Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 16, 2026

A 4694: Requires prescription drug coverage for serious mental illness without prior authorization or utilization management, including step therapy.

This bill requires insurance carriers in New Jersey to cover prescription drugs for serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and PTSD without requiring prior authorization or step therapy. It directly affects individuals with these conditions who need mental health coverage through health plans, ensuring they can access necessary medications without unnecessary administrative hurdles. The law also mandates that insurers report annually on how they develop medical necessity criteria for mental health and substance use disorder treatments, increasing transparency in coverage decisions. Additionally, carriers must provide information about in-plan exceptions when qualified providers are not available in their network.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates insurance coverage for serious mental illness medications without prior authorization, improving patient access and protecting healthcare rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Prescription Drugs Substance Abuse

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 16, 2026

A 4723: Requires each public institution of higher education to develop menstrual equity plan.

This bill requires the president of every public college or university in New Jersey to create a menstrual equity plan. The plan must outline how the institution will provide free menstrual products to students and staff, including estimates of need, distribution locations, costs, and a timeline for full implementation within 12 months. Once developed, the plan must be submitted to the institution's governing body, the Governor, and the Legislature. The law defines menstrual equity as ensuring equal access to menstrual hygiene products while reducing stigma around menstruation.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands educational access by ensuring menstrual product availability, removing barriers to student participation in higher education.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates free menstrual product distribution at public institutions, improving access to essential health products and supporting menstrual equity.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 9, 2026

A 4532: Prohibits sharing automated license plate reader information for interstate investigation concerning reproductive health care services that are legal in NJ.

This New Jersey bill prohibits law enforcement agencies and other users of automated license plate readers from sharing that information with out-of-state authorities for investigations related to reproductive health care services that are legal in the state. The legislation requires any out-of-state agency requesting such data to provide a written guarantee that the information will not be used to pursue legal action against individuals seeking or providing reproductive health care. Violations of these sharing restrictions could result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 for a first offense and $5,000 for subsequent offenses. The law applies to all reproductive health services, including pregnancy-related care, contraception, and abortion, and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects civil rights by limiting law enforcement data sharing for reproductive health cases, enhancing police accountability and restricting overreach.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects patient rights by preventing out-of-state data sharing for legal reproductive health services, safeguarding access to care.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects data privacy by restricting sharing of automated license plate reader information for reproductive health investigations, limiting surveillance overreach.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Women's Health

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 3733: Provides for procurement by State of pharmacy benefits manager, automated reverse auction services, and claims adjudication services.

This bill authorizes New Jersey to quickly procure a pharmacy benefits manager for its State Health Benefits Program and School Employees' Health Benefits Program through an expedited, non-advertised process. The State will use automated reverse auction technology to compare vendor pricing and an electronic system to review pharmacy claims in real time, with the goal of securing competitive rates and improving oversight. The legislation modifies standard procurement rules to shorten review timelines, allow online advertising instead of formal publication, and exclude certain pricing disclosures during negotiations. A report detailing the auction results, savings achieved, and any procedural deviations must be submitted to the Governor and Legislature within 60 days of contract award.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill improves healthcare oversight and cost control through pharmacy benefits manager procurement and automated claims adjudication, strengthening program efficiency.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill utilizes automated reverse auction technology and electronic systems for claims adjudication, advancing digital procurement and oversight capabilities.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

SJR 97: Designates calendar week that includes September 10th of each year as "Suicide Prevention Week" in NJ.

This bill designates the week containing September 10th each year as "Suicide Prevention Week" in New Jersey. It requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and residents to observe the week with awareness activities and programs. The resolution aims to raise visibility for suicide prevention efforts and reduce stigma around mental health issues without changing any laws or funding. It directly affects state officials who will issue proclamations and community members who may participate in awareness events.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill designates Suicide Prevention Week to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health, directly supporting mental health services and public health initiatives.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 19, 2026

A 4758: Directs Dept. of Agriculture to post certain information to assist distressed farmers on its Internet website.

This bill requires the New Jersey Department of Agriculture to prominently display suicide prevention resources and support services for distressed farmers on its official website homepage. The legislation mandates a clearly visible link to the state's Suicide Prevention Hotline and an icon linking to a comprehensive page listing mental health, disaster, legal, and financial assistance options. This measure aims to improve access to help for agricultural workers facing economic and emotional challenges by making these resources easily findable online. The changes take effect immediately upon the bill's passage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates posting suicide prevention resources and mental health assistance for distressed farmers, directly improving access to mental health services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Tags Agriculture

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

A 4676: Requires public schools to develop policy for administration of nasal seizure rescue medication and use of manual vagas nerve stimulators for students with seizure disorder on emergent basis.

This bill requires New Jersey public schools to create policies for administering nasal seizure rescue medication and using manual vagus nerve stimulators for students with seizure disorders during emergencies. It defines specific roles for school nurses as primary responders while allowing them to designate at least two additional trained staff members to assist when the nurse is not present. The legislation mandates that designated staff receive CPR and defibrillator training, obtain written parental consent, and includes provisions protecting school employees from liability when acting in good faith during emergency medical situations.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill enhances student safety and health access in schools by mandating seizure emergency protocols, directly supporting educational access and student welfare.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates schools to develop policies for administering seizure rescue medication and using vagus nerve stimulators, improving emergency medical access for students with seizure disorders.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Healthcare Workforce

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

A 4619: Removes requirements for surgical practices to be licensed as ambulatory care facilities to provide surgical and related services.

This bill would exempt surgical practices from the requirement to obtain a license as ambulatory care facilities when providing surgical and related services. Currently, certain surgical practices must apply for licensure under state regulations, but this change removes that specific obligation while keeping other healthcare licensing rules in place. The amendment affects healthcare providers and facilities in New Jersey by simplifying the regulatory framework for surgical practices. The bill does not alter other licensing requirements for hospitals or other healthcare facilities, nor does it change inspection or reporting standards for those that remain subject to licensing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill removes licensing barriers for surgical practices, improving access to surgical services and simplifying regulatory framework for healthcare providers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

SJR 96: Designates November 21 of each year as "Urinary Tract Infection Awareness Day" in NJ.

This bill designates November 21 of each year as "Urinary Tract Infection Awareness Day" in New Jersey to promote public awareness about urinary tract infections. The resolution requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing the day and encourages public officials and citizens to observe it with appropriate activities and programs. The bill includes educational information about UTIs, their symptoms, risk factors, and prevention methods, but does not change laws or allocate funding. It directly affects New Jersey residents by establishing an annual observance day focused on a common health condition.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill promotes public awareness of UTIs through educational initiatives, which indirectly supports public health education and preventive healthcare awareness.75% confidence

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

SCR 111: Urges United States President to expand access to menstrual products in schools.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the President of the United States to expand access to menstrual products in schools nationwide by interpreting Title IX to include free provision of these items. The bill directly affects students who menstruate and aims to address period poverty by ensuring adequate toilet facilities and lenient bathroom policies in federally funded schools. It argues that current Title IX protections should be broadened through federal guidance to prevent educational disparities and health risks associated with lack of access to menstrual hygiene products. The resolution does not mandate funding or policy changes but serves as a formal request to the federal government to consider these expansions.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands access to menstrual products in schools, addressing period poverty and improving educational access for students who menstruate.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands access to menstrual products in schools, addressing period poverty and improving health service access for students.75% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Student Health Women's Health

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