation time and reducing fire damage. It amends existing fire safety laws to include this requirement for qualifying multi-unit residential buildings.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides tax credits to businesses that purchase hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for use in their operations. Specifically, it allows a 25% credit (up to $15,000) for 2023 purchases, decreasing to 15% ($9,000) in 2024 and 8% ($5,000) in 2025. To qualify, businesses must obtain certification from the Environmental Protection Commissioner confirming the vehicle meets the definition of a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (powered by hydrogen cells converting chemical energy to electricity). The credits apply against corporation business tax and gross income tax, with limits preventing credits from exceeding 50% of tax liability. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey's public pension and annuity funds from investing in companies that collect or manipulate personal data for immigration status verification without a warrant or court order. It directly affects the state's $100+ billion pension funds (covering public employees) and companies providing immigration-related surveillance services. The law requires the State Investment Council to hire a privacy expert to identify such companies and divest all related investments by January 1, 2028, while following fiduciary standards. Annual reports must track divestment progress and identify remaining prohibited holdings.

Maddy summaryS 3012 creates two new state entities: the Health Care Cost Containment and Price Transparency Commission and the Office of Health Care Affordability and Transparency within New Jersey’s Department of Health. The bill requires hospitals and other health care entities (including insurers and providers) to publicly report detailed pricing data for services like inpatient care, emergency visits, and physician services using standard medical codes. It establishes price growth benchmarks to monitor cost trends, mandates public reporting of pricing data, and empowers the Commission to address entities exceeding these benchmarks through transparency measures and potential penalties. The law directly affects all New Jersey hospitals and health care payers by requiring data transparency and cost monitoring to improve affordability.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 467) modifies New Jersey law to regulate how local governments can purchase unused sick leave from public employees. It sets a $15,000 cap on supplemental retirement payments for unused sick leave, limits annual purchases to 120 hours per employee (at 60% of the leave's value based on pensionable compensation), and requires employees to retain at least 800 hours of unused sick leave. The bill applies to political subdivisions (like cities and counties) and covers most public employees, excluding certain licensed professionals (e.g., health officers, tax assessors, municipal clerks). It also clarifies that sick leave purchases are discretionary and not subject to collective bargaining.

Maddy summaryS 506 requires public school students in New Jersey who sustain a concussion to receive an evaluation and written clearance from a physician or licensed health care provider trained in concussion management before returning to school or participating in any physical activity at school (including recess, physical education, or sports). The bill mandates that school districts implement any restrictions recommended by the physician through their 504 team and notify all relevant staff. It prohibits students from engaging in physical activities until they have the required clearance. This bill directly affects all public school students in New Jersey who experience concussions and requires school districts to follow specific health protocols.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary fund in the State Treasury to replace SNAP benefits stolen through fraud like card cloning or skimming. It requires the Department of Human Services to restore stolen benefits using this fund, funded by a 5% supplemental fee on penalties from fraud cases. The bill appropriates $20 million to the Administrative Office of the Courts to build a system for collecting this fee. It expires after the state transitions to chip-based EBT cards for all SNAP participants, with any remaining funds returned to the General Fund. The fund directly affects SNAP recipients who experienced benefit theft via electronic card fraud.

Maddy summaryS 395 ensures funding for New Jersey's Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse if state funds fall short during fiscal years 2022-2023. It requires the Governor to use federal pandemic relief funds (like CARES Act or American Rescue Plan money) to cover gaps when dedicated state revenues - collected from criminal surcharges and alcohol taxes - prove insufficient. The Alliance uses these funds to support community coalitions that run school programs, parent education, student intervention, and public awareness campaigns against substance abuse. This bill applies only to 2022-2023 and expires June 30, 2023.

Maddy summaryS 464 requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to pay or deny pharmacy claims within 14 days of receipt, or provide written notice of denial. It mandates PBMs to update pricing information for generic and brand drugs weekly, provide clear access to reimbursement formulas, and establish dispute resolution processes. The bill also grants health plans and the state Department of Banking and Insurance the right to audit PBM records and requires PBMs to disclose conflicts of interest. This directly affects PBMs, pharmacies, and health insurers by increasing transparency and accountability in prescription drug reimbursement.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 387 requires pet groomers to obtain state licenses and mandates that businesses offering pet grooming services must register with the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. To become licensed, individuals must be 18+, of good moral character, and pass a practical and written exam. Businesses must register with details like location, insurance proof, and comply with facility standards - including 24/7 video surveillance, separate caging for pets, and annual incident reporting for injuries, deaths, or escapes. The bill directly affects pet groomers, grooming businesses, and training schools, aiming to standardize safety and competency through licensing and registration requirements.