Sen. Nilsa Cruz-Perez

Maddy summaryS 787 requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs to offer a basic land use law and planning training course for planning and zoning board members in both online and in-person formats. It mandates that new members and current members must complete this course within 18 months of joining or when the course becomes available. The bill allows board members to fulfill their training requirement online, removing the need to attend in-person sessions during work hours or weekends. This change applies to all local planning boards, zoning boards of adjustment, and combined boards as defined by New Jersey law.

Maddy summaryThe "Patient and Provider Protection Act" regulates pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) in New Jersey, directly affecting PBMs, pharmacies (both contracted and independent), and patients who use prescription drugs. It requires PBMs to establish conflict-free committees managing drug formularies, ensures generic drugs are not disadvantaged over higher-cost alternatives, and bans commission-based PBM compensation in favor of flat fees. The bill mandates PBMs to prioritize long-term patient health outcomes, prohibits misleading marketing to steer patients to network pharmacies, and sets reimbursement rules: contracted pharmacies must be paid at least their acquisition cost, while independent pharmacies receive rates no more than 5% below the lowest contracted rate (but not below cost). It also bans contracts conditioning drug rebates on excluding generic drugs and prevents PBMs from restricting independent pharmacies from matching network prices and quantities.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes New Jersey to create special 4-H license plates for motor vehicles. It allows residents to apply for these plates by paying a $50 one-time fee and a $10 annual fee, with all collected fees deposited into a dedicated "New Jersey 4-H License Plate Fund." The fund, managed by the state Treasury, provides annual grants to support New Jersey 4-H's mission and programs through the money collected from plate fees. The bill directly affects New Jersey residents who choose to purchase these plates, with the revenue specifically earmarked to fund 4-H activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to allow potable water well construction projects on preserved farmland to qualify for soil and water conservation grants administered by the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC). It directly affects landowners enrolled in farmland preservation programs or holding development easements under the Farmland Assessment Act. The key change adds "potable water well construction" to the existing list of eligible projects, which previously included irrigation systems, erosion control, and drainage systems. To qualify, projects must be part of a farmland conservation plan and maintained for at least three years. This adjustment expands access to state grants for water infrastructure on protected agricultural land.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a permanent commission to study New Jersey's inconsistent statutory definitions of "veteran," "disabled veteran," and "service-disabled veteran" (which include over 20 distinct definitions for "veteran" alone). The commission, appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders, will analyze current definitions, identify restrictive requirements, and recommend clearer, more uniform standards to improve veterans' eligibility for benefits. It directly affects New Jersey's over 330,000 veterans who currently face confusion about qualifying for property tax deductions, education benefits, and other services due to fragmented definitions. The commission must issue annual reports with findings and recommendations within one year of its first meeting.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1096) requires local health boards in New Jersey to mandate a minimum indoor temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit from October through April in specific buildings housing seniors (62+ years) and disabled individuals. It directly affects "housing for older persons" (per federal Fair Housing Act) and community residences for developmentally disabled, mentally ill, or head-injured persons - excluding nursing facilities already meeting federal temperature standards. The key provision amends existing law to raise the required temperature from 68°F to 70°F during cold months, applying when building owners agree to supply heat. This policy change focuses on setting a concrete thermal standard to protect vulnerable residents during winter.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2482) amends New Jersey's expungement law to permanently prevent the removal of criminal records for two specific offenses: carjacking convictions and convictions for promoting the prostitution of a child. It directly affects individuals convicted of these crimes, ensuring their records remain accessible in background checks and public records indefinitely. The law changes the eligibility criteria under N.J.S.2C:52-2 by explicitly excluding these offenses from all expungement possibilities, regardless of other factors like time passed or prior convictions. This means convicted individuals cannot petition to have these records sealed or erased, maintaining transparency for employers, landlords, and law enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill, now law as P.L.2025, c.296, establishes a regulated system for psilocybin use in New Jersey to treat behavioral health conditions. It authorizes licensed psilocybin service centers to provide supervised sessions for adults 21+ with conditions like depression or anxiety, requiring trained facilitators and mandatory follow-up therapy sessions. The law creates licensing requirements for service centers, manufacturers, and facilitators, and mandates a state advisory board to oversee implementation. It directly affects New Jersey residents aged 21+ with behavioral health needs seeking this treatment option, while prohibiting access for minors and preventing illegal diversion.

Maddy summaryS 2248 prohibits New Jersey automobile insurers from using an applicant's or policyholder's education level, occupation, or credit score (including credit report details) when determining car insurance rates or assigning rating tiers. The bill directly affects all drivers applying for or renewing private passenger auto insurance in New Jersey by banning these factors from underwriting decisions. Key provisions include requiring insurers to file underwriting rules with the commissioner for approval and prohibiting them from even asking about these factors during applications. If enacted, this would prevent insurers from basing rates on these criteria, which critics argue disproportionately impact low-income and minority drivers.

Maddy summaryS 1077, the "Incarcerated Women's Protection Act," requires New Jersey's Department of Corrections to implement gender-responsive policies for female inmates. It establishes a Division of Women's Services to address specific needs like trauma treatment, parenting support, and child reunification, while mandating doula services for pregnant incarcerated women and specialized training for staff on gender-responsive practices. The bill also creates a Prison Rape Elimination Act Compliance Unit and a Special Victim's Unit to investigate sexual misconduct allegations. These provisions directly affect all women incarcerated in New Jersey state facilities and their correctional staff. (Note: The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was incorporated into P.L.2025, c.305.)