Maddy summaryS 3692 requires veterinarians to provide clear, written and verbal disclosures to pet owners before rabies testing on dead animals, detailing the testing process, body handling, disposal (including that the head may not be returned for cremation or burial), and prohibiting misleading language. It mandates that veterinarians distribute a bilingual pamphlet explaining rabies testing protocols and burial/cremation implications to owners at the time of rabies vaccination, and display a related poster in their offices. The bill also establishes an optional mental health training program for veterinarians and staff, which grants certification upon completion to promote trauma-informed care and reduce mental health stigma in the veterinary industry. Violations of the disclosure requirements are subject to consumer fraud penalties under state law.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3660) limits how New Jersey correctional facilities can suspend incarcerated people’s phone privileges as a disciplinary measure. It requires facilities to allow at least one phone call every two weeks during a suspension, notify emergency contacts about the suspension, and prohibit suspensions exceeding 90 consecutive days or 180 days total per year. The bill also bans additional suspensions for those in Restorative Housing Units and prohibits phone restrictions during the final 60 days before release, with prior sanctions automatically lifted during that period. These changes implement recommendations from the 2024 Corrections Ombudsperson report to maintain communication access for incarcerated individuals.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling to offer professional licensing examinations in English and the four most commonly spoken languages in the state (other than English), instead of only English with optional Spanish for practicing licensees. It mandates the Division of Consumers Affairs to post these four languages on its website and update the list every five years based on current language usage. The change applies to both new applicants and practicing licensees seeking renewal or additional certifications. The bill modifies existing law to expand language access for exam-takers without altering the requirement for practical and written exam components.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an independent Office of Inspector General (IG) within New Jersey's Department of Law and Public Safety (DLPS) but separate from its supervision. The IG investigates complaints about misconduct by prosecutors or their teams (including detectives), using confidential complaint processes and subpoena powers to compel testimony and documents. The IG must follow professional standards, refer potential criminal cases to appropriate authorities (like notifying the Office of Attorney Ethics for prosecutors), and submit public reports to the Governor and Legislature after investigations. The office coordinates with other oversight bodies (such as the State Auditor) and operates independently for a five-year term, with the IG required to have dual experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney.
Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Senate Resolution (SR 107) urges Congress to pass the federal "Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act," a legislative package of 13 bills. It directly addresses racial disparities in maternal health, where Black women in the U.S. are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. The Momnibus Act would allocate over $1 billion to improve maternal health outcomes by funding social determinants of health (like housing and transportation), expanding the perinatal workforce, extending WIC program eligibility, improving data collection, and increasing access to care through telehealth. The resolution emphasizes that over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable and seeks to promote health equity for Black mothers and underserved communities nationwide.
Maddy summaryThis bill provides mortgage payment relief and foreclosure protection for New Jersey homeowners who received federal disaster assistance after Hurricane Ida damaged their primary residence in September 2021. It requires mortgage servicers to grant a one-year payment pause (forbearance) without fees, penalties, or credit reporting, retroactive to payments missed since September 1, 2021. Homeowners must meet income limits (≤150% of area median income) and asset thresholds (less than six months of income in bank accounts), and submit a written request. The relief ends either after one year or July 1, 2024, whichever comes first, and does not apply to federally-backed loans like FHA or VA mortgages.
Maddy summaryThis bill revises financing rules for school facilities projects in New Jersey's non-SDA school districts (regular operating districts). It modifies two key provisions: for projects built via county improvement authorities, it removes requirements for nominal leases to districts and mandates lease payments to cover all debt service after state aid is applied; for bonds issued without voter approval, it ensures municipal payments (in lieu of taxes) cover only the debt portion not supported by state aid, while confirming such bonds remain eligible for state debt service aid. These changes provide more flexibility in financing while maintaining state aid's role in covering costs. The bill directly affects school districts and municipalities managing school facility funding.
Maddy summaryThe "Equitable Drug Pricing and Patient Access Act" (S 3538) sets a minimum reimbursement rate for pharmacies dispensing drugs to Medicaid patients, requiring payments to cover the national average drug cost plus a $10.92 dispensing fee. It mandates Medicaid managed care plans to allow patients to choose any participating pharmacy and to reimburse out-of-network pharmacies at the same rate as in-network ones. The bill also requires the State Auditor to audit pharmacy pricing practices within Medicaid to identify potential state savings from these changes. These provisions directly affect pharmacies, Medicaid managed care organizations, and New Jersey's Medicaid program.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits real estate appraisers in New Jersey from considering protected characteristics - including race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or national origin - when valuing properties. It directly affects licensed and certified real estate appraisers by banning these discriminatory factors from appraisal analysis. The key mechanism requires appraisers to complete a mandatory fair housing and appraisal bias training course (approved by the Appraisal Qualifications Board) as part of their continuing education for license renewal. The law codifies existing anti-discrimination protections and aligns with national standards for appraisal practice.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's film and digital media tax credit program to include wages and salaries paid to workers not subject to New Jersey's gross income tax due to reciprocity agreements with other states. It expands the definitions of "qualified film production expenses" and "qualified digital media content production expenses" to cover these payments, including compensation paid to workers from states like Pennsylvania with which New Jersey has reciprocal tax agreements. The bill also updates the definition of "full-time or full-time equivalent employee" to include workers whose wages aren't subject to New Jersey tax due to reciprocity agreements. The changes apply retroactively to January 1, 2024, allowing taxpayers who haven't used their tax credit certificates to receive revised certificates under the new rules.