Sen. Gordon Johnson

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary Medicaid coverage pathway for New Jersey residents needing home and community-based services or the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). It allows the Department of Human Services to grant "presumptive eligibility" to individuals likely to qualify for Medicaid and home care services while they await full eligibility determination. During this temporary coverage period (starting when they request services), providers receive payment for services rendered regardless of final eligibility status. Applicants must submit a full Medicaid application within one month of receiving presumptive eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey electric utilities to reimburse residential customers for the actual cost of spoiled food or prescription medicine caused by extended power outages lasting more than 48 hours after a major storm or natural disaster. Customers must submit an itemized list and proof of loss (like receipts or photos) to claim reimbursement. Utilities must create an online application system for claims within 90 days of the bill taking effect. The policy directly affects households impacted by prolonged outages, ensuring they can recover costs for essential items that spoil without refrigeration.

Maddy summaryS 2081 requires New Jersey public school boards and approved private schools for students with disabilities to directly employ most certified staff, such as teachers and specialists. It permits limited contracting for specific roles - including substitutes, financial literacy instructors, and staff providing services for out-of-district placements - provided personnel hold required certifications. The bill also allows boards to use virtual or remote instruction for public school students in certain circumstances, as defined by state regulations. This directly affects school districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects by changing employment and service delivery rules for educators and support staff.

Maddy summarySCR 54 is a symbolic resolution passed by the New Jersey legislature condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and rejecting efforts to justify anti-Jewish hatred. It specifically addresses modern manifestations like blaming Jewish people for global issues, spreading harmful stereotypes, and targeting Jewish institutions. The resolution references rising anti-Semitic incidents in New Jersey (including 370 reported in 2021) and affirms that such hatred violates constitutional values of tolerance and religious freedom. As a concurrent resolution, it has no legal force but serves as a formal statement of legislative stance.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how New Jersey's senior property tax freeze benefit is delivered. It converts the current system - where qualifying seniors and disabled homeowners receive a separate refund check for property tax savings - into a direct credit applied to their annual property tax bill. The key mechanism eliminates the need for a separate reimbursement payment, instead reducing the amount owed on the tax bill itself. This directly affects eligible seniors (65+ or disabled persons) who own or rent a primary residence and meet income requirements (e.g., $60,000 or less annual income for single/married filers). The change would streamline the process but does not alter eligibility criteria or benefit amounts.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new program (the "Resiliency and Environmental System Investment Charge" or RESIC) allowing New Jersey water and wastewater utilities to recover costs for specific environmental and infrastructure projects through a surcharge on customer bills. It covers costs related to compliance with environmental regulations (like clean water laws), installing new systems for public safety/resiliency, or replacing aging infrastructure, provided the projects are non-revenue producing and approved by the Board of Public Utilities. Utilities would calculate a surcharge based on approved investments, with a cap on total recoverable costs, and apply it over a six-month recovery period. The program directly affects investor-owned and qualifying municipal utilities providing water/wastewater service to over 1,000 customers outside their municipality. Note: This bill was introduced in January 2024 but was withdrawn the same day.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 1489 sets rules for video visitation services and contact visits in correctional facilities. It limits video visitation costs to 11 cents per minute, requires facilities to contract with the lowest-price vendor, and bans extra fees or commissions. The bill mandates refunds for failed visits or poor-quality service and prohibits charges for visits with attorneys, legal representatives, or clergy. Correctional facilities must allow in-person "contact visits" with approved visitors and set reasonable visiting hours, while only imposing security-related conditions. The law applies to all state, county, and private facilities and takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey Medicaid to cover long-term services (like assisted living or personal care) through the traditional fee-for-service system while beneficiaries wait to enroll in a managed care organization (MCO). It directly affects Medicaid recipients who are already approved for long-term services but are in the process of transitioning to an MCO. Coverage begins on the date they're deemed eligible for these services and ends when their MCO enrollment officially starts. The bill formalizes current Medicaid practice (as noted in a 2023 newsletter) and directs the state to seek federal approval for this change.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2013) expands eligibility for New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) to include local government business administrators. Currently excluded from PERS, these administrators - such as city or county financial managers - would now qualify for membership and could transfer their retirement benefits from the Defined Contribution Retirement Program into PERS. The change specifically targets business administrators as defined in pending legislation, removing their prior exclusion from PERS. This policy shift directly affects local government employees in these administrative roles by providing access to PERS benefits instead of the alternative retirement program.

Maddy summaryS 1608 removes specific date and location requirements for New Jersey veterans to qualify for civil service and pension benefits. Currently, veterans must prove service during defined conflicts (like WWII or Vietnam) with exact dates and minimum service periods. This bill broadens eligibility by replacing those restrictions with a simpler standard: any veteran honorably discharged from federal active military service. It directly affects all New Jersey veterans who served in any conflict, regardless of when or where they served, making it easier to access benefits. The bill is pending in the Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee after introduction on January 9, 2024.