This New Jersey bill (A-3554) removes an exemption that previously allowed self-insured employer health plans (covered under federal law) to be excluded from state regulations governing pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs). It directly affects self-insured health plans by requiring them to comply with the state's existing PBM rules, such as transparency and fair pricing standards. The bill also mandates a report to state legislators examining how a 2020 U.S. Supreme Court ruling (Rutledge v. PCMA) impacts these regulations. The policy change applies to all health plans renewed or initiated after the effective date, ensuring consistent oversight of PBMs across all plan types.
This bill requires all New Jersey firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to complete specific training about the risks and safe management of electric vehicle (EV) fires. Firefighters must finish the training within 36 months of the law's effective date, while EMTs must complete it before initial certification or within 36 months if already certified. The training covers EV fire risks and safe response procedures, developed by the Division of Fire Safety (for firefighters) and the Commissioner of Health (for EMTs). It directly affects all current and future firefighters engaged in fire suppression/rescue and EMTs certified in basic life support. The law mandates implementation through new rules and regulations by the responsible agencies.
This bill requires owners of specific buildings - including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, public housing, and correctional facilities - to test drinking water annually for Legionella bacteria. Owners must use Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)-approved methods and labs, report results to the DEP, and notify residents if levels exceed DEP-set standards. If contamination is found, owners must begin remediation within 30 days and complete it within six months, followed by retesting to confirm safety. The law aims to prevent Legionnaires' disease outbreaks by ensuring regular water safety checks in high-risk facilities.
This New Jersey bill requires owners of qualifying 18-hole public golf courses (excluding 9-hole, par-3, or miniature courses) to maintain an automated external defibrillator (AED). Within one year of enactment, course operators must acquire, store accessibly, and maintain an AED, notify emergency services of its location, and ensure at least one employee on-site during business hours holds current certification in AED use and CPR. Violations carry escalating civil penalties: $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second, and $1,000 for subsequent violations. The law applies only to full-sized public courses meeting the defined criteria.
This bill changes the retirement eligibility for Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) in New Jersey. Currently excluded from the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), ALJs will now qualify for PERS membership under this amendment. Specifically, it removes the exclusion of "Administrative Law Judges of the Office of Administrative Law" from the Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP), placing them directly into PERS instead. This means ALJs will participate in the state's main retirement system for public employees rather than remaining outside it, affecting their future retirement benefits and contributions. The change applies to current and future ALJs upon the bill's effective date.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health to conduct biennial (every two years) on-site inspections of all licensed nursing homes and assisted living facilities to ensure compliance with uniform safety and care standards. Within 180 days of the bill's effective date, the Department must establish these standards for facility operations. Inspection reports will be posted online for public access, and the Department may conduct additional reviews as needed. The bill directly affects all licensed nursing homes and assisted living facilities operating in New Jersey.
This bill directs the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) and School Employees' Health Benefits Program (SEHBP) commissions to use $78 million from a 2025 False Claims Act settlement with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield to reduce health care contribution costs for public employees. Specifically, it requires these funds to lower the amounts paid by state and school employees (and their dependents) for health coverage under their respective programs. The settlement requires Horizon to pay $100 million to the state, with $78 million allocated directly to the SHBP and SEHBP commissions for this purpose. The policy change takes effect immediately upon enactment.
This bill provides workers' compensation benefits for New Jersey public safety workers (like firefighters, police, and emergency responders) who developed illnesses or injuries from exposure during the September 11, 2001 attacks, if they are enrolled in the federal World Trade Center Health Program. It creates a legal presumption that such conditions are compensable under state law, removing standard time limits for filing claims - requiring claims to be filed within two years of the bill's effective date or when the disability was known, whichever is later. If workers previously received federal or state benefits for 9/11-related conditions, those payments are credited against future state compensation to avoid duplicate payments. The bill also requires state agencies and employers to notify affected workers about these benefits through official channels.
This bill requires most large commercial trucks (over 26,001 lbs gross weight) operating in New Jersey to install GPS navigation systems that provide two specific safety features: real-time alerts about low-clearance bridges and weight restrictions, and dynamic route planning adjusted for the vehicle's exact height and weight. It excludes vehicles operated by government agencies, schools, or religious organizations. The Motor Vehicle Commission must create implementing rules, and the requirement takes effect 180 days after enactment. The bill directly affects commercial trucking companies and drivers operating eligible vehicles on New Jersey highways.
This bill increases retirement benefits for New Jersey police and fire personnel who suffer disabilities caused by weapons while on duty. It changes the accidental disability pension from 2/3 of a member's salary to 100% of their annual compensation when the disability results from weapon use. The amendment specifically applies to members of the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) and requires the disability to be directly linked to weapon-related incidents during service. This adjustment provides higher financial support compared to the current standard for weapon-related injuries.
