This bill exempts all retail sales of mobility-enhancing equipment from New Jersey's sales and use tax, removing the current requirement that such items must be sold "by prescription." It directly affects individuals purchasing devices like wheelchairs, walkers, bath aids, scooters, and transfer chairs, as well as retailers selling these products. The exemption covers any equipment primarily designed to improve movement (e.g., adjustable toilet seats, lift chairs, wheelchair ramps) that is not typically used by people without mobility challenges. This change broadens the existing tax exemption, which previously required a doctor's prescription for coverage.
S 699, designated as Claudia's Law, requires healthcare providers to include a specific notification in patient chest x-ray reports when an abnormality is detected. This applies directly to patients receiving chest x-rays with abnormalities and their healthcare providers. The notification must state: "Your chest x-ray shows an abnormality that may be associated with a risk factor for various illnesses. Use this information to talk to your health care provider about risks... ask if more screening tests might be useful." The Commissioner of Health must adopt implementing rules under the Administrative Procedure Act. The bill aims to ensure patients are informed about abnormal results to discuss with their providers.
This bill creates a new licensure pathway for non-hospital inpatient mental health treatment facilities in New Jersey, specifically for adolescents (12-21) and adults requiring 45-120 days of comprehensive care. It mandates strict standards including national accreditation, specific staffing ratios (like licensed psychiatrists and trauma-informed therapists), mandatory staff training, and facility safety protocols. The bill also establishes a workforce program to address mental health professional shortages through training grants, loan forgiveness, and salary incentives. These licensed facilities must integrate with existing care systems, submit annual outcome reports, and operate under oversight by the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
This bill increases penalties for domestic violence offenders in New Jersey. It adds a new $1,500 civil penalty (payable $500 yearly for three years) and raises a surcharge on convictions from $100 to $500. All money from these penalties and surcharges flows into the new "Domestic Violence Victims' Legal Assistance Fund." The fund directly supports organizations providing victims with legal advocacy, medical referrals, and other direct services, with no mention of how the fund will be administered beyond its designated purpose.
This bill changes penalties for underage gambling in New Jersey from criminal charges to civil fines. It directly affects underage gamblers (under 21), casino licensees/employees who allow underage gambling, and caregivers who permit it. Key provisions set tiered civil penalties: up to $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and $2,000 for subsequent offenses. All collected fines must fund gambling addiction prevention, education, and treatment programs through the Department of Human Services. The bill removes criminal penalties while redirecting fines to support treatment services.
This bill establishes the "New Jersey COVID-19 Long-Term Health Effects Task Force" to study and address ongoing health impacts from the pandemic. The task force will identify symptoms, treatments, and public education strategies for long-term COVID-19 effects, including potential vaccine-related health impacts, and develop guidance for healthcare providers. It consists of nine members appointed by legislative leaders, the Governor, and health officials, with a requirement to submit a final report within one year. The task force expires 30 days after submitting its report.
This bill requires all health insurance plans sold in New Jersey to cover non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), a blood test performed starting at 10 weeks of pregnancy to screen for Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. It directly affects pregnant people in New Jersey and applies to all major insurance types, including hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and individual/group health plans. Insurers must cover the test "to the same extent as for any other medical condition" and follow American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines for testing methods. The law applies to contracts where insurers reserve the right to adjust premiums.
S 564 requires all health insurance plans sold in New Jersey - including hospital service contracts, medical service plans, individual policies, group plans, and HMOs - to cover prenatal genetic testing during the first trimester of pregnancy. It specifically mandates coverage for three test types: carrier screening (blood/tissue tests for inherited disorders), nuchal translucency screening, and chorionic villus sampling. The law states coverage must be provided "to the same extent as for any other medical condition," meaning no additional out-of-pocket costs for these tests. This bill directly affects pregnant individuals seeking genetic screening and all health insurers operating in New Jersey, though it remains pending in the Senate Commerce Committee after introduction on January 13, 2026.
This bill requires health care providers to obtain written parental or guardian consent before sharing any child's medical information with government agencies, including the Department of Health. It applies to all existing reporting requirements for conditions like newborn hearing screenings, lead testing, autism diagnoses, cardiac events, and immunization records. Exceptions allow sharing only if a provider suspects child abuse, including sexual abuse. The law directly affects parents/guardians (who must consent), health care providers (who must seek consent), and government agencies (which cannot receive unconsented data).
This bill (S 2642) updates New Jersey's aggravated assault statute to align the definition of "health care professional" with the definition in the "Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act." It specifically expands the protected group to include health care workers employed at licensed facilities, licensed health care professionals (under Titles 26 or 45), volunteers, supportive services staff, and employees performing direct patient care duties. The change ensures these individuals are explicitly covered under the aggravated assault provisions when they are clearly identifiable while performing their duties. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on defining who qualifies for enhanced legal protections during work.
