Sen. Renee Burgess

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to study racial disparities in ovarian cancer. The study must examine differences in rates, symptoms, risk factors, and outcomes among women of specific racial and ethnic groups, including Asian, African-American, Hispanic, Native American, and Pacific Islander communities. The DOH must complete the study and submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within one year of the bill's enactment. The bill expires once this report is submitted.

Maddy summaryS 4012 establishes the "New Economy Opportunity Skills System Pilot Program" to improve collaboration between local workforce development boards, community colleges, and county vocational school districts in New Jersey. The pilot program, launching in three areas, requires joint development of workforce training with industry credentials, coordinated marketing, and integrated funding planning to better align services with employer needs. Community colleges are designated as the preferred providers for workforce training and adult literacy programs under state workforce services. The State Employment and Training Commission must submit annual reports on program outcomes and develop a statewide strategy to expand the pilot, with funding prioritizing federal sources before state funds. The program expires after three years but allows for anticipatory implementation steps.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2511 prohibits pet shops from selling cats, dogs, or rabbits, repealing the previous "Pet Purchase Protection Act." Pet shops may still sell other animals, pet supplies, or collaborate with shelters to showcase adoptable animals without exchanging payment. Violating this prohibition would result in a $500 fine per violation. The bill also prohibits shelters, rescues, and pet shops from obtaining animals from breeders or brokers in exchange for payment, and defines "unfit for purchase" for animals sold by breeders or brokers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs, Department of Human Services, Board of Public Utilities, and other relevant state agencies to review and potentially increase income thresholds for residential customers seeking utility bill payment assistance and energy efficiency programs. Within one year of the bill's effective date, agencies must assess factors like program alignment, use of State median income, and cost impacts, and request public input to determine appropriate increases. If low-income energy efficiency thresholds rise, the Board of Public Utilities must also adjust moderate-income program thresholds to prevent double eligibility and expand access. The bill takes effect immediately and expires after the first required income threshold increase.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill requires health care providers, such as physicians and registered nurses, to screen pregnant patients for lead exposure if risk factors are identified using federal guidelines from the CDC and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Providers must perform the screening once per pregnancy and, if elevated lead levels are detected, notify the patient in writing, explain the risks, and ensure that children under six in the household are screened. Laboratories must report test results to the Department of Health and local health departments within five business days. All screening records are kept confidential in a central database, with statistical reports available without personal information, and patients may opt out in writing.

Maddy summarySJR 168 is a non-binding resolution recognizing the right to adequate food as a principle for New Jersey state policy. It defines key terms like "food sovereignty," "economic access," and "sustainability," and encourages state, county, and municipal agencies to prioritize food access - especially for underdeveloped communities - when making decisions. The resolution does not create legal rights for individuals or mandate specific actions, but urges agencies to coordinate with the Department of Agriculture on supporting local farms and food systems. It explicitly states the resolution cannot be used to establish private legal claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2380) allows school counselors, psychologists, and other mental health professionals in New Jersey school districts to refer students to licensed private mental health counselors for assessments and services. It requires parental consent for minors who cannot consent independently and prohibits referrals to providers with whom the school staff has a financial interest. The bill clarifies that school districts do not cover the cost of these private services, which remain the responsibility of the student or their family. It does not change existing school district mental health services but expands referral options for students needing external support.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates two new state entities: the Health Care Cost Containment and Price Transparency Commission (an 18-member body) and the Office of Healthcare Affordability and Transparency (within the Department of Health). It requires all New Jersey hospitals to publicly report detailed pricing data for services like inpatient care and emergency visits, and sets annual cost growth targets for healthcare entities. Hospitals failing to comply with transparency rules face civil penalties of $10 per day per bed, and are prohibited from collecting medical debt from patients until they comply. The bill appropriates up to $5 million to fund these new offices and their operations, aiming to increase price transparency and reduce healthcare cost growth.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the responsibilities of New Jersey's Child Advocacy Center-Multidisciplinary Team Advisory Board and establishes a Problematic Sexual Behavior Program to address cases involving youth under 18 exhibiting developmentally inappropriate sexual behaviors. The program creates specialized care coordinators in each region, a screening process through the State Central Registry, and evidence-based mental health services for affected youth and families. It appropriates $8.5 million from the General Fund, with $5 million for the Child Treatment Assistance Fund and $3.5 million funding specialized coordinators, training for mental health providers, and data collection. Child advocacy centers must adopt updated guidelines for annual progress reviews to maintain compliance with National Children's Alliance standards. The program aims to improve access to medical and mental health services for youth engaging in or impacted by problematic sexual behavior and their families.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey bill (S 1151) requires all general and special hospitals to create and implement evidence-based protocols for early sepsis recognition and treatment. The protocols must cover both adult and pediatric patients, include screening processes, specific treatment guidelines with timeframes, infection source identification, and procedures for excluding inappropriate cases (like patients in palliative care). Hospitals must train relevant staff, submit protocols to the Department of Health for approval within 120 days of enactment, and annually report sepsis-related data for quality improvement and mortality rate tracking. The law aims to standardize care for sepsis - a leading cause of death in New Jersey - by ensuring hospitals follow current medical standards.