Sen. Joe Lagana

Maddy summaryS 1796 requires New Jersey health insurance plans to cover prostate cancer screening without cost-sharing (like deductibles or copays) for men aged 40-75 with specific risk factors, including family history of prostate cancer. The bill mandates that group health insurance policies (for groups over 49 people) cover annual screenings - such as digital rectal exams and PSA tests - as well as follow-up tests like imaging or lab work. This applies to all health service, hospital service, and medical service corporation contracts in New Jersey. The law affects insurance carriers by expanding existing coverage requirements and directly benefits men in the specified age group with risk factors.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to quickly procure a pharmacy benefits manager for its State Health Benefits Program and School Employees' Health Benefits Program through an expedited, non-advertised process. The State will use automated reverse auction technology to compare vendor pricing and an electronic system to review pharmacy claims in real time, with the goal of securing competitive rates and improving oversight. The legislation modifies standard procurement rules to shorten review timelines, allow online advertising instead of formal publication, and exclude certain pricing disclosures during negotiations. A report detailing the auction results, savings achieved, and any procedural deviations must be submitted to the Governor and Legislature within 60 days of contract award.

Maddy summaryS 1374 requires New Jersey school districts to employ at least one full-time school psychologist per school, with a maximum student-to-psychologist ratio of 500:1. This directly affects all public school students and school districts across New Jersey, mandating staffing levels aligned with national best practices. School districts must apply for federal funds to help implement these requirements. The law takes effect immediately but will first apply in the second full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to create a program identifying and recruiting unemployed residents for healthcare jobs. It mandates that DOLWD evaluate whether training is practical for specific roles, considers job proximity and transportation options, and assesses barriers preventing immediate employment. The bill appropriates $250,000 from the state general fund to fund training programs and support resources for eligible individuals, leveraging existing DOLWD initiatives. The program would directly affect unemployed New Jersey residents seeking healthcare employment, but the bill is currently pending in the Senate Labor Committee (introduced January 13, 2026).

Maddy summaryS 1376 requires New Jersey public school districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects that employ a school psychologist and offer in-person counseling to also provide virtual or remote counseling sessions for students in grades K-12. The bill mandates that schools permit remote sessions unless a school psychologist determines in-person counseling is necessary for a student's well-being. Students retain the right to choose in-person sessions if they prefer, and the law defines "school psychologist" as a certified professional with a New Jersey educational services certificate. This policy change ensures continued access to psychological services for students who cannot attend in-person sessions, such as due to health, transportation, or scheduling needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that a "mortgage loan" under New Jersey law means only loans made primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, secured by residential property (including up to six dwelling units). It directly affects consumers seeking home mortgages by confirming these loans are protected from prepayment penalties under existing law. The key provision redefines the term "mortgage loan" in statute to exclude commercial loans, ensuring consumer residential mortgages fall under current protections. This change applies to all mortgage loans entered into on or after the effective date, without creating new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1388) prohibits health club contracts from including clauses that limit the club’s liability for injuries caused by the club’s negligence (Section 1(l)). It directly affects health club customers who suffer injuries due to the club’s or its staff’s negligent actions. The key provision makes any contractual attempt to waive such liability unenforceable, ensuring customers can seek compensation for negligence-related harm. Violations would be treated as consumer fraud under New Jersey law, potentially resulting in fines up to $20,000 per offense. The bill codifies prior court rulings rejecting such liability waivers as against public policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that parties involved in arbitration cases about personal injury protection (PIP) coverage claims must be represented by a licensed New Jersey attorney. It specifically applies to disputes over PIP coverage, which covers medical costs after car accidents under existing New Jersey law. The requirement takes effect 90 days after the bill becomes law and applies only to new arbitration cases filed after that date. This changes the process for handling certain auto insurance disputes by mandating legal representation in these specific proceedings.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits domestic violence shelters in New Jersey from denying services to individuals based on their disability or perceived disability. It directly affects shelters operating under the 1979 "Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence Act" and the people seeking their services. The law makes such denials unlawful discrimination, requiring the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute violations under the existing "Law Against Discrimination." Penalties for violations range from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on prior offenses within specific timeframes.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises New Jersey's laws for negotiating police and fire department contracts and resolving disputes through arbitration. It requires negotiations to begin 120 days before a contract expires, with at least three meetings scheduled during that period, and establishes clear steps for handling impasses through mediation, fact-finding, and binding arbitration. The bill also changes how arbitrators are selected (requiring random selection by the commission if parties don't agree) and sets new qualifications, training, and conduct rules for arbitrators. It directly affects police and fire departments, their unions, and the Public Employment Relations Commission when negotiating or resolving contract disputes.