Sen. Troy Singleton

Maddy summaryThis bill would create a program to subsidize up to 20% of the purchase price of medical cannabis for patients enrolled in New Jersey's Medicaid or NJ FamilyCare programs. The Cannabis Regulatory Commission would establish a verification system to confirm patient enrollment in these programs, and dispensaries would apply the subsidy at the point of sale after other discounts. Medical cannabis dispensaries would be reimbursed for the subsidies through the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Fund. The program aims to make medical cannabis more affordable for low-income patients who qualify for state health assistance programs.

Maddy summaryThe "Emission Reduction Innovation Act" (S 2827) authorizes New Jersey's gas public utilities to develop and implement "utility innovation plans" aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from natural gas use. These plans must detail innovative technologies like biogas, renewable natural gas, carbon capture, and hybrid energy systems, along with projected emissions reductions, cost-effectiveness analyses, and job impact descriptions. The Board of Public Utilities must approve these plans based on criteria including net benefits to ratepayers, lower lifecycle greenhouse gas intensity than conventional natural gas, and reasonable costs compared to alternatives. Approved plans are effective for five years, with utilities required to submit annual progress reports and recover implementation costs through rate increases. The bill also establishes requirements for tracking emissions reductions and verifying environmental benefits to ensure consistency with state climate goals.

Maddy summaryS 972 creates a state matching grant program within New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs to support community-based nonprofits providing cold-weather shelter during Code Blue alerts. Eligible nonprofits must have received a recent (within 12 months) grant from a county or municipality, and the state will match that funding up to $50,000 per county/municipality annually. The program requires nonprofits to submit detailed applications about their finances, the prior grant, and how funds will be used, with grants awarded in the order applications are received. The Department must track all grants and submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within three years assessing the program's effectiveness in serving homeless and at-risk individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) to establish an Alzheimer's disease public awareness and education program. The program must include a public campaign covering symptoms, warning signs, and treatment options; educational materials for health providers; and training for police, fire, emergency medical staff, and judicial personnel to recognize symptoms and respond appropriately. DHS will develop and post accessible information about Alzheimer's on its website in English and Spanish, in consultation with the Alzheimer's Association. The law aims to improve public understanding of Alzheimer's, support early detection, and help professionals better assist affected individuals and families.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners of low-speed electric bicycles (max 20 mph) and scooters (max 19 mph) to register them with New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and maintain insurance. It directly affects residents who own or operate these vehicles on public roads, paths, or sidewalks. Key provisions include mandating MVC registration with fees, requiring manufacturers to label speed/power specifications, and prohibiting tampering with speed capabilities. The bill defines these vehicles by motor wattage (under 750W), speed limits, and pedal functionality, but does not require driver's licenses for operators.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as second homes attached or detached from a single-family home, with limits of 1,200 square feet and independent living facilities. It requires municipalities to permit ADUs on single-family lots and prohibits local rules like mandatory passageways, parking minimums, occupant relationship requirements, or separate utility billing. The bill also prevents restrictions that would effectively block ADU construction while allowing local control over short-term rentals and building code compliance. It directly affects homeowners seeking to add ADUs and local governments managing zoning.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow New Jersey municipalities to transfer dormant alcohol retail licenses to other towns within designated redevelopment or revitalization zones (like urban enterprise zones or downtown areas). It requires 90-day public notice before transfers, limits municipalities to one transfer per year, and mandates that transferred licenses stay permanently within revitalization areas. The law aims to repurpose unused licenses for economic development without increasing overall license caps.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1431) provides temporary mortgage payment relief to New Jersey homeowners significantly impacted by Hurricane Ida's 2021 remnants. It requires mortgage servicers to grant a minimum one-year forbearance (with possible extensions totaling 545 days) to qualifying homeowners who received federal disaster assistance for primary residences damaged by the storm, have income below 150% of area median income, and hold limited bank reserves. During forbearance, servicers cannot charge fees/penalties, report missed payments to credit agencies, or initiate foreclosure. The bill was introduced in January 2024 but withdrawn from consideration in February 2024.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2698 protects banks, credit unions, and insurers from state penalties when providing financial services or insurance to legal cannabis businesses. The bill allows financial institutions to serve "legitimate cannabis-related businesses" (like growers, dispensaries, and their suppliers) without fear of state regulatory action, as long as they follow standard consumer protection laws and applicable federal rules. It explicitly states that state regulators cannot penalize these institutions solely because they work with cannabis businesses operating under New Jersey law. This directly affects cannabis businesses seeking banking and insurance services, which have historically faced barriers due to federal cannabis prohibition.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires licensed health care professionals to provide a Department of Health-prepared pamphlet about perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause to female patients aged 40 or older during annual physical examinations, starting 180 days after the law takes effect. The Department of Health must create and publish this pamphlet online within 90 days of the law's effective date. It directly affects healthcare providers performing annual exams for women over 40 and their patients. The policy mandates this information distribution as a standard part of routine care, with no additional costs or requirements specified for providers.