This bill designates October of each year as "Walk to School Month" to encourage physical activity and community safety. It does not change laws or funding but asks the Governor to issue an annual proclamation inviting schools, organizations, and citizens to hold events promoting walking and biking to school. The resolution highlights benefits such as improved health, reduced air pollution, and safer streets, while urging communities to plan safe routes for students.
This New Jersey bill requires retail food establishments to clearly label any beverage containing 80 milligrams or more of caffeine per serving as "High caffeine" on all menus, including digital screens and drive-through boards. The law applies to both permanent and temporary menu items and mandates that the warning be placed directly next to the drink's name. If a business fails to comply, it faces fines ranging from $200 to $1,000 depending on whether it is a first or subsequent offense. Additionally, the bill prevents local governments from creating their own conflicting rules regarding these specific caffeine disclosures.
This bill designates August each year as "American Artist Appreciation Month" in New Jersey to honor the contributions of American artists. The resolution requests that the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging schools and cultural institutions to hold events during this month. It does not create new funding or legal requirements but serves as a symbolic recognition of the arts industry's impact on the state and nation.
This bill establishes maximum THC potency limits for cannabis products and introduces an excise tax on moderate and high potency items in New Jersey. It directly affects cannabis businesses by requiring them to adhere to these new potency standards and pay the additional tax. The legislation also mandates that the state commission create rules to enforce these limits and collect the tax.
This bill requires community management entities in New Jersey to obtain a license before contracting to manage planned real estate developments, such as condominiums and homeowners' associations. The Commissioner of Community Affairs must create a licensing system that includes specific experience requirements and will enforce the rule by prohibiting unlicensed entities from signing new management contracts. Violations of this requirement could result in penalties of up to $4,000 for each contract entered into without a license. The legislation also directs the commissioner to adopt necessary regulations within seven months of enactment.
This bill clarifies that school districts and agencies may authorize qualified staff, state employees, or parents to transport students to and from school using private or school-owned vehicles with a capacity of eight or fewer passengers. To be eligible, designated drivers must meet specific criteria including being at least 21 years old, holding a New Jersey driver's license for three years, and completing background checks and special needs training. The legislation exempts these drivers from standard school bus licensing and vehicle inspection requirements, provided they submit their driving records and background checks to state officials annually. Additionally, the bill allows certified mobility assistance vehicle technicians to transport students with life-threatening medical needs in specialized vehicles without needing a school bus driver's license.
This bill creates a permanent fund within the New Jersey Department of Education to help public schools support students affected by domestic violence. The fund will be financed through annual state appropriations, federal grants, and other available money, which can be used to provide therapy and trauma-informed mental health services in schools. Additionally, the money may help districts identify resources for unmet student needs and fund the hiring and training of mental health staff. Schools that receive these funds must report to the Department of Education on how the money is spent, while the department determines how to distribute the money among districts.
This bill establishes the Mom Project oral health program within New Jersey's Department of Health to provide dental care to low-income pregnant women and new mothers. The legislation defines eligible participants as residents enrolled in Medicaid or NJ FamilyCare and allocates $3 million in funding to support the initiative. The program specifically targets medically underserved areas to address barriers such as lack of insurance, language differences, and discrimination that often prevent these women from accessing necessary dental services. By connecting eligible mothers with community oral health centers and dental homes, the bill aims to treat periodontal disease and reduce risks associated with preterm birth and low birth weight.
This bill codifies the Attorney General's recommendations to establish a formal process for issuing Amber Alerts when a child is abducted by a family member. It directly affects law enforcement agencies, broadcast media, and the public by creating a standardized protocol for emergency notifications. The law requires that an alert be activated only if specific risk factors are present, such as threats of harm, a history of violence, or the presence of weapons, distinguishing these cases from abductions by strangers. Additionally, the bill mandates that participating media broadcast the alert repeatedly for the first three hours and includes instructions for updating the public with new information.
This bill requires institutions of higher education in New Jersey to provide free feminine hygiene products and ensure that at least 75 percent of restrooms for menstruating individuals are stocked with them. It also mandates that private employers with 100 or more employees offer these products to their staff and requires public buildings with accessible restrooms to stock them as well. The legislation establishes a $500,000 grant program administered by the Department of Health to support these initiatives, with at least half of the funds directed to community colleges. Additionally, the bill requires state agencies receiving federal block grants to include provisions for distributing free feminine hygiene products or stipends to low-income individuals in need.
This bill creates a $2 million state grant program to help New Jersey municipalities establish snow removal services for seniors. Under the plan, local governments can apply for up to $100,000 to clear snow and ice from the driveways, entrance ways, and sidewalks of homes occupied by residents aged 62 or older with household incomes below 65% of the area median. The funding is restricted to single-family or similar residences, excluding those living in rental units, condominiums, or other communities where the landlord or association already provides equivalent snow removal. The Department of Community Affairs will manage the fund and create necessary rules to oversee the distribution of grants.
This bill requires health benefits plans in New Jersey that use pharmacy benefits managers to allow any pharmacy meeting standard contract terms to join their network. The Commissioner of Banking and Insurance will define these terms as reasonable and relevant by reviewing existing contracts and ensuring reimbursement fees cover pharmacy ingredient and operational costs. The law applies to new or renewed contracts between health plans and pharmacy managers starting thirteen months after it is enacted.
