Maddy summaryThis bill allows police officers in Newark and Paterson who were promoted to sergeant after the February 2019 exam to have their promotions treated as permanent appointments instead of conditional ones. It directly affects over 100 officers who could otherwise face demotions following a court ruling that invalidated the original exam results due to racial scoring disparities. The legislation overrides previous administrative decisions that made these promotions conditional pending a new examination, effectively restoring their original appointment dates and status. By removing the requirement for these officers to retake the exam, the bill aims to maintain departmental stability and avoid potential disruptions to public safety operations in both cities.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits New Jersey municipalities from requiring site plan approvals for adding up to five van-accessible parking spaces to existing commercial parking lots or structures. It directly affects businesses and property owners in commercial zones seeking to install these spaces, which must meet 2010 ADA Standards (or updated standards) for width, clearance, and signage. The key provision eliminates municipal approval requirements for this specific improvement, streamlining the process for businesses to add accessible parking without lengthy permitting. The bill applies only to existing parking facilities and does not change ADA compliance requirements for new construction.
Maddy summaryThis bill bans landlords and housing programs from using credit scores or credit reports to evaluate applicants for affordable housing. It directly affects low- and moderate-income households seeking subsidized housing or units restricted to such households. Instead of relying on credit scores, it requires individualized assessments of applicants' ability to pay rent based on income relative to rent (2x or 2.5x rent, depending on subsidy type). The law aims to prevent discriminatory rejections that disproportionately impact people of color, disabled individuals, and others facing systemic barriers.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands a pilot program into a statewide initiative, requiring the Office of the Public Defender to implement a team-based representation model across all regional offices. Under this new system, each client receives a team consisting of a staff attorney and a non-attorney client services specialist who work together to address both legal issues and underlying personal challenges. The client services specialist is tasked with connecting individuals to resources for mental health, substance abuse treatment, housing, employment, and other social needs while the attorney focuses on legal defense. By integrating social support directly into the legal process, the bill aims to provide more comprehensive assistance to people involved in the criminal justice system.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $5 million grant program within the New Jersey Department of Health to improve the early detection and treatment of uterine fibroids. The funding will be distributed to organizations for conducting research, launching public awareness campaigns, and implementing screening procedures such as advanced imaging and patient navigation services. Additionally, the legislation requires the creation of a revolving fund to support these efforts and mandates that grant recipients track specific health outcomes like screening rates and diagnosis timing. The bill also directs the Department of Health to develop evidence-based strategies and training materials for healthcare providers based on the results of funded research.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a two-year pilot program allowing certain New Jersey state employees in the executive branch to work a four-day week. The program is voluntary for participating departments, which must use staggered schedules to ensure daily coverage and negotiate terms with unions if applicable. Employees will keep their current pay and benefits, but the state must ensure the program does not increase overall personnel costs or reduce service levels. Throughout the pilot, agencies will track employee satisfaction and operational metrics, with final results reported to the Governor and Legislature.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a five-year pilot program in New Jersey that allows employers, employees, and the state to each pay one-third of the cost for licensed child care. The initiative is designed to make high-quality care more affordable for working families while helping businesses retain staff and stabilize child care providers. To participate, eligible employees must submit an application verifying their employment and family income, with priority given to low- or moderate-income workers, essential workers, and public sector employees. The state will provide $15 million in funding, which will be distributed evenly among up to five regional hubs selected to manage the program.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires health insurance plans to cover colorectal cancer screenings for all covered individuals aged 33 and older, as well as for those under 33 if a physician deems the screening medically necessary. The law mandates that these screenings follow the most recent guidelines from the United States Preventive Services Task Force and must be provided without any deductibles, copayments, or other cost-sharing fees if a follow-up colonoscopy is needed after a positive initial test. By amending existing statutes for hospital, medical, and health service corporations, the legislation ensures that these specific cancer prevention services are treated with the same coverage standards as other medical conditions.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $10 million grant program within the Department of Community Affairs to fund the installation of suicide deterrents on high-risk structures like bridges and parking garages. To receive funding, eligible entities must submit applications detailing the specific deterrents they plan to install, such as nets or barriers, and provide data on past suicide attempts at the site. The program prioritizes projects in areas with high suicide rates and requires recipients to use grant money for evidence-based solutions or secondary prevention methods like surveillance and emergency phones if primary deterrents are not feasible. Additionally, the bill mandates a study within one year to identify effective deterrent types and their costs, with the results published online.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Kidney Disease Study Commission within New Jersey's Department of Health to investigate kidney disease disparities affecting minority and underserved populations. The nine-member commission will include state officials and six public appointees tasked with researching the causes of higher disease rates and lower transplant success in these communities, while also examining treatment patterns under Medicaid and private insurance. To carry out its work, the commission will hold public hearings, utilize state resources, and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing its findings and recommendations for future action.