Sen. Jim Beach

Maddy summaryS 1793 establishes a two-year Sports Equipment Equity Pilot Program in New Jersey. The bill directs the Commissioner of Education to award grants to six public schools (including districts, charter schools, and renaissance projects) to enhance athletic programs by providing students with sports equipment and related resources. Schools must apply with evidence of need and current equipment quality, and the program prioritizes geographic and demographic diversity across urban, suburban, and rural areas. At the program's end, participating schools must report on student participation and program effectiveness, with the commissioner then recommending to the Governor and Legislature whether to expand the initiative.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits sex offenders assessed as moderate or high risk of re-offending (per Megan's Law) from working in any job where 80% or more of duties involve contact with children. It applies to all employment types meeting this threshold, including positions in schools, childcare, or youth programs. The exception covers offenders under 18 working in rehabilitative roles for juvenile sex offenders. Violating this law is a third-degree crime, punishable by up to five years in prison or a $15,000 fine.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill S 598 requires health insurance plans to cover diagnosis and treatment for two specific pediatric neurological conditions: PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) and PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome). The bill mandates coverage for treatments including antibiotics, behavioral therapies, immunomodulating medicines, plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG), provided by a treating physician. Insurance plans must cover these expenses "to the same extent as for any other condition," applying to hospital service, medical service, health service, individual, group, and health benefits plans. This directly affects patients diagnosed with PANDAS or PANS and all health insurance providers operating in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 2405) requires most health insurance plans sold in the state to cover hearing aids. Insurers must provide one hearing aid per ear every 48 months for medically necessary devices prescribed by licensed audiologists or hearing aid dispensers, with patients paying no more than 15% of the cost. The mandate applies to hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and individual/group health insurance policies. It directly affects all health insurers operating in New Jersey and policyholders needing hearing aids.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases mandatory minimum prison sentences for repeat sex offenders in New Jersey. It requires second or subsequent convictions for offenses like sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, or lewdness involving minors to receive at least 85% of the maximum sentence for that offense (e.g., 85% of 20 years for aggravated sexual assault), with no parole eligibility during that period. Courts may reduce sentences only if the defendant pleads guilty to a victim-centered plea agreement or if a "serious injustice" finding overrides deterrence needs, requiring specific court justification. The Attorney General must create uniform guidelines for prosecutors handling these cases, and prosecutors gain a 10-day window to appeal reduced sentences.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 524 requires public schools with 5% or more students qualifying for federal free/reduced-price meals to offer a school breakfast program, lowering the current threshold from 20%. This applies to all schools meeting the 5% eligibility rate, including those serving pre-K through 6th grade (requiring implementation by September 1, 2023) and other grades (by September 1, 2024). School districts must submit implementation plans to the Department of Agriculture by specific deadlines, with waivers available for schools lacking resources to comply. The bill aligns breakfast program requirements with existing lunch program rules, aiming to expand access to school breakfasts for more students.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 595 bans sellers from charging credit card surcharges (extra fees for using credit cards) and requires clear notices about minimum credit card transaction amounts and cash/debit discounts. It applies to all retailers and restaurants in the state, mandating visible signs at entrances, checkout points, or online checkout pages to disclose these terms. Gas stations (motor fuel dealers) are exempt from the notice requirements for cash discounts but remain subject to the surcharge ban. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts sales of reusable carryout bags from New Jersey's sales and use tax. It directly affects retailers selling qualifying bags and customers purchasing them, removing the tax on these items. A "reusable carryout bag" is defined as one made from specific machine-washable materials (like cloth, polypropylene, or nylon), with stitched handles, and designed for multiple uses. The exemption applies to all sales made four months after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryS 2336 requires New Jersey's Division of Gaming Enforcement, working with the Health Commissioner, to create a public awareness campaign about gambling risks and resources for people struggling with gambling addiction. The campaign must cover gambling risks, consequences, addiction rates, and available help, using media like TV, radio, social media, and newspapers within 180 days of the bill's enactment. The state will appropriate $200,000 from the General Fund to fund this campaign and requires a report on its progress to the Governor and Legislature within 24 months. This bill directly affects all New Jersey residents by making this information widely accessible through official state channels.

Maddy summaryS 813 requires New Jersey public colleges and universities to post bias intimidation statistics and related policy information on their websites. It mandates these institutions to adopt a formal policy prohibiting bias intimidation (defined as offenses targeting protected characteristics like race or religion), including disciplinary procedures and reporting mechanisms. The bill also requires first-year students to complete a course module covering bias intimidation prevention, statistics, and campus resources. These requirements apply to all public institutions seeking state student aid funds, aiming to increase transparency and prevention efforts on campus.