Sen. Britnee Timberlake

Maddy summaryThis bill requires certain transportation providers, including ferry operators, private autobuses carrying up to 40 passengers for hire, and major transit agencies like NJ Transit, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the Delaware River Port Authority, to develop and publish route schedules. Providers must post these schedules visibly at transportation facilities and on their websites, and update them within 30 days of any changes. The bill specifically targets fixed route services while excluding certain exempt services like school buses, charter buses, and some paratransit services. It defines "autobus" to clarify which private transportation services are covered by the requirement. The law aims to improve transparency and accessibility of public transportation information for riders.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill establishes several railroad safety requirements. It mandates a minimum of two crew members for trains transporting hazardous materials (with exceptions for certain operations like tourist trains or yard movements), prohibits trains longer than 8,500 feet on main and branch lines, and requires privately owned railroads to submit federally required bridge inspection reports. The bill also requires railroads to maintain proper wayside detector systems for defect detection and permits non-profit labor organizations to inspect for safety hazards. Violations face civil penalties of $500-$1,000 per foot exceeding the maximum train length, with potential maximum penalties of $250,000 for gross negligence or repeated violations causing safety hazards.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $615,000 as a supplemental grant to the NJ 2-1-1 Partnership through the Department of Human Services. The funds will support the Partnership's operating costs for providing free, confidential information and referral services to New Jersey residents about health, social, and emergency resources. The 2-1-1 service, designated as New Jersey's sole administrator since 2002, connects callers to community support programs using the nationwide 2-1-1 dialing code. The grant is added to the existing 2025-2026 state budget as a supplemental appropriation.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $615,000 from the General Fund to the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) for a grant to the NJ 2-1-1 Partnership. The funding directly supports the NJ 2-1-1 Partnership, which operates New Jersey’s statewide 2-1-1 service providing free information and referrals to health, social, and emergency services. The bill adds this amount to the existing fiscal year 2026 budget for DHS’s Behavioral Health Services division. The 2-1-1 service, designated by New Jersey in 2002 as the sole state administrator for the nationwide 2-1-1 dialing code, connects residents to community resources through a single phone number.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A5052) requires New Jersey health insurers, Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare), and state health benefit programs to cover screening, prevention, and treatment services for children's behavioral health issues without requiring a formal mental health diagnosis. It establishes "at-risk diagnosis" as a billing mechanism, allowing providers to use Social Determinants of Health Z-codes (instead of standard mental health codes) for preventive care based on factors like family circumstances. Coverage must be provided at the same level as other medical services for children under 18. The law applies to all health plans, Medicaid contracts, and state employee health programs effective 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Climate Superfund Act would require fossil fuel companies that extracted or refined fossil fuels between 1995 and the bill's effective date to pay compensatory damages for climate change impacts they caused. Companies responsible for over one billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions during this period would pay based on their proportional share of emissions. The Department of Environmental Protection would collect these payments into a special fund and distribute them as grants for climate adaptation projects like flood protection, infrastructure upgrades, and health programs. Companies would have six months to pay in full or choose nine annual installments, with potential for administrative appeals if they disagree with the assessment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all paid and part-paid New Jersey fire departments to create, review annually, and update a written policy addressing pregnancy-related workplace issues within 180 days of the bill's effective date. The policy must cover disclosure of pregnancy, medical restrictions from a physician, availability of modified duties or non-hazardous assignments, information on unsafe tasks during pregnancy, leave usage, and continued benefits. Departments must follow guidelines from the National Fire Protection Association or similar professional standards when developing this policy. The bill directly affects pregnant firefighters in these departments by mandating clear, written workplace protections and support.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A4848) requires doctors and nurses to screen pregnant patients for lead exposure if they identify risk factors - such as living in older housing - based on CDC and medical guidelines. It mandates one lead screening per pregnancy for at-risk patients, with providers notifying patients of elevated lead levels and ensuring children under six in the household are screened. Patients can refuse testing in writing, and labs must report results to health departments within five business days. The law applies to all pregnant individuals in New Jersey receiving care from covered healthcare providers, aiming to prevent lead poisoning during pregnancy.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the New Jersey Innovation Authority, a new state entity within the Department of the Treasury that will serve as the primary hub for technology innovation across state government. The Authority will be led by a Chief Innovation Officer (initially appointed by the Governor, then by the Authority) and consist of 13 members with expertise in digital technology, data science, and public engagement. Its responsibilities include advising state agencies on modernizing services, promoting evidence-based approaches to technology implementation, and developing metrics to measure innovation progress. The Authority must submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature and can contract directly with technology experts and nonprofit organizations to advance its mission.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1097) requires all health insurance plans in New Jersey - including hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, individual policies, group plans, and health maintenance organizations - to cover planned home childbirth costs on the same basis as other medical services. It directly affects health insurance companies, Medicaid, and individuals choosing home births by mandating coverage for services provided by licensed midwives, doctors, doulas, and related medical equipment. The law specifies that coverage must be provided "to the same extent as for any other health care services" under the policy, without additional restrictions. If passed, it would ensure home birth options are financially accessible under most insurance plans in the state.