Sen. Bob Singer

Maddy summaryS 1493 updates New Jersey's occupational therapy licensure requirements by clarifying definitions and expanding recognized practice areas. It directly affects licensed occupational therapists, assistants, and the Occupational Therapy Advisory Council by adding LGBTQIA+ health, pelvic health, disaster management, and other modern practice areas to the scope of "occupational therapy services." The bill defines key terms like "continuing competence" (requiring documented professional development for license renewal) and "occupational performance" (covering daily life skills and health). These changes ensure licensure rules align with current practice standards without altering eligibility or fees.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates approximately $77.4 million from dedicated tax revenues and Green Acres funds to the Department of Environmental Protection to support local government projects. The funding is divided between acquiring land for conservation and developing existing parks, with specific amounts designated for planning incentives, standard projects, and areas with high population density. Local municipalities and counties that meet certain population criteria are eligible to receive grants or loans to help them purchase or improve recreational spaces. Any remaining funds after the listed projects are funded may be used for additional approved initiatives with further committee approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to lend up to $3.85 billion to local governments and public water utilities for environmental infrastructure projects in fiscal year 2027. The legislation allows the bank to use funds from various existing trust accounts to finance the construction of facilities related to drinking water and wastewater treatment. Additionally, the bill outlines how the bank can increase its available loan amounts by including interest earned, fees, and other financial adjustments.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates state funds to the Department of Environmental Protection to support environmental infrastructure projects during fiscal year 2027. The money will be used to provide zero-interest or principal forgiveness loans to help finance clean water and drinking water initiatives. Additionally, the legislation authorizes the department to transfer money between different state revolving funds to ensure there is enough capital for these projects. Ultimately, the act aims to expand funding availability for essential water systems without changing the underlying loan terms.

Maddy summaryThis bill permanently extends pay parity for telemedicine and telehealth services in New Jersey, requiring health insurance carriers to reimburse providers at the same rates as in-person care. It directly affects insurance companies, healthcare providers, and patients by mandating that out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copayments for virtual visits cannot exceed those for in-person appointments. The legislation also prohibits insurers from restricting telehealth platforms, limiting service locations, or denying coverage for routine remote monitoring if the same care would be covered in person. Additionally, carriers must continue to allow patients to choose between in-person and virtual care rather than forcing telehealth as a substitute.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors working on New Jersey public works projects to verify that each craft worker meets specific qualifications. Contractors must register electronically and confirm workers either completed a federally compliant apprenticeship program or have four years of documented work experience in their craft. Workers covered by union collective bargaining agreements (which determine prevailing wages) are exempt from these requirements. The law directly affects contractors and craft workers on state-funded construction projects by setting clear, verifiable standards for employment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires contractors working on New Jersey public works projects to verify that all craftworkers meet minimum qualifications. Specifically, it mandates that contractors register electronically and provide proof that each journeyperson has either completed a registered apprenticeship program meeting federal standards or has four years of documented work experience (with union members under certain collective bargaining agreements exempt). The law also requires contractors to confirm they participate in approved apprenticeship programs for any craftworkers they employ. These requirements apply directly to contractors bidding on or performing state-funded construction projects.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 2962) gives educational support professionals (like cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and administrative staff) who served in the U.S. military and qualify for VA benefits up to four years of seniority credit. The credit counts military service completed before or during their school district employment, treating it as equivalent to actual work time for seniority purposes. It expands an existing benefit currently only available to teaching staff. The policy takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes permanent a requirement that New Jersey high school students (and their parents or guardians) complete a financial aid application as a prerequisite for earning a high school diploma. Currently, this requirement was temporary, applying only to the 2023-2024 grade 11 class and the following school year, but the bill removes the expiration date. Students may be exempt through a waiver signed by a parent/guardian (or by the student if 18+), or with a school counselor’s authorization if a parent signature cannot be obtained. The bill also mandates that the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority provide resources like webinars and guides to schools, students, and families to help complete the application, and requires schools to annually notify students and parents about the requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that anyone operating a low-speed electric bicycle in New Jersey must wear a protective helmet approved by the state's Motor Vehicle Commission. The law applies to all riders of these vehicles and requires immediate compliance without a waiting period. It does not change existing rules regarding vehicle registration or licensing, but it adds a new safety requirement for helmet use.