This bill requires all New Jersey public school districts (K-12) to adopt suicide prevention policies covering proactive measures, immediate response to suicidal behavior, and support after suicide attempts or deaths. The New Jersey Department of Education must create a model policy to guide school boards, which must consult with mental health professionals and community stakeholders when developing their local policies. The policy must address prevention (identifying risks and resources), intervention (immediate response protocols), and postvention (support after incidents), while recognizing high-risk student groups. School boards must post the policy online and notify students, parents, and guardians of its availability.
ACR 45 proposes adding a constitutional amendment to New Jersey's state constitution that would recognize a fundamental right to reproductive freedom. This amendment would guarantee specific rights including access to contraception, choosing or refusing sterilization, carrying a pregnancy to term, giving birth, or having an abortion, and prohibit the state or local governments from infringing on these rights. Currently, reproductive rights in New Jersey are protected by court decisions and state statutes (like the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act), but this amendment would formally establish them in the constitution for voter approval. The resolution must be approved by the legislature and then submitted to voters in the next general election.
S 3412 would require certain social media platforms in New Jersey to display a black box warning about mental health risks to users, similar to health warnings on tobacco products. The bill targets platforms primarily designed for social connection (like Facebook or TikTok) that have users in New Jersey, excluding services focused on news, entertainment, or e-commerce. This requirement is based on findings that youth social media use exceeding three hours daily doubles risks of depression and anxiety, and platforms are aware of these harms. The warning must be displayed on platforms meeting the bill's definition of "covered social media platforms," affecting all users of those services in the state.
This bill requires New Jersey long-term care facilities to provide biennial staff training on caring for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer, intersex (LGBTQI) seniors and seniors living with HIV. The training must cover definitions, respectful communication (including preferred names/pronouns), historical discrimination challenges, and strategies to create safe, welcoming environments. Facilities must designate two staff members - one management and one direct care - to receive in-person training from experts, then train all other staff using approved materials. Facilities must document training completion and cover all associated costs, with records available for state health and ombudsman offices upon request.
This bill requires New Jersey's Director of Homeland Security to create and maintain a statewide stockpile of N95 protective masks for first responders within 180 days. The stockpile must be stored in a central location, regularly maintained, and distributed during emergencies like terrorist attacks, wildfires, or other events involving hazardous air pollutants or toxic gases. First responders - including police, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians - will directly benefit from this stockpile. The bill mandates consultation with emergency response organizations during planning and establishes a system for mask replacement and statewide deployment.
This bill amends New Jersey's handicapped parking law to allow individuals diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to qualify for a handicapped parking placard. It adds PTSD to the list of qualifying conditions, requiring certification from a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist (in New Jersey, a bordering state, or stationed at a military facility). The certification must confirm that PTSD substantially limits mobility, aligning with existing medical certification standards for other disabilities. This change directly affects New Jersey residents with PTSD who meet the medical certification criteria, expanding access to accessible parking without altering the application process.
This New Jersey bill modifies health care benefit rules for elected public officials. It removes part-time elected officials (those working fewer than 35 hours weekly) from eligibility for employer-paid health care coverage. The bill also prohibits all elected officials from receiving any payment from their employer for waiving health coverage, including those who had previously waived coverage. Additionally, it codifies the Pension Fraud and Abuse Unit as a permanent state entity.
This bill requires New Jersey school districts serving kindergarten through sixth grade to create and include a fitness and nutrition wellness program within their Comprehensive Health and Physical Education curriculum. The program must teach students about healthy food groups, the benefits of balanced diets and exercise for physical/mental health, and include workshops for parents/guardians. It directly affects K-6 public school districts across the state. The law takes effect immediately, with implementation required in the first full school year after enactment.
This bill requires new residential substance use disorder treatment facilities in New Jersey to undergo stricter licensing checks before opening. It mandates that applicants submit independent financial audits and complete criminal background checks for all owners and principals (those with 5%+ ownership), with licenses potentially denied for financial irregularities or certain convictions. The Department of Health must also conduct unannounced facility inspections and establish additional licensing standards. The bill applies directly to facilities seeking or holding licenses for residential substance use treatment services. It is currently pending in the Assembly Health Infrastructure Committee.
This bill requires employers to provide paid first responders with one additional sick day each year specifically for healthcare diagnostic testing related to their job duties. It directly affects paid law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and other paid emergency service personnel. The bill defines "healthcare diagnostic testing" as medical tests recommended by a provider to prevent or diagnose conditions linked to first responder work, with the Commissioner of Labor determining qualifying tests. Employers must grant this extra day after an employee completes their first year of service, and the Commissioner will develop implementing rules.
