New Jersey's S 1583 requires free cancer screenings every three years for volunteer firefighters through the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) network. The screenings cover 11 specific cancers (including colon, lung, prostate, and breast) with no out-of-pocket costs for firefighters. Physicians providing these screenings can be reimbursed up to $1,250 per three-year period by the state, and fire districts must maintain records to facilitate payment. This extends an existing benefit for paid firefighters to volunteer firefighters, who previously did not have guaranteed access to such screenings.
This bill requires doctors and nurses to give women aged 40 or older an informational pamphlet about menopause stages (perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause) during their annual physical exams, starting 180 days after the law takes effect. The New Jersey Department of Health must create and post this pamphlet online within 90 days of the law's effective date. The bill directly affects women receiving annual physicals and healthcare providers who perform those exams, mandating a specific educational resource be provided during routine visits. It takes effect immediately upon enactment, with implementation beginning 180 days later.
This bill (S 2272) requires all New Jersey state and county correctional facilities to provide female inmates with feminine hygiene products (like tampons and pads) in varying absorbency levels, not just standard options. It directly affects all female inmates in these facilities by mandating free, accessible products tailored to individual needs. The key change amends existing law (P.L.2019, c.288) to replace the requirement for "standard" products with the new standard of "varying absorbency levels." This is a concrete policy change focused on improving access to essential hygiene items for incarcerated women.
This bill (S 2857) allows licensed New Jersey health care facilities to employ certified or conditionally certified nurse aides (CNAs) as personal care assistants. It removes current restrictions preventing CNAs from working in this specific role within licensed facilities. The change takes effect immediately upon passage, directly affecting CNAs seeking these positions and facilities needing to fill personal care assistant roles. The law does not alter CNA training requirements or create new funding.
This bill prohibits New Jersey's public pension and annuity funds (like retirement accounts for state employees) from investing in companies that manufacture or wholesale tobacco products. It requires the state to divest all existing investments in such tobacco companies within three years of the bill's effective date. The bill also mandates regular reports to the legislature detailing the divestment progress and analyzing the financial impact on pension funds. These provisions directly affect state retirement fund managers and tobacco industry companies.
S 2811 requires New Jersey restaurants to provide a diabetes-friendly menu upon customer request. Restaurants must display a sign indicating this menu is available within six months of implementation, after receiving a fact sheet from the Commissioner of Health explaining diabetes and diet impacts. Violations carry $500 per day penalties (capped at $5,000 per occurrence), enforceable through civil penalties. The bill directly affects restaurants and individuals managing diabetes, focusing on accessible menu options without mandating specific dietary changes.
S 2977 requires chain restaurants with 20 or more locations in New Jersey to meet specific nutritional standards for children's meals (sold as a single-price combo for kids). The bill mandates that these meals contain no more than 550 calories, 700mg sodium, 15g added sugar, and 0g trans fat, while including at least ½ cup of fresh fruits/vegetables and healthier beverage options like water or milk (not sugary drinks). Restaurants must clearly display the nutritional content of compliant meals on menus or signage. Violations can result in fines up to $1,000 per offense, enforced by the Department of Health.
This bill requires New Jersey school districts to teach students in grades 4-12 about menstrual toxic shock syndrome (TSS) as part of health education, covering causes, symptoms, and risk reduction. It also mandates that owners of public restrooms (with two or more toilets) in businesses like stores or offices install clear signs about TSS warning signs and risks, placed near tampon dispensers or prominently in the restroom. The state education agency must provide age-appropriate lesson materials, and the health department must create signage standards and online resources about TSS. The bill applies to public restrooms in non-school buildings (excluding elementary schools with only up to grade 5) and aims to improve public awareness of this rare but serious condition.
This bill requires lead screenings for children aged six months to six years at specific intervals: between 9-18 months, 18-26 months, and immediately before school entry (starting 2024-2025). It directly affects young children, parents/guardians (who must provide screening documentation), healthcare providers (who must conduct screenings), and schools (which must verify results before enrolling pre-K or kindergarten students). Schools cannot admit children without proof of the required screening, and healthcare providers must document results in permanent health records and share them on school enrollment forms. The law updates existing screening schedules and mandates documentation to ensure early detection of lead exposure, a known health risk for young children.
S 2243 requires every public college and university in New Jersey to create a menstrual equity task force within six months of the law's effective date. The task force, appointed by each institution's president and including diverse campus stakeholders (students, faculty, housing, health centers, etc.), must develop a detailed plan for free menstrual product access within six months. The plan must cover product needs, distribution locations, costs, and a 12-month implementation timeline. Institutions must implement the approved plan within one year, ensuring equal access to menstrual products while reducing stigma. The bill defines "menstrual equity" as removing barriers to care and addressing stigma around menstruation.
