Sen. Gordon Johnson

Maddy summarySJR 149 designates May 18 of each year as "Six Triple Eight Day" in New Jersey to commemorate the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-African American, all-female U.S. Army unit that served during World War II. The resolution honors the unit’s efforts in delivering 14 million pieces of backlogged military mail across Europe under challenging conditions, including racism and poor working environments. It specifically recognizes that 28 women from New Jersey served in the battalion, including members like Gladys Eva Debman-Blount and Marion VanOrkey. As a commemorative resolution, it requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging observance but contains no binding policy changes.

Maddy summaryS 2947 prohibits anyone from accepting, offering, or providing any form of payment or compensation (including cash, goods, services, or property) to mail-in ballot messengers or bearers who deliver or return ballots. The bill directly affects individuals serving as authorized messengers (who deliver blank ballots to voters) or bearers (who return completed ballots), making it illegal for them to receive payment for these services or for others to offer payment to them. It amends New Jersey's existing mail-in ballot law to add this restriction, clarifying that "consideration" includes all types of compensation. The law applies to all mail-in ballot delivery and return processes under current state election rules.

Maddy summarySJR 46 designates April 9 of each year as "Paul Robeson Day" in New Jersey to honor the life and legacy of Paul Leroy Robeson, who was born in Princeton on April 9, 1898. The bill requires the Governor to annually issue a proclamation encouraging public officials, organizations, and citizens to observe the day with appropriate activities. This ceremonial resolution does not create new laws or affect policies - it solely commemorates Robeson’s achievements as a scholar, athlete, actor, singer, and civil rights advocate. It directly affects New Jersey residents through state recognition of Robeson’s historical contributions.

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 summaryNew Jersey's S 2952 amends the state's rooming and boarding house regulations to specifically address cooperative sober living residences, which are facilities for people recovering from alcohol or drug addiction. The bill increases civil penalties for licensing violations to $25,000, requires two unannounced annual inspections of these facilities (compared to one for regular rooming houses), and establishes new reporting requirements for serious incidents like overdoses, fires, or communicable disease outbreaks. It mandates that these residences employ staff who live on-site and are qualified to assist with addiction recovery, prohibit alcohol and drug use within the facilities, conduct random testing of residents, and provide individual counseling and group recovery meetings. The bill appropriates $100,000 for implementation and requires the Department of Community Affairs to maintain a public list of licensed cooperative sober living residences with their locations and contact information.

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 summarySCR 124 is a symbolic resolution passed by the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly that formally condemns President Trump's 2025 decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or entities, as it is a non-binding statement of disapproval. The resolution urges the President to rejoin the accord and was sent to the White House and New Jersey's congressional delegation. It references New Jersey's existing law requiring state participation in the accord and the stance of the U.S. Climate Alliance. This resolution has no legal effect on federal policy or climate action.

Maddy summaryS 3118 prevents certain regional school districts from facing state aid reductions during 2019-2025. It specifically protects regional districts that spend at least 10% below state adequacy standards and where every constituent municipality has a property tax burden (equalized tax rate) at least 10% above the statewide average. This extends existing "hold harmless" protections - previously only available to individual districts - to regional districts formed by multiple municipalities. The bill amends New Jersey's school funding law to ensure these qualifying regional districts receive full state aid without reductions based on the new criteria.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1445 requires public colleges and universities to readmit undergraduate students who withdrew due to military service (including active duty, National Guard, or Reserve service). Schools must reinstate students with their exact academic standing from before their service interruption. Students must submit a written request for the next available semester, and institutions cannot charge application or processing fees for these requests. The law applies starting the first full academic year after its effective date.