S 1374 requires New Jersey school districts to employ at least one full-time school psychologist per school, with a maximum student-to-psychologist ratio of 500:1. This directly affects all public school students and school districts across New Jersey, mandating staffing levels aligned with national best practices. School districts must apply for federal funds to help implement these requirements. The law takes effect immediately but will first apply in the second full school year after enactment.
This bill requires New Jersey colleges and universities to place automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in unlocked, accessible locations within every athletic facility and student center, with clear signage. It mandates that at least two staff members trained in CPR and AED use must be present during operating hours, and institutions must maintain AEDs per manufacturer guidelines while notifying local emergency services of their location and type. The law grants liability protection to institutions and staff for acquiring and using AEDs under this requirement. This applies directly to all higher education institutions in New Jersey with covered facilities, aiming to improve emergency response for cardiac incidents.
This bill changes the age limit for residents in New Jersey's pediatric long-term care facilities from 19 to 26. It directly affects young adults aged 20-26 who currently cannot access these specialized facilities after turning 19. The key provision removes the previous age restriction, allowing facilities to admit and provide services to residents up to age 26. This aligns with the current policy that limits pediatric care facilities to residents under 19.
This bill adds self-insured entities and self-insured health plans to New Jersey's Insurance Fraud Prevention Act. It specifically includes these entities under the definition of "insurance" for fraud provisions, meaning false statements in claims related to self-funded health plans (like those offered by large employers) will now be covered under the same fraud laws as traditional insurance. This directly affects self-insured employers, their health plans, and healthcare providers who submit claims under these plans, as they will now face the same fraud penalties for false or misleading statements. The key change updates Section 4 of the law to explicitly include violations involving self-insured plans in the definition of insurance fraud.
S 460 prohibits New Jersey public employers from paying employees to waive health coverage (replacing prior provisions allowing payments up to 50% of savings). It requires that when both spouses work for public employers, the higher-earning spouse selects coverage through their employer, and the other spouse cannot receive benefits from their own employer's plan. This directly affects public employees who are married to other public employees, eliminating dual coverage options. The bill amends existing health coverage laws to standardize enrollment and prevent duplicate benefits.
This bill requires New Jersey school districts to hire at least one full- or part-time certified nutrition specialist, registered dietitian, or registered dietitian nutritionist. It directly affects school districts (which must comply with staffing requirements) and students (who gain access to nutrition expertise). The key mechanism is a mandatory staffing provision, effective three school years after enactment. The bill cites CDC research linking student nutrition (e.g., intake of fruits, vegetables, and key nutrients) to academic performance, attendance, and grades, positioning nutrition staff as a tool to support these outcomes.
This bill prohibits New Jersey colleges and universities from requiring students to receive or provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccination for enrollment, class attendance, or participation in institution-sponsored programs. It directly affects all students at higher education institutions within New Jersey. The law takes effect immediately upon passage, removing vaccination requirements as a condition for student access to education and campus activities.
New Jersey's S 805 requires the Department of Health to create a standardized system categorizing maternity care facilities into five levels based on the complexity of care they provide. This directly affects all hospitals and birthing centers offering inpatient maternity services, defining their capabilities for low-risk (Level I) through highly complex cases (Level IV, including regional centers for critically ill patients). The bill mandates facilities meet specific clinical standards - such as ACOG guidelines for hospitals and AABC standards for birthing centers - and establish transfer protocols between levels to ensure seamless care. It also requires participation in a Maternal Data Center to track outcomes and reduce preventable complications and health inequities in maternal care.
New Jersey's S 2266 bans the use of regulated perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in menstrual products sold within the state. The bill defines menstrual products broadly to include tampons, pads, cups, and underwear (both disposable and reusable), and prohibits manufacturers from selling products containing intentionally added PFAS or PFAS above trace levels. It requires the Department of Environmental Protection to establish a testing system using approved labs, with results shared with the Department of Health, and violations would trigger penalties under the Consumer Fraud Act. This policy directly affects manufacturers distributing menstrual products in New Jersey, aiming to eliminate specific chemicals from these products.
This bill provides New Jersey corporations with a tax credit equal to 15% of wages paid to qualified community health workers (up to $2,500 per worker) for both corporation business tax and gross income tax. To qualify, employers must apply to the Commissioner of Health for certification that an employee meets specific criteria: working at least 10 hours weekly, completing a state-approved training program, and not being an independent contractor. The credit is limited to 50% of tax liability per year and may be carried forward if unused. It directly affects New Jersey businesses hiring community health workers - professionals who connect underserved communities to healthcare resources and educate providers about access barriers.
