Sen. Jim Beach

Maddy summaryThis bill allows New Jersey voters to apply for mail-in ballots online through the Secretary of State's website up to seven days before an election. Voters must provide an email address and valid New Jersey ID details (such as a driver's license number or last four Social Security digits) to verify their identity. The system automatically confirms submissions and provides status updates, eliminating the need for paper forms or in-person requests at the last minute. It directly affects registered voters seeking mail-in ballots, streamlining the application process while maintaining security protocols.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey high school districts (grades 9-12) to add mandatory instruction about compulsive gambling risks to their health and physical education curriculum. The content must cover gambling addiction dangers, financial risks, and probability concepts. The state education commissioner must provide student resources and develop teacher training on identifying gambling issues and treatment options. Implementation begins in the school year after the commissioner completes the training module and updates the state education standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1674) prohibits public libraries in New Jersey from entering contracts with publishers or distributors that include specific restrictive terms for digital books and audiobooks. It blocks provisions that would limit libraries’ ability to: loan materials to patrons, set loan periods, make preservation copies, use digital security tools, or share contract terms with other libraries or the state. Violations are treated as consumer fraud under New Jersey law, and contracts containing banned terms are unenforceable. The law applies only to new contracts signed after its effective date, leaving existing agreements unaffected.

Maddy summaryThis bill invalidates any consumer contract term requiring a waiver of the right to file complaints with law enforcement, state agencies, or other entities. It specifically targets clauses in contracts (including arbitration agreements) that force consumers to surrender rights under New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act, Used Car Lemon Law, or other consumer protection laws. Such waiver provisions are declared null and void, and contracts cannot claim these terms are unenforceable without specifying which parts apply in New Jersey. The law applies immediately to all consumer contracts in the state.

Maddy summaryS 383 requires utility service providers (like electric, gas, water, and sewer companies) to submit electronic notices of scheduled work to New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) at least five business days in advance, except for emergency repairs. The BPU must create and maintain a real-time online database showing the date and type of scheduled utility work, accessible to all government agencies and utility providers. This database helps coordinate roadwork and other activities in public rights-of-way by improving communication between agencies and utility companies. The bill does not change utility service standards but streamlines planning for infrastructure projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the tax revenue dedicated to New Jersey's wine promotion account from $0.47 to $0.875 per gallon on sales of wine, vermouth, and sparkling wine by New Jersey wineries. It directly affects licensed wineries (both plenary and farm wineries) that pay this tax under the state's Alcoholic Beverage Tax Law. The funds will be used by the Department of Agriculture for promoting New Jersey wine and supporting viticultural research, as recommended by the Wine Industry Advisory Council. The change makes 100% of this specific tax revenue go to the promotion account, up from the previous 54% rate.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow New Jersey disabled veterans to deduct up to $5,000 annually from their gross income for service animal expenses, including purchasing, training, and maintenance costs like food, grooming, and veterinary care. To qualify, a veteran must be a New Jersey resident honorably discharged from military service with a service-connected disability as confirmed by the U.S. Veterans Administration. The deduction applies to expenses not already covered by existing medical expense deductions and requires submitting proof of eligibility to the Division of Taxation. It will take effect for tax returns filed for the 2024 tax year and beyond.

Maddy summaryS 1275 requires all health insurance plans in New Jersey (including hospital, medical, and health service corporation plans) to cover diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations without cost-sharing. Diagnostic exams evaluate abnormalities found in screenings or detected otherwise, while supplemental exams screen high-risk patients (e.g., those with dense breasts or family history) when no abnormality exists. The bill mandates coverage "to the same extent as for any other sickness" under insurance contracts, eliminating deductibles, copays, or coinsurance for these specific exams. This directly affects New Jersey residents with health insurance who require these medically necessary breast screenings.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a "safe haven" system allowing anyone to anonymously leave a pet at a shelter, pound, veterinary hospital, or police station during operating hours without disclosing their identity or providing animal details. It requires these facilities to accept all animals and provide necessary care, while prohibiting them from forcing reunions with original owners or charging fees. The law also mandates the Department of Health to develop a public education program, including school materials for grades 3-12, to inform the public about safe drop-off procedures. It directly affects pet owners unable to care for animals, animal facilities, and the public through educational outreach.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 517) prohibits pharmacies from charging extra fees for processing prescriptions sent by phone or electronically, unless the same fee applies to written prescriptions. It directly affects pharmacies (by restricting their ability to add processing fees for electronic/phone prescriptions) and patients (who would no longer face these additional costs). The key provision requires pharmacies to treat electronic/phone prescriptions the same as paper ones regarding fees, promoting consistency. The bill focuses solely on this fee structure change, without altering prescription requirements or other policy elements.