This bill requires New Jersey public school districts to add instruction about social media and cell phone risks to grades 6 through 12. It expands current requirements by moving this education from technology classes (grades 6-8) to the health curriculum for all grades 6-12. The instruction must cover responsible use, cyber safety, and specifically address how addiction affects mental health, relationships, and development. School districts must implement this as part of existing health education standards, with the state providing sample resources. The bill directly affects all public school students in those grades and their schools.
S 2990 requires New Jersey long-term care facilities to establish specific pharmacy staffing and oversight structures. Each facility must have a consultant pharmacist (who cannot also serve as the pharmacy director or provider and must attest to avoiding conflicts of interest) and either a provider pharmacist or a pharmacy director if the facility has an in-house pharmacy. Facilities must also form a pharmacy committee including the administrator, nursing staff, and consultant pharmacist, which meets at least quarterly and maintains detailed records. Additionally, facilities storing controlled substances must maintain current federal and state drug registration records. The bill codifies existing rules while adding new conflict-of-interest safeguards for pharmacy oversight.
S 464 requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to pay or deny pharmacy claims within 14 days of receipt, or provide written notice of denial. It mandates PBMs to update pricing information for generic and brand drugs weekly, provide clear access to reimbursement formulas, and establish dispute resolution processes. The bill also grants health plans and the state Department of Banking and Insurance the right to audit PBM records and requires PBMs to disclose conflicts of interest. This directly affects PBMs, pharmacies, and health insurers by increasing transparency and accountability in prescription drug reimbursement.
This bill (S 2298) requires internet pharmacies to obtain a New Jersey permit before delivering prescription drugs to New Jersey residents, with exceptions for pharmacies certified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Permits mandate US headquarters, state licensing proof, pharmacist details, and annual renewal. Pharmacies must provide toll-free pharmacist consultations (48 hours/week), maintain patient records, and ensure prescriptions are transmitted electronically or by facsimile. The law also prohibits pharmacies from waiving New Jersey’s laws, court jurisdiction, or liability protections for prescription services. It applies directly to internet pharmacies serving New Jersey patients and aims to enhance safety and accountability.
This bill establishes a "Pretrial Partnership for Community Support and Services Pilot Program" in New Jersey, creating a new pathway for defendants eligible for pretrial release to access community-based support services. It amends pretrial release procedures to require courts to consider approved community support providers for services like substance abuse treatment, mental health care, or case management as part of release conditions. The program directly affects defendants facing pretrial detention who qualify for release but may need additional support to comply with conditions. Key provisions mandate courts to include these services as a non-monetary release condition when appropriate, prioritizing the least restrictive options to ensure court appearance and community safety.
S 2403 requires New Jersey's Adjutant General to establish a program providing veterans with evaluation and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), total brain injury, or traumatic brain injury. This program would directly assist New Jersey veterans diagnosed with these conditions, which are commonly associated with military service. The bill amends N.J.S.38A:3-6 to add this duty to the Adjutant General's responsibilities under the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, ensuring state-administered access to these services.
S 1084, the "Mental and Behavioral Health for Hispanics and Latinos Act," creates a statewide initiative to improve mental health support for Hispanic and Latino communities in New Jersey. It requires the Health Commissioner to develop and implement a culturally tailored outreach strategy - addressing language needs, subgroup differences (like age or gender), and pandemic impacts - through collaboration with community organizations. The bill appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to fund this strategy and mandates annual reports to the Governor and Legislature on its effectiveness in improving mental health outcomes. The strategy must include evidence-based treatments adapted for these communities and promote a holistic health approach connecting behavioral and physical health.
This resolution urges New Jersey school districts to establish concussion management teams. These teams - comprising school nurses, psychologists, athletic trainers, and other staff - would support students recovering from concussions by coordinating care, monitoring cognitive needs, and ensuring safe returns to both classroom and sports activities. The resolution highlights CDC data showing concussions are common in youth sports and emphasizes that such teams provide immediate, school-based expertise to complement existing district policies. It does not create new legal requirements but encourages districts to adopt this approach for student health and safety.
The "Fair Access to Health Care Networks Act" requires New Jersey health insurance carriers to include any State-licensed health care provider - such as ambulatory surgical centers, diagnostic labs, imaging centers, and private practices - in their networks upon application. Carriers must reimburse these providers at a minimum of 200% of Medicare rates for equivalent services (unless the provider agrees to a lower rate) and cannot exclude them based on size, ownership, or hospital affiliation. If a carrier fails to respond to an inclusion request within 90 days, the provider is automatically provisionally included. The Department of Banking and Insurance will enforce the law, imposing civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation, with $2 million allocated for administration.
This bill (S 1587) modifies New Jersey law to provide enhanced leave and compensation protections for public employees who serve in the military reserves or National Guard. It directly affects state, county, school district, and municipal employees who are active or retired military members. Key provisions require public employers to grant up to 30 paid workdays of leave annually for military service (including travel days and transitional leave), maintain retirement/health benefits during leave, and cover pay for service exceeding 30 days through collective bargaining agreements or employer discretion. The bill also clarifies that "active duty" includes medical appointments related to military service. It is currently pending in the Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee (introduced January 13, 2026).
