Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4123: Requires involuntary commitment of certain individuals who have been administered opioid antidotes.

This bill amends New Jersey law to automatically classify individuals who receive opioid overdose antidotes as 'dangerous to self,' thereby making them eligible for involuntary commitment to treatment. The change directly affects people treated for apparent opioid overdoses by linking emergency medical intervention to mental health commitment criteria. Under the new provisions, anyone administered an opioid antidote would be deemed unable to meet their own basic needs, which is one of the conditions required to force them into psychiatric care without their consent.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareBill restricts patient access to care by mandating involuntary commitment based on antidote administration, limiting autonomy and emergency treatment.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

Track

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4233: Concerns health care services provided to incarcerated individuals.

This New Jersey bill ensures that incarcerated individuals do not have to pay for medical care, surgery, dental services, or prescription drugs provided while in state or county custody. It also requires courts to notify health insurance plans when sentencing someone to prison or detention if that person is covered by such a plan. Under the new rules, the state and counties can seek reimbursement from these insurance plans for the costs of medical treatment provided to inmates, rather than charging the inmates themselves. The legislation clarifies that these reimbursement efforts do not interfere with the existing responsibilities of correctional officials to provide care.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill ensures incarcerated individuals receive necessary medical care without cost, protecting their civil rights and improving health outcomes, which supports criminal justice reform.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill ensures incarcerated individuals receive free medical care and establishes reimbursement mechanisms, expanding access and protecting patient rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing Insurance

Track

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4948: Prohibits pharmacy benefits managers from operating pharmacy practice sites directly or indirectly.

This bill prohibits pharmacy benefits managers from owning or operating pharmacy practice sites in New Jersey to prevent conflicts of interest and promote fair competition. It requires the state pharmacy board to identify and notify any pharmacies that might violate this rule before July 1, 2027, allowing affected businesses to transition to independent ownership. The legislation includes a temporary exception allowing special permits for pharmacies to dispense rare or limited-distribution drugs that are otherwise unavailable, with this provision expiring on September 1, 2028. Ultimately, the law aims to increase patient choice and lower drug prices by separating the entities that set prescription prices from those that sell medications.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill prevents conflicts of interest and promotes fair competition in pharmacy services, protecting patient access and rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

Track

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 28, 2026

A 5137: Establishes State-funded roster of mental health professionals to perform competency evaluations in criminal cases; makes appropriation.

This bill creates a state-funded roster of mental health professionals in New Jersey to conduct competency evaluations for criminal defendants who may be unfit to stand trial. It requires judges to select evaluators from this pre-approved list, which includes private practitioners and Department of Human Services staff, unless all parties agree to a different professional. The legislation also establishes a specific program administered by the Administrative Director of the Courts to manage the roster and ensures that defendants are not unnecessarily hospitalized during the evaluation process.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly mandates a state appropriation to fund a roster of mental health professionals, directly increasing government spending for public services.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes a state-funded roster for competency evaluations, ensuring fair access to mental health resources and protecting defendants' rights within the criminal justice system.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates a state-funded roster of mental health professionals and mandates funding for competency evaluations, directly expanding access to mental health services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Mental Health

Track

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 28, 2026

A 5151: Prohibits surcharge on transportation network company riders for certain paratransit service.

This bill prohibits the $0.50 surcharge on rideshare trips that are designated for paratransit service, which includes transportation for people with disabilities and Medicaid non-emergency medical transport. It directly affects users of apps like Uber and Lyft who rely on these services for accessibility needs, ensuring they are not charged the extra fee required for regular prearranged rides. The legislation also clarifies that transportation network companies are not personally liable for these specific paratransit trips. By amending existing state laws, the bill removes the financial barrier for eligible riders while maintaining the surcharge for standard rides.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill removes a surcharge on rideshare trips for paratransit, improving patient access to essential transportation services for people with disabilities and Medicaid recipients.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill removes a surcharge for paratransit rides, enhancing accessibility and protecting transportation services for people with disabilities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

Track

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4114: Authorizes physician assistants in behavioral health care to provide procedures and services without supervision.

This bill allows physician assistants working in behavioral health care to provide procedures and services without the direct supervision of a physician. It directly affects licensed physician assistants in New Jersey who treat patients for mental illness, emotional disorders, or substance use issues. The key change removes the requirement for a supervising physician when these professionals deliver care in settings like hospitals, clinics, or veterans' homes. Additionally, the law mandates that physician assistants maintain medical malpractice insurance or a letter of credit and clearly identify themselves to patients during treatment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill removes supervision barriers for physician assistants in behavioral health, improving patient access to mental health services.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill removes supervision barriers for PAs in behavioral health, including veterans' homes, improving access to mental health care for veterans.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

Track

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4195: Establishes Cardiac Emergency Response in Schools Grant Program in DOE, appropriates $600,000.

This bill creates a new grant program within the New Jersey Department of Education to help schools prepare for cardiac emergencies. It allocates $600,000 in funding to be distributed to public, charter, and private schools for purchasing defibrillators, training staff in CPR, and developing emergency response plans. Schools must submit applications detailing their current safety measures and funding needs, with the Department of Education prioritizing grants for those demonstrating the greatest need. The program also requires recipients to report how they use the funds and mandates that the Department provide an annual status report to the Governor and Legislature.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allocates $600,000 to DOE for school safety grants, enhancing infrastructure and student protection.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill allocates $600,000 to fund cardiac emergency response equipment and staff training in schools, directly strengthening healthcare safety and access.95% confidence

Track

passed both · New Jersey · Senate Jun 30, 2026

S 4193: Establishes "Fortifying Corn Masa Act."

This bill requires all corn masa flour and wet corn masa products sold in New Jersey to be fortified with folic acid to help reduce the risk of neural tube defects, which disproportionately affect Latino communities. Manufacturers must add specific amounts of folic acid to dry flour and wet products and clearly label these ingredients on nutrition facts panels. The law allows the state health commissioner to grant exemptions for specific products or companies if necessary. By making these changes, the legislation aims to ensure that dietary staples common in Central and South American cuisines provide essential nutritional benefits comparable to other fortified grains.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates folic acid fortification to reduce neural tube defects, directly improving public health outcomes and protecting vulnerable communities.95% confidence

Track

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 1, 2026

A 5183: Requires school districts to permit students excused absences for student illness.

This bill requires school districts in New Jersey to officially classify student absences due to illness as excused. To qualify, parents or guardians must provide supporting documentation to the school when the student returns. Additionally, the state's Commissioner of Education will work with health officials to create specific guidelines outlining what documentation is needed. The law applies to all public school districts and takes effect at the start of the next full school year after it is passed.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands educational access by ensuring students can attend school without penalty for illness, reducing barriers to attendance.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill facilitates student access to healthcare by ensuring illness-related absences are excused, reducing barriers to medical care.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

Track

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4136: Establishes "Support for Students Exposed to Domestic Violence Fund" in DOE to support public schools in addressing impact of domestic violence.

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates a permanent fund and mandates annual state appropriations to support student mental health services.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates a dedicated fund to provide mental health services and support for students affected by domestic violence, enhancing student well-being and educational access.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates a fund to provide therapy and mental health services for students, directly advancing healthcare access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

Track