Sen. Benjie Wimberly

Maddy summaryThis bill requires pest inspections and certification before demolishing buildings that have other structures within 10 feet on different properties. It mandates that a health officer or certified pest control professional inspect for rats, mice, roaches, or other designated pests and certify that no severe infestation exists that could spread to nearby buildings. If pests are found, extermination must occur before certification is issued. The requirement doesn't apply if no adjacent buildings exist or if immediate structural danger requires urgent demolition. The construction applicant bears the cost of inspections and pest control.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey employers to allow employees with qualifying chronic menstrual disorders to work remotely at least two full days per month, covering conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and severe premenstrual symptoms. Employees must provide a medical note to request accommodations, and employers cannot penalize workers for using this option. Employers may deny requests only if they prove remote work would cause an undue hardship or the employee cannot perform essential job duties remotely, but they bear the burden of proof. Violations carry civil penalties up to $10,000 per offense, enforced by the Labor Commissioner.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides a $4 million supplemental appropriation to Hinchliffe Stadium Partners for infrastructure development at Paterson Great Falls National Park. It specifically allocates funds to support sports, entertainment, and tourism facilities within the park, building on an existing $900,000 FY2026 appropriation. The funding requires approval from the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting before use. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was already approved under P.L.2025, c.392.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a regulatory framework for "earned wage access services," which allow workers to access money they've already earned but haven't been paid for (like wages from the current pay period) before their regular payday. It requires providers of these services to obtain a license from the New Jersey Banking and Insurance Commissioner, including background checks for owners with controlling interests. The law defines key terms like "earned but unpaid income" and excludes employers offering early pay directly or payroll service providers from regulation. It applies directly to workers seeking early access to their earned wages and the companies providing those services.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3101) prohibits electric and gas public utilities in New Jersey from charging residential customers in apartment buildings or multi-unit dwellings more for manual meter readings than the actual cost of their electricity or gas usage for that billing cycle. It specifically targets "meter-reading fees" charged to customers who opt out of smart meter installation, capping these fees at the cost of the customer's usage. The law directly affects renters in multi-unit properties who choose not to have smart meters installed. It takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThe New Jersey Workforce Housing Partnership Act (S 1830) creates a state program to help middle-income workers - like teachers, first responders, and healthcare professionals - afford homes by incentivizing employers to provide homebuyer assistance. It provides $55 million for a Workforce Housing Assistance Program that matches employer down payment help and offers low-interest mortgages, while giving tax credits to businesses that develop affordable housing for employees. The bill also includes affordability protections ensuring housing remains accessible to residents earning up to 120% of the area median income and encourages municipalities to repurpose vacant commercial spaces into workforce housing through zoning flexibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new "EMS Part" within New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) specifically for emergency medical services (EMS) employees, making membership mandatory for all qualifying workers. It sets a 10% salary contribution rate for members and provides enhanced retirement benefits: 50% of final salary for those with 20+ years of service, plus additional payments for service beyond 20 years (up to 25), and 65% of final salary plus 1% per year over 25 (up to 30) for resigning employees with 25+ years. Existing retirement service credit for EMS employees transfers to the new EMS Part without additional cost. The bill directly affects EMTs, paramedics, nurses, and other certified EMS personnel as defined by the legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey lottery players who win $600 or more to submit and validate their winning claims online or via mobile app instead of mailing or delivering paper forms to lottery headquarters. The State Lottery Commission must create a secure electronic system that works with iOS and Android devices, offering payment options like crediting winnings to an online account or direct bank deposit. The system must include fraud prevention, underage access prevention, and protection for players' personal and financial information. This change applies specifically to claims of $600 or higher, which currently require in-person or mailed submissions.

Maddy summaryS 276 requires healthcare providers (like hospitals and clinics) to give patients detailed, plain-language bills within 30 days of discharge or 7 days after a patient request. The bill mandates that bills must specify each service, avoid vague terms like "miscellaneous charges," and clearly show what insurance paid versus what the patient owes. Providers must also include drug names alongside codes, detail therapy sessions, and list a patient liaison phone number for billing disputes. These requirements apply to all health care services covered under a patient's health benefits plan, aiming to improve billing transparency for consumers.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3048) would limit health insurance plan costs for patients receiving follow-up care after surgery or illness. It requires insurers to allow patients to pay only **one co-payment or deductible** for all covered follow-up visits with participating providers within any 180-day period, regardless of how many visits occur. The rule applies only if patients follow their plan’s preauthorization rules for in-network care. It directly affects patients with managed care health insurance plans in New Jersey who need ongoing post-surgical or illness treatment. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Commerce Committee and would take effect for new/renewed insurance contracts after enactment.