Sen. Renee Burgess

Maddy summaryS 3763 requires physicians and emergency department staff at general hospitals in New Jersey to complete training on communicating with and treating patients who are deaf or hard of hearing. The bill mandates that physicians earn one continuing medical education credit on this topic for license renewal, and directs the state's Division of Deaf and Hard of Hearing to create a training program and oversee hospital protocol development. Hospitals must establish specific protocols for emergency staff interacting with deaf or hard of hearing patients. The law would take effect 90 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act" to protect immigrants interacting with state and local government agencies. It prohibits public agencies, including law enforcement, schools, hospitals, and shelters, from collecting immigration status information unless strictly necessary for service eligibility. The bill bans state and local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration authorities with detainers, notification requests, or transfers, and requires adoption of policies ensuring sensitive locations remain accessible to all residents regardless of immigration status. It mandates training for law enforcement officials and public awareness campaigns about these protections, with annual reporting requirements for agencies interacting with federal immigration authorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3698) allows surviving spouses of retired police or firefighters (PFRS members) who died due to work-related injuries or complications to keep state-paid health insurance (SHBP) and continue receiving pension benefits even after remarriage. It requires surviving spouses to provide documented proof that the injury causing the member's disability was a significant factor in their death. Eligible spouses can also apply to reinstate pensions terminated due to remarriage before this law took effect. The state covers all health insurance premiums for the spouse and dependent children and pays any increased retirement system costs from continued pension payments.

Maddy summarySJR 132 designates May of each year as Haitian Heritage Month in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public recognition of Haitian culture, history, and contributions through community programs. This symbolic measure acknowledges New Jersey’s fourth-largest Haitian-American population (nearly 69,000 residents) and celebrates Haitian achievements, including the Haitian Revolution’s global significance and cultural traditions like Haitian Flag Day on May 18. It does not create new policies or obligations.

Maddy summaryS 3544 creates a three-year grant program (the United Network for Inclusive Teaching and Youth, or UNITY, Program) administered by New Jersey's Commissioner of Education. It provides grants to school district employees facing adverse situations to cover free or low-cost preschool or higher education for their dependents. Employees must apply through the commissioner, who determines grant amounts and may offer multi-year awards. The bill appropriates funds from the General Fund and requires a report on program implementation and outcomes within six months after the program ends.

Maddy summaryThis New Jersey Senate Resolution (SR 107) urges Congress to pass the federal "Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act," a legislative package of 13 bills. It directly addresses racial disparities in maternal health, where Black women in the U.S. are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. The Momnibus Act would allocate over $1 billion to improve maternal health outcomes by funding social determinants of health (like housing and transportation), expanding the perinatal workforce, extending WIC program eligibility, improving data collection, and increasing access to care through telehealth. The resolution emphasizes that over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable and seeks to promote health equity for Black mothers and underserved communities nationwide.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state to appropriate $1 million annually to educational services commissions that primarily serve students from SDA (School Development Authority) districts. These commissions, which provide in-classroom instruction but currently lack direct state funding for facilities or security, would use the funds for school building projects (like renovations or construction) and security upgrades (such as cameras, emergency notification systems, and access controls). The funding addresses an existing gap where these commissions face similar facility and safety needs as SDA districts but receive no state support for these costs. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryS 3556, the "Reproductive Health Access for Haitian Migrants Act," requires New Jersey's Department of Health to provide Haitian migrants in the state with free access to specific contraceptives - including IUDs, birth control pills, and Depo-Provera injections - along with reproductive health education and counseling. The bill mandates that community health clinics and migrant support organizations collaborate with the Department of Health to remove cost barriers to these services. Within 120 days of the bill's effective date, the Department must develop implementation guidelines and submit annual reports tracking outreach, usage, and access barriers. This policy directly affects Haitian migrants in New Jersey by expanding their access to reproductive health resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2188, now P.L.2024, c.66) requires large public water systems (serving over 100 connections and using surface or groundwater) and certain buildings to prevent Legionnaires' disease outbreaks. It mandates maintaining minimum disinfectant levels (0.3 mg/L chlorine or 1.0 mg/L chloramine) and creating annual maintenance plans to reduce Legionella bacteria risks. Water systems must report disruptions to the state within 72 hours and implement flushing, testing, and infrastructure upgrades. The state will create a public dashboard showing disruption reports and adopt rules for compliance, with penalties for violations like failing to meet disinfectant standards. The law directly affects water system operators and building owners, aiming to improve water safety through specific, measurable requirements.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey Senate Bill S 2607 requires private bus companies operating regular routes to give advance notice and hold public meetings before making significant service cuts. Specifically, operators must provide 4 months' written notice to the state Motor Vehicle Commission and NJ Transit, 3 months' notice to riders, and host a public meeting near the busiest stop within 15 days of notifying riders. The bill also mandates that companies notify local officials, including mayors and county commissioners, before holding these meetings. Private operators who fail to comply face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. This bill directly affects private bus operators and their riders in New Jersey communities experiencing service changes.