Sen. Renee Burgess

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Reproductive Health Care Access Fund" in New Jersey's General Fund to address gaps in abortion provider availability and enhance clinic security. The fund will directly support three programs: (1) clinical training for health care professionals to expand access, (2) security grants for facilities facing threats like violence or cyberattacks, and (3) loans for reproductive health care facilities. It targets providers in underserved areas, including southern counties with no abortion clinics, as highlighted in a 2023 Rutgers report. The fund will finance these programs using state appropriations and interest earnings, aiming to sustain providers and protect patients.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to offer same-day issuance of specific documents during in-person appointments at any MVC location, provided customers complete applications and pay fees. It directly affects drivers and residents seeking standard or REAL ID driver's licenses, permits, non-driver ID cards, commercial licenses, or vehicle registration. The law mandates MVC locations must have cameras and printers available to produce these documents immediately, rather than mailing them later. The requirement applies to 12 specific documents listed in the bill, including standard and REAL ID versions of licenses, permits, and registration certificates.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners and operators of large public venues - such as stadiums, arenas, theaters, and facilities hosting youth athletic events (with a capacity of 1,000+ people) - to maintain an automatic external defibrillator (AED) on-site at all times. Key provisions include storing the AED in a central, accessible location, training staff in CPR and AED use, developing a cardiac emergency response plan, and marking the AED location with signs. Venues must also notify emergency services about the AED's location and ensure a trained person is available during events. Failure to comply results in civil penalties starting at $250 for the first violation.

Maddy summarySCR 18 proposes a constitutional amendment banning new fossil fuel power plants (burning coal, natural gas, oil, or petroleum) for electricity generation in New Jersey. It would not apply to repairs of existing plants or to "peaking power plants" operating at low capacity (10% or less) during peak demand periods to stabilize the grid. The amendment defines key terms like "base load" (minimum daily electricity needs) and "peak demand" to clarify exemptions. This policy change requires voter approval to take effect and would directly affect developers planning new fossil fuel facilities.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 3081 requires the Department of Education to create a program supporting school districts in developing "grow-your-own" teacher programs for hiring teachers of students with disabilities. School districts applying for funding must detail how they will train current non-certified staff (like paraprofessionals), cover certification costs, provide mentorship, and address local teacher shortages. The program prioritizes districts with the greatest shortages and ensures geographic diversity in funding across northern, central, and southern regions. The bill does not change existing teacher certification requirements under state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2878) amends New Jersey sentencing law to add a new mitigating factor for defendants convicted of crimes who were victims of substantial physical, sexual, or psychological abuse that contributed to their offense. It directly affects individuals convicted of non-murder offenses (excluding certain sex offenses) who can demonstrate their abuse was a contributing factor to their crime. The key provision requires courts to consider this abuse history during sentencing, regardless of whether the defendant raised it as a defense. The bill was introduced in 2026 but withdrawn after being approved as part of P.L.2025, c.328.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires physicians to complete one hour of ongoing training on communicating with and treating deaf or hard of hearing patients as part of their medical license renewal. It also mandates that hospital emergency departments develop specific training protocols for staff interacting with deaf or hard of hearing patients. The Division of Deaf and Hard of Hearing will create a dedicated training unit to develop and administer these programs. The law applies directly to licensed physicians and emergency department staff in New Jersey hospitals.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends New Jersey's anti-SLAPP protections (legal safeguards against lawsuits meant to silence people) to individuals who report sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination under state law. It ensures that people making good-faith complaints about these issues cannot be sued for reporting them, requiring courts to pause such cases and potentially dismiss them if the lawsuit lacks merit. The law also allows complainants who successfully defend against these lawsuits to recover legal fees and costs. It directly affects anyone filing reports under New Jersey’s sexual offense laws (N.J.S.2C:24-4) or anti-discrimination statutes (N.J.S.10:5-1 et seq.).

Maddy summaryS 722, now law as P.L.2025, c.200, requires all health insurance plans in New Jersey to cover medically necessary treatments for perimenopause and menopause. It directly affects New Jersey residents with health insurance, mandating coverage for specific services like hormone therapy (including HRT), non-hormonal medications, pelvic floor therapy, bone health screenings, and preventive care for related conditions such as osteoporosis or heart disease. Insurance plans must cover these treatments "to the same extent as for any other medical condition," with clear information provided to subscribers. The law applies to hospital, medical, health service, and individual insurance policies issued or renewed in New Jersey.

Maddy summaryS 2706 requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities to hire a third party to study whether de-privatizing public utilities (like electricity or water providers) would be feasible and cost-effective. The study must examine two main options: public entities (e.g., government agencies) acquiring or jointly operating utilities, or public entities partnering with existing utilities. It will analyze short- and long-term costs, benefits, environmental impacts, service effects, and ratepayer costs, and must be completed within one year. The bill appropriates $100,000 from the state General Fund to cover the study and mandates a final report with recommendations for the Governor and Legislature.