Sen. Renee Burgess

Maddy summaryThis bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to install and maintain automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on every train set used for passenger service. It mandates that AEDs be placed in accessible locations, marked with signs, and available during all train operations. NJT must also train employees in CPR and AED use, and notify emergency services about AED locations. The law provides liability protection for NJT and its staff when using the AEDs, as specified in existing state law. This directly affects NJT operations and passengers who may need emergency cardiac care during train travel.

Maddy summaryS 2181 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, operating for three years, requires joint development of workforce training with industry credentials, coordinated marketing, integrated funding planning, and performance tracking using metrics like employment rates and credential attainment. It designates community colleges and vocational schools as preferred providers for workforce training and adult literacy programs, targeting job seekers, workers, and public assistance recipients. The bill appropriates state funds from the Workforce Development Partnership Fund and Supplemental Workforce Fund to support the pilot, with annual progress reports required to the Governor and Legislature. (Note: This bill was withdrawn as approved under P.L.2025, c.375.)

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans in New Jersey to cover medically necessary ovarian cancer screening for symptomatic women or those at high risk. It mandates coverage for specific tests including annual pelvic exams, ultrasounds, and blood marker tests, on the same terms as other medical conditions. The law applies to individual/group health insurance policies, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and state health benefit plans purchased by the State Health Benefits Commission. It takes effect for policies issued or renewed after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryS 434 prohibits pet shops in New Jersey from selling cats, dogs, or rabbits, directly affecting pet shops and their customers. It repeals the previous "Pet Purchase Protection Act" and requires pet shops to collaborate with animal shelters, rescues, and pounds to facilitate adoptions instead of selling animals. The bill defines "pet shop" separately from breeders and pet dealers, ensuring the law does not restrict responsible breeders or other sellers, but bans pet shops from obtaining animals from breeders or brokers for sale. The legislation aims to reduce sales of animals from puppy mills and increase adoptions from shelters, which the bill cites as having "unadopted" animals available.

Maddy summaryThis bill upgrades the offense of paying for sex (being a "patron") from a less serious disorderly persons offense to a crime, imposing a minimum $10,000 fine for first-time offenders. It directly affects individuals who pay for sexual services, not sex workers. All fines collected from prostitution-related offenses - including those for paying for sex - will now be directed to the "Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund" established under prior law. The bill also increases penalties for offenses involving minors, requiring a minimum $25,000 fine. This policy change shifts both the legal classification of patronage and the funding mechanism for victim support.

Maddy summaryS 650 requires New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create a program promoting building electrification and decarbonization within one year of enactment. It directs electric utilities to develop multi-year plans meeting BPU-established greenhouse gas reduction targets, focusing on switching to efficient electric equipment like heat pumps for water/space heating, cooking, and industrial processes. Plans must be cost-effective from a societal perspective, considering environmental benefits, and include specific methods such as replacing gas systems with electric alternatives. This bill directly affects electric utilities across New Jersey and aims to reduce emissions while aligning with the state's energy master plan.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for accidental disability benefits under New Jersey's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) to cover certain state employees. It directly affects workers employed at State psychiatric institutions or correctional facilities after January 2003 but before becoming PERS members, who sustained injuries or illnesses during those jobs. The key provision deems such injuries as occurring "during membership" if the employee later joins PERS without interruption in the same employment. This allows them to apply for benefits based on those pre-membership work-related injuries, rather than requiring membership at the time of injury. The change specifically applies to traumatic injuries sustained while performing duties related to patient care or security at these facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the sale of ammunition through vending machines that dispense items directly to consumers after payment. It directly affects businesses operating such machines and anyone attempting to purchase ammunition this way. The law defines "vending machine" broadly as any device accepting payment to deliver items, and violations are classified as fourth-degree crimes punishable by up to 18 months in prison or a $10,000 fine. The prohibition applies to all ammunition covered under existing New Jersey law (C.2C:58-3.3) and takes immediate effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires doctors and nurse practitioners specializing in family medicine, obstetrics, or gynecology to ask female patients with flu-like or stomach symptoms specific questions about their menstrual cycle and tampon use. Providers must inquire about active menstrual cycles, recent tampon use, and whether symptoms began during or after tampon use. They must also inform patients about toxic shock syndrome symptoms and offer testing if symptoms align with menstrual cycle timing and tampon use. The law directly affects female patients seeking care for influenza-like or gastroenteritis symptoms in these medical specialties.

Maddy summaryNew Jersey's S 2625 creates new criminal offenses for creating, distributing, or possessing digital images depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of children - including computer-generated or manipulated images that appear to show minors. The bill specifically targets content where a child (under 18) or an identifiable child (recognizable by features like face or birthmark) is shown in prohibited sexual acts, simulated acts, or sexually suggestive poses, or where manipulated images falsely depict a child ("purported child"). It criminalizes actions like photographing such acts, distributing these images online or via file-sharing programs, and possessing them with intent to distribute. This law directly affects individuals who produce, share, or store these specific digital materials, imposing penalties ranging from first-degree to second-degree crimes.