Sen. Owen Henry

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all New Jersey public and nonpublic secondary schools (grades 9-12) to conduct annual substance use screenings for every student using the SBIRT program. Screenings must be administered by certified school staff (like counselors or nurses) or licensed health professionals in nonpublic schools, with parents receiving written notice and the option to opt their child out. All student disclosures during screenings are treated as confidential, with strict privacy protections barring disclosure without consent, except in medical emergencies. Schools may opt out if they have equivalent substance abuse prevention programs approved by the Department of Education.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 454) prohibits requiring individuals to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccine or asking about their vaccination status for 15 specific activities, including employment, education, healthcare, business access, and public venues. It directly affects residents, employees, students, and visitors who interact with businesses, schools, healthcare providers, or public spaces in New Jersey. The law makes it illegal to treat someone unfairly based on not receiving the vaccine or refusing to disclose their status, with violators facing $25,000 civil penalties plus attorney fees. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires companies and research facilities in New Jersey that use cats, dogs, or ferrets for product testing or research to assess these animals for adoption suitability after testing ends. If deemed suitable, they must offer the animals to animal rescue organizations or private individuals for adoption, following specific procedures. Facilities must report details like animal numbers, assessment results, and adoption outcomes to the Department of Health, with penalties of up to $50,000 for noncompliance. The law directly affects testing facilities, research institutions, and animal rescue organizations, aiming to provide a pathway for animals used in testing to find new homes.

Maddy summaryS 672 establishes New Jersey's official definition of anti-Semitism by adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) 2016 definition, including its "contemporary examples." It clarifies that criticism of Israel similar to criticism of other countries does not constitute anti-Semitism. The bill requires state agencies and institutions to use this definition when reviewing, investigating, or deciding violations of anti-discrimination policies or laws. It explicitly states the definition does not infringe on First Amendment rights or conflict with existing state, federal, or local anti-discrimination laws.

Maddy summaryS 1547 requires the State, not school districts, to pay for the salary and costs of a State monitor and necessary staff appointed under the School District Fiscal Accountability Act. Currently, school districts cover these expenses, but the bill shifts this financial responsibility to the State. The State monitor is appointed when a school district faces financial distress - such as an adverse audit, deficit, or repeated audit findings - and oversees the district's finances, staffing, and operations until fiscal stability is restored. This change eliminates direct cost burdens on school districts for these oversight measures.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits pharmacies in New Jersey from charging extra fees for processing prescriptions sent by phone or electronically, unless they also charge the same fee for written prescriptions. It directly affects pharmacies and patients who use electronic or phone-based prescription services. The key provision requires pharmacies to treat electronic and written prescriptions equally regarding processing fees, aiming to remove financial barriers to adopting digital prescription methods.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 725) criminalizes squatting by creating three new offenses: "housebreaking" (forcibly entering vacant dwellings without permission to occupy), "unlawful occupancy" (taking up residence without permission), and "unlawful reentry" (returning to property after being evicted by court order). It presumes occupants know they lack permission unless they provide a notarized written rental agreement with the owner's current contact details. The law affects individuals occupying vacant properties without owner consent, making these acts fourth-degree crimes punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a $10,000 fine. Currently, squatting isn't a criminal offense in New Jersey, requiring owners to seek court-ordered evictions instead.

Maddy summaryS 1608 removes specific date and location requirements for New Jersey veterans to qualify for civil service and pension benefits. Currently, veterans must prove service during defined conflicts (like WWII or Vietnam) with exact dates and minimum service periods. This bill broadens eligibility by replacing those restrictions with a simpler standard: any veteran honorably discharged from federal active military service. It directly affects all New Jersey veterans who served in any conflict, regardless of when or where they served, making it easier to access benefits. The bill is pending in the Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee after introduction on January 9, 2024.

Maddy summaryBill S 730 requires New Jersey's Division of Taxation to study how state business income taxes affect businesses leaving the state, starting new businesses, and hiring employees. The study will analyze 16 years of tax return data (eight years before and eight years after the bill's effective date) to assess tax impacts on business behavior. The Director must submit a retrospective report within two years of the bill taking effect, followed by annual reports for seven years, detailing findings and potential tax policy changes to improve New Jersey's business climate. This study directly affects the Division of Taxation (as the conductor) and indirectly informs future tax policy decisions for all businesses operating in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands New Jersey's Traumatic Brain Injury Fund to cover transportation costs for eligible individuals with traumatic brain injuries to attend support group meetings. Currently, the fund covers transportation for medical appointments, treatment facilities, and vocational programs. The bill defines "support group meetings" as gatherings where individuals with traumatic brain injuries share information and perspectives about their injuries to improve their well-being. This change ensures the fund can now support transportation to these community-based meetings, which are part of the support network for TBI survivors.