Sen. Nilsa Cruz-Perez

Maddy summaryS 668 increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for two specific behavioral health services for adults aged 21+ with severe mental illness or substance use disorders. It raises reimbursement for "partial care" (minimum 20 hours/week) and "intensive outpatient" (minimum 9 hours/week) services by 35%, covering related services like counseling and evaluations. The bill also sets a minimum $10 reimbursement for each one-way Medicaid-covered transportation trip to these providers. These changes apply to all licensed outpatient facilities providing these services to eligible Medicaid beneficiaries starting on the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide public boat access to State-owned lakes where boats are permitted, within two years of enactment. It mandates the DEP to build access points, contract with private marinas (via public bidding), or take other actions to enable public boating. The bill appropriates $1 million from the General Fund specifically for this purpose. If access cannot be provided due to funding shortages, the DEP must report the affected lakes and required funding to the Governor and Legislature.

Maddy summaryS 1330 "Michelle's Law" requires all health insurance plans in New Jersey to cover mammograms under specific conditions. It mandates coverage for a baseline mammogram at age 40, annual mammograms for women 40 and older, and mammograms for women under 40 with breast cancer risk factors (like family history) as recommended by their doctor. The law also requires coverage for additional tests like ultrasounds or MRIs after a mammogram if breast density is extremely high, the mammogram is abnormal, or other risk factors exist. This directly affects women who need breast cancer screening through their health insurance plans. The bill is currently in committee after being introduced in January 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to create two key resources for healthcare providers and patients: (1) evidence-based clinical algorithms to help providers assess risks and manage complications from past pregnancies, and (2) clear patient education materials explaining common birth-related issues and self-care strategies. The resources must address the most frequent pregnancy and delivery complications in New Jersey, be available in English and Spanish (and other major languages), and focus on improving maternal health outcomes for future pregnancies. These materials will directly support women receiving postpartum care and healthcare facilities providing that care. The DOH may adapt existing resources from other states or partner with nonprofits to develop these tools.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 132) upgrades certain manslaughter cases to "aggravated manslaughter" in New Jersey, specifically when a homicide occurs in the heat of passion following reasonable provocation. It increases penalties: aggravated manslaughter becomes a first-degree crime punishable by 10-30 years in prison (up from 5-10 years for standard manslaughter). The bill also explicitly states that gender identity, expression, or sexual orientation - whether as a victim's trait or due to a past relationship - cannot be considered "reasonable provocation." This change directly affects individuals convicted of heat-of-passion homicides where provocation previously led to a second-degree manslaughter charge. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryS 1265 establishes the Gold Star Family Scholarship Program, providing financial aid to spouses, parents, children, siblings, or legal guardians of New Jersey military personnel who died while on active duty. The program, administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA), offers scholarships covering undergraduate costs at eligible institutions, capped at the average tuition of four-year public colleges. Funding comes from a $2 annual surcharge on personalized license plates, optional taxpayer contributions via state income tax returns, and an initial $100,000 appropriation from the General Fund. The bill creates a permanent scholarship fund and sets eligibility criteria for beneficiaries.

Maddy summaryS 118 increases fines for domestic violence offenders and creates a dedicated fund to support victims. It adds a $500-$500 civil penalty for initial offenses (with a $1,500 payment plan over three years) and raises a surcharge on domestic violence convictions from $100 to $500. All funds from these penalties, plus a $500 penalty for contempt violations, flow into the "Domestic Violence Victims’ Legal Assistance Fund." The fund provides direct legal services - such as advocacy, medical referrals, and legal aid - to domestic violence victims through approved organizations.

Maddy summaryS 1350 repeals a $100,000 annual spending cap on sales and use tax exemptions for businesses participating in New Jersey's Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) program. This bill directly affects certified UEZ businesses that make qualifying capital improvements to their property, such as building construction, major repairs, or renovations. The key provision removes the previous limit, allowing these businesses to claim full tax exemptions for all eligible improvements - regardless of cost - starting January 1, 2022. The change applies retroactively, meaning businesses can now claim exemptions for qualifying projects completed since 2022 without the prior $100,000 restriction.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a clear process for accessing a deceased person's safe-deposit box to locate their original will or burial documents. An "interested person" - such as a spouse, family member, or executor named in a copy of the will - can request access by providing a death certificate copy and an affidavit confirming their need. The financial institution (e.g., bank) must open the box in their presence, then send the original will to the county Surrogate court (via certified mail) while giving the requester a photocopy. This replaces current unclear procedures with specific, step-by-step requirements for both requesters and institutions.