New Jersey Bills

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4189: Requires NJ FamilyCare coverage for healthy food prescriptions for certain enrollees.

This bill requires NJ FamilyCare to cover prescriptions for healthy foods for certain enrollees, aiming to improve nutrition access for people with diet-related health conditions. It defines a "food prescription" as a healthcare provider's written order for specific foods to treat conditions like obesity or diabetes. The legislation also establishes a fund and program to support small food retailers and pharmacies in low and moderate-income areas to stock and sell fresh produce and other healthy items at affordable prices. By integrating healthy food prescriptions into the state's Medicaid program, the bill seeks to help residents in underserved communities gain better access to nutritious options.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4146: Requires certain employers to provide certain employees with notifications concerning federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

This bill requires employers in New Jersey who qualify for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to inform new employees about the program during their initial benefits explanation. The notification must cover eligibility criteria, such as working at least 30 hours per week, holding federal Direct Loans, being on an income-driven repayment plan, and making 120 qualifying payments. The law applies immediately to any qualifying employer hiring new staff and aims to ensure workers are aware of potential loan forgiveness opportunities from the start of their employment.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

SR 98: Condemns President Trump's threats of genocide and war crimes against Iran.

This Senate resolution from New Jersey formally condemns President Trump's public threats of genocide and war crimes against Iran. The bill specifically targets statements made on social media that called for bombing civilian infrastructure and destroying a civilization, labeling them as violations of international law. While it does not change any laws or policies, it directs copies of the resolution to federal officials and Congress to register the state's official disapproval of these remarks.

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

SR 96: Recognizes NJ-Taiwan sister-state relationship and anniversary of Taiwan Relations Act; reiterates support for closer partnership between US, NJ, and Taiwan.

This Senate Resolution commemorates the 37th anniversary of the sister-state relationship between New Jersey and Taiwan and the 47th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. The bill formally acknowledges the shared democratic values between the two regions and reaffirms support for strengthening economic, educational, and scientific partnerships among the United States, New Jersey, and Taiwan. It highlights existing collaborations such as trade agreements, driver license reciprocity, and the establishment of the New Jersey Asia-Pacific Center in Taipei. As a symbolic measure, the resolution directs copies to relevant state and diplomatic officials to recognize these milestones and ongoing ties.

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

SJR 136: Designates February 4th of each year as "Women and Girls in Sports Day" in New Jersey.

This bill designates February 4th of each year as "Women and Girls in Sports Day" throughout New Jersey to recognize the contributions of female athletes. The resolution requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the day with relevant activities. This symbolic measure aims to raise awareness about gender equality in sports and promote physical activity among women and girls without changing any laws or funding.

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4206: Requires pharmacy benefits managers to make certain disclosures to health benefits plan sponsors.

This New Jersey bill requires pharmacy benefits managers to provide health plan sponsors with detailed financial reports every six months. The legislation mandates that these reports include specific data on drug costs, rebates, and out-of-pocket spending for each prescription filled through different channels like retail or mail order. By demanding this information in plain language and machine-readable formats, the bill aims to increase transparency regarding how much money is exchanged between drug manufacturers, pharmacies, and insurance plans. Ultimately, the law seeks to help plan sponsors better understand the financial details of their pharmacy benefits contracts.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4190: Requires DHS to submit Medicaid State plan amendment to federal government requesting approval to create Health Home Program for certain Medicaid beneficiaries with sickle cell disease.

This bill requires the New Jersey Department of Human Services to request federal approval for a new Health Home Program specifically for Medicaid recipients with sickle cell disease who are at risk of developing a second chronic condition. Once approved, the state must implement this program within 180 days, which involves coordinating primary, acute, behavioral, and long-term care services to address the needs of these patients as a whole. The legislation also mandates the creation of necessary rules and regulations to support the program's operation.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4213: Requires DOH to develop and maintain centralized neurodegenerative disorders database.

This bill directs New Jersey's Department of Health to create and maintain a centralized online database focused on neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease. The database will compile state and national statistics on causes, symptoms, treatments, and life expectancy, while also listing specialized healthcare providers and workforce details. Once established, this information will be made publicly accessible through the Department of Health's website to allow users to search for specific conditions. The law requires the health commissioner to adopt necessary rules to implement these provisions, with the changes taking effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4187: Creates emergency closure prevention fund for child care programs at risk of closure; appropriates $10 million.

This bill establishes a $10 million emergency fund to help licensed and registered child care programs in New Jersey avoid closure due to significant drops in enrollment. To qualify for assistance, a program must demonstrate a decrease of at least 30 percent in student numbers compared to the previous year. The State Treasurer manages the fund and distributes grants on a rolling basis, with no single provider receiving more than $60,000 annually. The bill also allows the fund to accept additional federal money and requires the Commissioner of Human Services to create an application process for eligible providers.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

SCR 133: Urges United States Congress and President to provide federal infrastructure funds for extension of Route 55.

This New Jersey Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the U.S. Congress and President to approve federal infrastructure funding for extending Route 55 to the Garden State Parkway. The bill directly affects motorists, tourists, and residents in Gloucester, Cumberland, and Cape May counties who currently face severe traffic congestion and safety issues on this primary coastal route. While the resolution does not authorize construction itself, it formally requests federal support to complete a highway extension that was halted in 1975 due to rising costs and environmental obstacles. The measure aims to improve highway performance in the state and support the tourism industry that generates billions in economic activity annually.

Topics ✓ Transportation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4156: Imposes certain duties on persons or entities engaged in business pertaining to criminal records and imposes penalties for disseminating expunged record; increases maximum fine for current disorderly persons offense.

This bill strengthens protections for individuals whose criminal records have been expunged by increasing the maximum fine for knowingly revealing such records from $200 to $2,000. It also imposes new duties on businesses that collect or sell criminal records, requiring them to regularly update their data, immediately delete expunged entries, and inform clients that their records are only valid as of the collection date. Additionally, the legislation establishes a penalty of up to $5,000 or actual damages for these businesses if they knowingly distribute expunged records, including legal costs and attorney fees. These changes directly affect employers, background check services, and other entities that handle criminal history data in New Jersey.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4137: Establishes "Occupational Heat-Related Illness and Injury Prevention Program" and occupational heat stress standard in DOLWD.

This bill directs New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development to create a new program and standard aimed at preventing heat-related illnesses and injuries in the workplace. It requires employers to develop and maintain a prevention plan and mandates specific actions when environmental heat levels exceed safe limits for workers. The regulations will apply to all employees, including those in agriculture, construction, and indoor settings without climate control, with rules to be finalized by June 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Bill results