This bill prohibits financial institutions from charging administrative fees, such as account maintenance or transaction costs, for the checking accounts and debit cards issued to individuals released from incarceration in New Jersey. It requires that any remaining funds in an inmate's prison account be transferred to their new free account or provided on a fee-free debit card upon release, ensuring these individuals can access their money without additional costs. The legislation also mandates that the Department of Corrections work with financial institutions to offer these banking services at no cost to the released person, while maintaining the option for inmates to decline a checking account if they prefer.
This New Jersey bill mandates that health insurance plans cover early-stage kidney disease screening without charging patients any deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance. The law specifically requires coverage for blood tests measuring glomerular filtration rate and urine tests checking albumin-creatinine ratios when a physician deems them medically necessary. Insurance providers must treat these screenings with the same benefits as other medical conditions, provided the patient meets clinical guidelines set by the National Kidney Foundation. The policy applies to various types of hospital and medical service contracts issued or renewed in the state after the act takes effect.
This New Jersey bill creates a $20 million fund within the Department of the Treasury to replace SNAP benefits that are stolen through card cloning or skimming. It directs the Department of Human Services to use these funds to restore stolen money to eligible participants once federal replacement programs end and the state has transitioned to chip technology cards. To finance this fund, the Attorney General will temporarily collect a five percent fee from penalties and restitution paid in civil or criminal cases involving fraud. The bill also requires the state to publicly share information about the replacement process and to dissolve the fund once the state fully adopts chip technology for all SNAP cards.
This bill creates the "End-Stage Kidney Disease Prevention and Innovation Act" to establish research centers focused on rare kidney diseases within New Jersey's Department of Health. The legislation allocates $10 million to fund grants and cooperative agreements with public and private nonprofit organizations, prioritizing institutions that serve minority and underserved communities. Key provisions include conducting research on disease causes and treatments, increasing public awareness, offering fellowships for nephrology training, and ensuring that studies do not use metrics that discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the bill mandates a study on testing methods and preventative care, with specific attention to genetic testing for the APOL1 gene and its impact on diagnosis and treatment.
This bill requires that lease agreements for school buildings lasting more than 15 years be approved directly by voters or the board of school estimate, depending on the district type. Under the new rules, districts must present a specific question to the public that details the lease term, annual payment amounts, and the projected impact on the school district's tax levy. The bill also mandates that the ballot question include a clear statement informing voters that the school district will not own the building at the end of the lease term. Additionally, the legislation updates existing state laws regarding how school boards can lease, purchase, or acquire buildings and equipment.
This bill allows doctors in New Jersey to prescribe certain controlled substances, such as some pain medications, via telemedicine without requiring an in-person visit. It permits providers to use asynchronous methods, like reviewing medical records before a call, as long as they can meet the same standard of care as an in-person appointment. The legislation also mandates that patients be informed if their provider is not a physician and ensures that all telehealth interactions are properly documented and integrated into the patient's medical record.
This bill, known as the Academic Freedom in Higher Education Protection Act, aims to protect the independence of colleges and universities in New Jersey from interference by state government officials. It explicitly grants governing boards and faculty the authority to make key decisions regarding curriculum, hiring, admissions, and research without direction from the Executive Branch or other state agencies. The legislation also establishes a legal process allowing individuals to file complaints in Superior Court if they believe these academic freedoms are being violated, with provisions for preliminary injunctions and attorney's fees. By codifying these protections, the bill seeks to ensure that higher education institutions can operate autonomously in their educational and scholarly missions.
This bill prohibits the New Jersey Transit Corporation from displaying advertisements that promote gambling, tobacco products, or vapor products. It defines vapor products broadly to include devices like e-cigarettes and their components, regardless of whether they contain nicotine, while excluding FDA-approved drugs. The only exception allows for ads related to gambling if they specifically promote prevention, education, or treatment programs for compulsive gambling. To enforce these rules, the transit authority must update its regulations to comply with the new restrictions.
This New Jersey Assembly resolution urges the U.S. Congress to pass the "Improving Menopause Care for Veterans Act of 2025," which would address healthcare needs for women veterans experiencing menopause symptoms. The proposed federal law would require the Government Accountability Office to study current Veterans Affairs medical services for this demographic and mandate improvements to access and quality of care. The bill specifically targets the approximately 630,000 women veterans aged 40 to 54 who may face compounded health challenges due to military service and hormonal changes. As a formal request rather than binding legislation, the resolution directs copies to federal leaders and the VA Secretary to advocate for these policy changes.
This New Jersey bill prohibits the use of Green Acres funds to purchase, install, or replace artificial turf fields at schools, municipalities, and state agencies. The legislation restricts these specific expenditures by directing that money instead be used for natural grass playing fields, citing concerns over harmful chemicals and environmental impacts associated with synthetic turf. By banning the use of these state funds for artificial surfaces, the bill aims to prevent the purchase of fields containing rubberized pellets and microplastics while promoting organic maintenance practices for natural grass.
This bill directs the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to launch a public awareness campaign focused on low-speed electric bicycles. The initiative aims to educate the general public about safety concerns and the specific traffic laws that riders must follow. To achieve this, the MVC is required to create educational materials and public service announcements in both English and Spanish, which will be distributed through various channels including the MVC website, local offices, community centers, and businesses that sell these bikes. The legislation also appropriates $250,000 from the General Fund to cover the costs of establishing and running this campaign.
This bill prohibits the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection from placing a cap on the number of mobile sport fishing permits issued each year. It requires the department to begin selling these permits annually on December 15 and to process applications in the order they are received. Starting in 2027, applicants must also hold a valid registration with the New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program to receive a permit. Additionally, the legislation mandates that at least 10 percent of the revenue from these permits be used to maintain Island Beach State Park.
