Asm. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (A 2220) requires health care providers and insurance carriers to obtain a patient's explicit written consent before sharing their medical records related to reproductive health care services - such as pregnancy, contraception, or abortion care - unless specific exceptions apply. The law directly affects patients receiving these services, ensuring they control how their sensitive health information is used or shared. Key exceptions include medical emergencies, legal requirements (like court orders), sharing with a patient's own health care team, or disclosures to authorities investigating abuse. The bill prohibits selling, marketing, or using such records for non-treatment purposes without consent, while preserving existing federal privacy protections under HIPAA. Violations could result in $1,000 penalties per incident.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school districts or contracted transportation providers in New Jersey to maintain at least one school bus aide for every 15 special needs students on any bus transporting such students, including mixed buses with general education students. It defines "special needs" as students eligible for special education services under federal law, excluding those classified solely for "specific learning disability." The requirement applies immediately upon enactment and takes effect for the first full school year after the bill becomes law. The bill directly affects school transportation providers and ensures consistent aide staffing for students requiring specialized support during bus transit.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to study the causes and risk factors of youth suicide in the state. The study must examine specific factors like mental illness, substance use, trauma, family history, and social withdrawal, while respecting privacy laws. Within 180 days, the DOH must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature with findings and recommendations for potential policy changes. The bill directly affects New Jersey youth by focusing on understanding suicide causes to inform future prevention efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits retailers from selling flavored cigarettes (including menthol, which was previously exempt), non-premium cigars, and oral nicotine pouches with non-tobacco flavors. It applies directly to stores, vending machines, and employees selling these products, with penalties including $250 for a first violation, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for third or subsequent violations. Retailers may also face license suspension or revocation after repeated offenses, as determined by local municipalities. The law expands an existing 2008 ban to cover these additional products and shifts enforcement focus to retailers rather than individual consumers.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's A 2080 requires the Attorney General to create an anonymous reporting program for school safety threats. The program will allow students, parents, school staff, and community members to report unsafe, violent, or criminal activities in schools via a phone line, mobile app, or other accessible methods, with strict privacy protections to keep reporters' identities confidential. It mandates training for schools and law enforcement on the program and requires annual reports tracking total reports, reporting methods, misuse instances, and outcomes. The program applies to all public and nonpublic schools in New Jersey, with the Attorney General submitting annual reports to the Governor and legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey's earned sick leave law to provide a compliance option for employers covered by collective bargaining agreements. Specifically, it allows such employers to meet the law's requirements by offering employees 40 or more hours of any paid time off (including vacation, personal, or sick days) per benefit year, rather than requiring separate sick leave accrual. This provision applies retroactively to the effective date of the original 2018 earned sick leave law (P.L.2018, c.10). It directly affects unionized workplaces by simplifying compliance through existing paid time off policies. The change does not alter the 40-hour annual limit or eligibility rules for employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends New Jersey law to require the Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs to create a comprehensive public webpage specifically for women veterans. The webpage must include information on medical and insurance issues, veterans' legal rights, benefits, education, and transition resources. It does not establish a new treatment program but mandates the dissemination of existing information about medical resources, including those related to veterans' health needs. This change aligns with the Adjutant General's existing duty to provide public information on veterans' programs and benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill (A1397) requires New Jersey's Department of Treasury to update the state's Disparity Study every five years, starting January 1, 2029. The study examines how well small, minority, women, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses are participating in state government contracts. The updates must track changes in these businesses' availability and use in state procurement. The requirement applies directly to the state's procurement system and the businesses seeking state contracts. The bill builds on the 2024 Disparity Study, mandating regular reviews to inform policy.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey bill A 3460 requires children under age 6 entering public preschools, public schools, or Head Start programs for the first time to have a comprehensive eye exam completed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist by January 1 of their enrollment year. Schools must collect proof of the exam from parents and notify them every three months if it’s missing, while the state will maintain an annual list of low-cost exam resources for families. A new "Comprehensive Eye Examination Fund" will cover exam costs for uninsured children or those without healthcare coverage. This bill directly affects parents/guardians, schools, and eye care providers, with implementation beginning in the first full school year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to create a mobile cancer screening program within 180 days of enactment. The program will use staffed mobile vehicles deployed across the state, each carrying at least one qualified healthcare professional to conduct screenings based on their expertise and available equipment. The state allocates $100,000 from the General Fund to implement this program, with DOH mandated to submit a report on its results and recommendations within two years. The initiative directly affects underserved communities by increasing access to cancer screenings through mobile services.