Maddy summaryThis bill allows members of New Jersey's State Police Retirement System (SPRS) to purchase retirement credit for specific prior service. It permits purchasing credit for time enrolled in military service academies (like West Point or Annapolis), time in the New Jersey State Police Academy, or employment as a "class two special law enforcement officer" before joining the police force. Members can pay for this credit through installments (at least half the normal contribution) over up to 10 years, with the credit counting equally toward retirement benefits as actual police service. The bill specifically requires that the break between such prior service and joining SPRS must be less than 365 days for the credit purchase to be eligible.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1635) changes New Jersey's licensing system for funeral professionals by creating two distinct licenses: "Practitioner of Mortuary and Embalming Science" (requiring embalming skills) and "Practitioner of Mortuary Science" (focusing solely on funeral directing without embalming). It directly affects funeral directors and embalmers seeking licensure, removing the current requirement that all professionals must be licensed in both fields. The key provision allows individuals to pursue careers in funeral directing without mandatory embalming training, addressing workforce shortages and accommodating diverse consumer preferences. This change aims to increase entry into the profession by reducing barriers for those who do not wish to practice embalming.
Maddy summaryNew Jersey Senate Bill S 3955 prohibits substance use disorder treatment providers - including licensed facilities and recovery residences - from using deceptive marketing practices. It requires all advertising materials to clearly state the types of services offered, service locations, and the provider’s name in plain language. The bill bans false claims about network status, misleading contact information, fake website redirects, implied relationships with other providers, and inaccurate descriptions of services. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $20,000 per offense, and affected individuals can sue for triple damages plus legal fees. The law aims to protect consumers from misleading advertising in the substance use treatment sector.
Maddy summaryS 3610 requires New Jersey's Department of Treasury and Department of Human Services (DHS) to annually identify available state funds for NJ FamilyCare (which covers Medicaid and children's health insurance for low-income residents) and evaluate care quality. The departments must create a prioritized list of the 12 most urgent policy changes needed to address quality issues, including the specific state funding required for each initiative. This annual report will be submitted to the Governor and Legislature starting in 2025. The bill directly affects low-income residents enrolled in NJ FamilyCare by mandating a structured review of program funding and quality improvements. It does not create new benefits but establishes a process for allocating existing state funds toward quality enhancements.
Maddy summaryS 3952 amends New Jersey law to strengthen penalties for improper payments related to patient referrals to substance use disorder treatment facilities, recovery residences (sober living homes), and clinical laboratories. It elevates violations from a fourth-degree to a third-degree crime, imposing an automatic $50,000 fine for anyone - including health care providers, facilities, non-profits, or recovery residences - who makes or receives payments tied to referrals based on patient volume, treatment duration, or insurance benefits. The bill explicitly clarifies that payments not varying by these factors remain permitted. This law takes effect immediately and directly affects entities involved in referring patients to substance use disorder treatment services.
Maddy summaryThis bill would enter New Jersey into the Social Work Licensure Compact, creating a system where social workers licensed in New Jersey could practice in other participating states without obtaining additional licenses. Under the compact, social workers would need to meet specific requirements, including passing a national exam, maintaining an active license in New Jersey, and meeting continuing education standards. The compact establishes a commission to manage the system, share disciplinary information between states, and handle adverse actions against licensees. This primarily affects social workers seeking to practice across state lines, including those with military families who may need to move between states, while preserving each state's regulatory authority.
Maddy summaryS 3098 requires health insurers in New Jersey to cover biomarker testing for diagnosis, treatment, management, or ongoing monitoring of medical conditions when supported by medical evidence. The bill defines biomarker testing as analysis of tissue, blood, or other biospecimens for biomarkers, and specifies coverage must be provided when tests align with FDA approvals, drug indications, CMS determinations, or nationally-recognized clinical guidelines. Insurers must process prior authorization requests within 72 hours for non-urgent cases and 24 hours for urgent cases, while minimizing disruptions like multiple biopsies. This requirement applies to all health insurance plans, including Medicaid, which must provide coverage with no cost-sharing for beneficiaries.
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 summaryNew Jersey's S 4037 establishes the "Enhanced Transit Village Program" to incentivize mixed-use development near public transit. Administered by the Office of Planning Advocacy (Department of State) and DOT, it requires participating municipalities (already designated "transit villages") to adopt zoning for higher density housing (50 units/acre within 1/4 mile of transit, 25 units/acre beyond) and include 30% affordable housing (adjustable for distressed municipalities). The program provides technical assistance, prioritizes federal funds for infrastructure, and mandates walkability improvements, bike paths, and pedestrian-friendly designs to reduce car dependency. It appropriates $25 million from the Transportation Trust Fund for the first three years to support these changes in eligible communities.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to establish a 15-year useful life period for municipal expenses related to tree purchase, planting, and removal. It adds this specific provision to the existing list of capital assets (like buildings, roads, and equipment) that municipalities must account for over defined depreciation periods. As a result, New Jersey municipalities will now include tree-related costs in their 15-year capital budgeting schedule, aligning them with other infrastructure investments for financial reporting purposes. The bill does not change tree care practices or create new environmental requirements.