Sen. Nilsa Cruz-Perez

Maddy summarySJR 107 designates March of each year as "Fibromuscular Dysplasia Awareness Month" in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the month with activities promoting awareness of fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). FMD is a rare vascular condition causing abnormal arterial growth, often leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. This is a symbolic designation with no new funding or regulations, aiming to increase public and medical understanding of the disease.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3120) prohibits emergency homeless shelters in New Jersey from requiring individuals to enroll in job training, counseling, or other assistance programs as a condition for receiving shelter. It mandates that shelters must provide at least 72 hours of shelter, food, and basic services regardless of whether a person is enrolled in any external program. After the initial 72 hours, shelters may require individuals to begin applying for such programs to continue receiving shelter, but must then provide shelter for a minimum of 90 days total if they comply. The bill does not require shelters to exceed their licensed capacity or override existing legal grounds for denying shelter.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to create a statewide program allowing residents to voluntarily and anonymously surrender firearms for a reward. It mandates three annual buyback events - one in each of the state's northern, central, and southern regions - with at least one held in an urban area identified as high-crime by the Uniform Crime Report. The program would be funded using forfeiture funds from criminal cases, private donations, and other available resources, and must partner with local law enforcement and community groups. The initiative directly affects New Jersey residents who own firearms and choose to participate in the voluntary surrender process.

Maddy summaryThe John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey establishes new protections for voters in racial, color, and language-minority groups. It requires that all voting policies be interpreted in favor of protecting voting rights and prohibits policies that burden these voters. The law creates a preclearance process for certain political subdivisions needing Attorney General approval before implementing voting changes. It also mandates language assistance for limited English proficient voters and establishes a New Jersey Voting and Elections Institute to maintain public voting data.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey school districts to use two annual enrollment counts instead of one when calculating state school aid. Specifically, districts must average their student enrollment on the last school day before October 16 and the last school day before February 2 each year. The bill specifies which students should be counted (residents enrolled in public schools, home instruction, shared-time vocational programs) and excludes certain groups (preschool students, post-graduate students). This change affects all school districts receiving state aid, as it alters how their funding is calculated based on student enrollment data throughout the school year.

Maddy summarySCR 43 proposes adding a constitutional amendment to New Jersey's Constitution that grants every resident a fundamental right to a clean and healthy environment, including pure water, clean air, a safe climate, and ecologically healthy habitats. It requires the state to act as trustee of public natural resources - such as air, water, public lands, and wildlife - and mandates that these resources be conserved and maintained for all people, both present and future. The amendment specifies that these rights are self-executing, meaning they can be directly enforced in court without requiring new legislation. If approved by voters, this would become a permanent part of New Jersey's Constitution.

Maddy summaryS 2944 prohibits New Jersey auto insurers from using a person's education level, occupation, or credit score to determine insurance rates. It also bans insurers from asking for this information during the application process. This bill directly affects all drivers in New Jersey who apply for or renew auto insurance, as insurers must now base rates on other factors like driving history. The law requires insurers to file their underwriting rules with the state commissioner for approval and public inspection.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes key changes to address sexual assault and abuse involving military personnel in New Jersey. It requires courts to issue temporary protective orders for military personnel victims who have received military protective orders, and establishes a central registry for military protective orders to improve enforcement. The bill prohibits firearm purchases for individuals subject to military protective orders, provides unpaid leave for military personnel involved in domestic violence or sexual assault cases, and ensures military sexual assault victims can receive compensation without needing to report the crime to superiors. Additionally, it clarifies jurisdiction over military installations and provides financial assistance for military members to travel to legal proceedings related to sexual assault.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a minimum reimbursement rate of 125% of the Medicaid fee-for-service rate for out-of-state hospitals that provide services to 10,000 or more unique NJ FamilyCare pediatric beneficiaries annually. It directly affects hospitals in other states that serve a significant number of New Jersey's pediatric Medicaid patients. The key provision requires these hospitals to be reimbursed at a rate 25% higher than the standard Medicaid rate in the state where the hospital is licensed. This policy change aims to ensure adequate reimbursement for out-of-state hospitals providing pediatric care to NJ FamilyCare beneficiaries.

Maddy summaryS 2756 requires that consumer contracts with New Jersey residents must resolve disputes within New Jersey, invalidating any clause forcing resolution outside the state. The only exception allows a waiver if a lawyer signs off on the contract, ensuring consumers aren't trapped in costly out-of-state proceedings. It exempts licensed New Jersey insurance companies and eligible surplus lines insurers, who may still require out-of-state dispute resolution. The law applies to contracts signed 90 days after enactment.